posted on August 25, 2000 10:04:37 PM new
We do a lot of thrift store shopping, hopefully to find quality items at a bargain price (so we can make a profit on them).
Has anyone else noticed that thrift store prices are going WAY up lately?
Today I noticed that Goodwill was charging $200 for a Chrisian Aujard jacket. Salvation Army $75.00 for a Preview Collection suit.
I have noticed that Ross and Marshals are charging less than some thrift stores for similar items but their items are new w/tags.
The thing I find incredible is that these items do not sell at full price and they finally end up marking them way down to get rid of them. Why not make the price lower in the first place? This would be the logical thing to do.
[ edited by feistyone on Aug 25, 2000 10:05 PM ]
posted on August 25, 2000 10:23:40 PM new
Oh don't get me started on this subject...
The other day I went to the local Thrift Shop, brought 4 books to the checkout (1 Hardcover, 3 trade paperbacks) -- total: $15.00!! I said "Excuse me, I didn't realize I was at Sears!"
Today, Goodwill had about 40 ex-rental videotapes marked $5 each when the sign says videotapes $1.99 each. (Oh, that is only for the really crappy ones.) Anyway, talked them into the $1.99 but now they are going to change the sign to read "unless marked otherwise."
posted on August 26, 2000 12:03:30 AM new
I used to make my rounds of the thrift stores twice a week. Got very nice things at very good prices.
I haven't bought anything there in a year and might only cruise every couple months. I have gotten things at antique stores for lesser prices and in better condition.
To me they're just losing customers. They lost me and I was a very good customer. I not only bought things to resell but bought things for my self.
posted on August 26, 2000 12:13:34 AM new
I don't begrudge the stores trying to get the most for their items but sometimes the pricing is so out of line with reality that no one can buy it-the needy because they can't afford it and the dealers because they can't turn it around for a profit. They must look up values in the price guides for mint condition, and then price their cracked or chippped item the same-never mind that the price guides are inflated anyway.
But what really bugs me is finding a couple of plates in one store, and then finding the matching cups/saucers in another, and the bowls in yet another, and the rest of the plates in another. Then I kick myself for not purchasing these pieces along the way because I didn't know that I'd find their mates, and I don't want to back track and discover they've been sold already. This happens so often that I wonder if they do this on purpose.
posted on August 26, 2000 03:56:25 AM new
Yes....I totally agree!!
I've been shopping at the same thrift shops for over 10 years and have noticed a dramatic increase in the prices at some of these shops - I sometimes find identical items cheaper at the antique malls - not always the case but it does happen.
I've also noticed a big increase in the number of shoppers too - I try to avoid the stores on their 'big sale' days as they become really overcrowded.
One thing I overheard a clerk at Value Village say to a customer is that they have someone at this particular store 'checking on the internet to see the prices that the items sell for and then that way they can price the items accordingly'.
posted on August 26, 2000 05:11:45 AM new
Oh, you got somebody started - and I have to jump in. I shop at one store and they actually mark items "collectible" with outrageous prices. $3.98 for a blue glass tumbler (cloudy with mineral haze and a chip on the rim).
I swear, if I buy something one week for $2.00 and sell it for $20 on eBay, the next time I go to the store, the same item is now marked $10.00. I even commented to a cashier about their "odd pricing" and he looked at me, knowing exactly what I was talking about but said "What do you mean?"
Now when I shop there, I only buy items that have been through 2 or 3 markdowns. It's obvious that alot of people have cut down on their buying - they have a sign in the window that says "We're not accepting donations at this time." Very sad...
posted on August 26, 2000 06:11:56 AM new
In Ct the Goodwill has a sale color every week with 50% off. However, the day before the sale they remove 99% of the items. There was a charity shop with great prices and quality. They dont have to pay their staff. Well they have upped their prices. So now they have to have sales and then big end of season bag sales to move all the goods. The Salvation Army is better in pricing but their goods have more damage u really have to check and check the item. Any advise on what to sell clothing for the winter. I am disabled and packing clothing is the best for me. I am so happy I found these boards I can vent....
posted on August 26, 2000 07:25:31 AM new
Yes this is ridiculous. It's the same here in New Orleans. Thanks for this thread, fiestyone, so we can compare notes.
Here in New Orleans the same thing has happened. The Salvation Army recently jacked up their prices, and cut out Military Discount day. I notice outfits for $300, old cheapie ball gowns that have lots of sequins on them, but with lots of wear and tear. Like someone is going to spend $300 on a fraying dress from the Salvation Army.
"Oh, I just love your dress (noticing the holes in it...)! Where did you get it?" "The Salvation Army! For $300!"
I notice the store has lost lots of customers, and they are having lots of little 50 cents sales and similar promos.
Another thing they do: If I pick up an item and am disgusted with the high price tag, I put it back on the rack. A clerk saw me do that last time and said if I would take the dress, I could have it for half price. OK, that was fine. I got to the check out, and they did not give me the 1/2 off. I didn't notice it until I got home, but they rounded up and it was only a 40% discount. Cheesy.
I was in the Goodwill a couple days ago. There was a Smurf coffee mug, one of the old ones, and mugs are 55 cents. At the check out, THAT mug, although not marked, was $3. (Special price just for me, I guess). Then I noticed the mug had a big crack in it. I told the clerk, and she said just put it back on the shelf. So some unsuspecting customer could buy it, I guess.
posted on August 26, 2000 02:43:56 PM new
Same problem at our goodwill store, everything is either "collectible" or "old" and all of it priced higher than new. One clerk said "But that is really old". I told her, "so am I but I'm not worth more because of it"!.
posted on August 26, 2000 02:49:19 PM new
Same thing here. Anything even remotely "collectible" is way overpriced. And when they do have a sale all the good stuff gets put in the back until it's over. The clothes are still pretty reasonable though.
Some items, such as older Barbies I can usually get cheaper and in better condition off Ebay.
Edited to correct my lousy typing.
[ edited by sweetpeafarmer on Aug 26, 2000 02:50 PM ]
posted on August 26, 2000 02:58:00 PM new
I believe it's the same everywhere. We shop in several stores in two states, and ALL of them are starting to price "collectibles" according to book (or possibly Ebay!) value. The sad thing is, no one has clued them in to the fact that "book" value refers to undamaged goods. It's sad to pick up a piece of pottery that would barely clear $15 on Ebay in mint condition, find that it has HUGE, very visible chip or chips, and then find that they've marked it $14.99. Matter of fact, we often wonder if they've hired someone to walk around with a hammer and chip and ding all their breakables....
posted on August 26, 2000 03:56:24 PM new
I totally agree that thrift stores are way out of line on pricing. I rarely go to the Goodwill in my area anymore. Even though it's only about 2 blocks from another store that I go to several times a week. The reason is they have raised thier prices beyond reality.
It seem to me, they think anything that is 15 years old, and didn't come from Kmart when it was new, has a certain quality and collectible image to it. Thus, it goes into the "collectible" display case with a lofty tag on it.
Then there are the real prizes. The depression glass that at one time may have had a value to it. However, items they display have chips, making it virutually worthless. "Oh!, I've got one more tag marked $10.00, might as well put it on this chipped plate"
Even though Goddwill is only 2 blocks out of my way, it's not worth the gas to drive there.
posted on August 26, 2000 04:03:21 PM new
The good thing about the price increases at Goodwill in our area is that on Sundays a certain color tag is .99 cents no matter what it is.
Here they do not seem to pull prior.
You can easily find Old Navy, Nordstrom suits, jackets etc., Ferragamo shoes for .99 cents. No one can afford them during the week and if you go when the store opens - you can get them. Especially if you know the well known labels or high end fashion labels.
I was very lucky today and found a garage sale in an exclusive area where the owner wanted to clean our her closet and put out a lot of high end and Nordstrom clothes - everything including jackets etc. for .50 cents!! My DH was happy until he found out the majority are my size and I am keeping them - not selling - he saw dollars - I saw adding to my wardrobe
posted on August 26, 2000 06:21:26 PM new
We have a American blind council here that marks all their collectibles-at least they think they do! They've had three blue and white made in China vases marked 20 dollars all summer. A plastic toothpick holder for 40-really! But then a Lefton soapdish in mint condition will be ten cents because they still think made in Japan means junk. A bestseller hardback will be 4 dollars, while a 50's kids book will be 10 cents.
I haven't figured out their pricing system yet, but I get a kick out of finding their unknown treasures!
posted on August 26, 2000 06:45:08 PM new
The local Salvation Army store here has gone nuts! They are charging $1.99 or $2.99 for magazines! Not old ones, we're talking about Family Circle, Health, Wired, etc. from the last 8 months or so. They used to be a quarter!
Books have gone up too. I don't even look at the clothes or glassware anymore. It's pure insanity.
posted on August 26, 2000 07:22:44 PM new
I can totally relate to this thread! Our local Good Will (Northeast Florida) went under a management change about a year ago. Prices went up and now they even have BIDS on faux Dooney & Bourkes and Liz Claiborne purses. Reasoning behind this is they can't put it on the floor for $10.00 so they start the bidding at $10.00 and hope someone bids on it. And the purses aren't even in that great of condition. I remember I got some MINT LC & DB purses before the changever for something like $5.99 and sold them for way over $20.00-$50.00. I don't even bother going to the GoodWill anymore unless I have a half an hour to kill before I pick up my kids from school and I am already out and about. It's not even worth the 2 mile trip anymore. And our Salvation Army is soooo nasty...who knows what type of cooties you will pick up just by walking in the store.
posted on August 26, 2000 07:28:15 PM new
My local Goodwill is a perfect example of what happens when you price too high. The previous manager priced everything very high. You would see the same merchandise everytime you went in. There was not a mechandise shortage because the backroom and a trailer were filled to the brim.
She was eventually fired and the current manager prices much more reasonably. I found out from one of the employees that the store had been losing money when the previous manager was there and that sales are way up since the new manager took over.
Now, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out. If you price too high, people don't buy. If people don't buy you have low sales and do not make money. It's not really very complicated.
I also don't understand why these stores seem to resent dealers. I constantly hear comments like "yeah, he's probably going to take that to the flea market and mark it up" So what! Don't they understand that their best customers are dealers?
[ edited by nowwhat on Aug 26, 2000 07:30 PM ]
posted on August 26, 2000 08:14:22 PM new
One of my favorite thrift stores has steadily raised prices. I've managed to get a few good things even on my last visit. They'll mark "selected" stuff down for a given week and that helps.
Some of the higher prices are due to higher operating costs, but the stuff is all donated so there is little reason to raise prices dramatically. If people stop buying, then they will be forced to lower the prices. Not a moment too soon.
posted on August 26, 2000 08:17:35 PM new
When I go to our local goodwill I only buy 3 kinds of items, ties, scarfs and books. I also buy an occasional piece of jewelry. Well I had to educate them where to put the price tag so they wouldn't ruin the item and they changed only they started to price certain ties and scarfs a little higher but they always did the wrong ones thank goodness so I still can get buys there. The jewelry I think they think are diamonds so it is not for the seller but for the collector but since I have way to much jewelry I don't need to buy there. As for the Salvation Army there ties are 3 for a dollar until one store, we have two, decided her ties were collectable she decided to sell them for a dollar I didn't buy them. As to the Liz Claibourne and designer items we have a designer mall that on the holidays they sell at 75%off so I buy my merchandise then. We also have a jewelry outlet that has real good deals. So to heck with the goodwill and salvation army. I still go but I buy way less than I used to. I still buy their books. I also found a value village real reasonable and one of the value villages sells everything half price on Saturdays. That brings the price down where it should be. I don't make a lot of profit if I make over $10.00 that's okay.
posted on August 26, 2000 08:35:35 PM new
OOPS! This pushed my buttons! Our local Value Village has gone completely out of control, not a d&*m thing there that isn't over-priced. All the cheap, used, knick-knack type items that are on the floor are chipped, cracked, and priced as if they were valuable antiques when I know they came from some local drugstore as a cheap-o last minute gift......anything interesting is locked in their "priceless" cabinet.....I saw an item today for $49.99, went home and looked on Ebay, there are 12 of them listed and only one has a bid and that's for $5.00!
On the other hand, I did find an out of the way thrift store where the clerks seem to hate their job so much that if the managers are out of the store, they are willing to let me make an offer, and then often times say, no that's too high, how about a dime!
posted on August 26, 2000 08:37:58 PM new
I have found the same things with the thrift shops in my area.
All over priced and very little worth buying.
Forget about buying vintage clothing there - all over priced or un-priced until you decide you want to buy.
I was asked to leave one thrift shop when I questioned the then manager about her pricing practices, when the merchandise is all donated. I walked out to cheers and clapping from other customers.
But, I have found nice things in some of the other thrift shops recently - in the case of one shop was a Herend Wild Turkey figurine - $4.99 along side an Occupied Japan sugar and creamer with a $24.99 price tag. I bought the Herend.
I did find a wonderful DAV thrift store on a recent trip to the Texas Hill Country. It was located in a small retirement town and had the most wonderful stuff. Vintage clothing, costume jewelry, dishes, and lots of other great 50s stuff and all priced at great prices. I loaded up on 25.00 dollars worth of merchandise and gave them a 30 and told them to keep the change.
It felt good.
The point is - don't give up. Broaden what you look for and develope your eye. Continue to check the shops when you have time, if you don't find anything you want - leave without buying anything. And above all, just keep your mouth shut and always smile at the clerks - most will be there long after the managers have moved on.
posted on August 26, 2000 08:53:56 PM new
Here Here, NotEye! Thanks for the reality check. That's excellent karma to tell the clerk to keep the change. I was at an overpriced thrift store last December and an immigrant family was looking at crummy dishes, picking through to find the pieces that weren't cracked or chipped.
It so happened that I had a whole set of nice but inexpensive (i.e., non Ebay-able)dinnerware a neighbor had given me when she moved, so working around the language barrier, I told the family that I had a set of china they could have. It turned out their extended family was coming for Christmas and they didn't have enough dishes.
We exchanged phone numbers and they came and got the dishes. The ironic thing is, they could have gotten a nice set of dishes at Target for the same prices they were looking at the thrift store.
posted on August 26, 2000 09:16:11 PM new
Still lots of good finds here in thrift shops, bought a piece of china a few weeks ago for $2.99, sold it on ebay for $172.50 No, I won't tell you where I live
posted on August 26, 2000 09:19:36 PM new
Thanks Ohandrea!
Another thing I do, that some of you may want to consider.
Several years ago, when I relized that the SA, GOODWILL and other type of thrift stores where over-charging on items - I decided then and there they would no longer get my cast-offs.
Now, when I purchase an Estate or have left-overs from Estate Sales or the like - I donate it all to the local Womens' shelter. They are always greatful for good sheets, pillows, towels, cooking utensils and childrens clothing and toys.
posted on August 26, 2000 11:38:19 PM new
They are way over priced 90% of the time where I live too, but still stop in occasionally and find a good deal once in a blue moon. Bought a $10 toy last spring that went for over $200 on eBay, and a cookbook last week for $4 that went for over $40. I never go out of my way to stop at them anymore though. You really have to dig for a good deal now and I laugh at what they want for most of their junk.
posted on August 26, 2000 11:49:29 PM new
Oh boy, my Favorite kind of thread.
Yes pretty much all of the Stores here are Overprice... Let's See
SAVERS not even worth going
GoodWill not worth going, though i did pick up a Table Top Arcade game there the first time I ever went for $4 sold it for $52, have found NOTHING since...
Salvation Army.. Clothes are price reasonably, everything else, pretty much junk
Local BOYS shelter Charity (3 stores) WAY OVER PRICED on EVERYTHING, clothing, you name it. The sickening thing about them is they get ALOT of their clothes/etc from local stores for free & then they price it higher then it was on clearance in the other stores. I find it amusing at one of them. You can have 5 of the same item, all w/ Different price tags. I'll buy 3 of them at the LOWER price, then the clerk wonders why I never buy the rest of them. sheeshh.... Got some great deals last summer, don't know why i even bother to go anymore. What really makes me ill is the thought of people who have to shop here, cuz they are needy, why would they bother?? When they can go to Kohls & get better stuff on Clearance & NEW.
Another Local Charity.. Okay everything is 50 cents & the clothings is reasonable... But it's a known fact the stuff is "picked thru" in the back room...So dont plan on anything too good getting out.
Lemme think...
oh Yeah Superman PinBall Table-top size $28
Sells for what maybe $10 on Ebay & this one is DAMAGED, it's been on the shelf for weeks, who do they think is gonna buy it?? LOL
I thought I'd found a nice little out of the way thrift shop in a nearby town. Was digging thru the 50 cents jeans bin. Came up w/ 2 Name brand pairs, used, but still looked good. I get to the register. The lady marked up the PRICE to $3.00 on 1 pair & she even saw me dig them out of their 50 cent bin. I didn't say a word, but I won't be back there.
Arrgghh Okay I've ranted enough.
How about a pair of used cruddy looking Doc martens for $25, Ha, Ripped/Stained/Etc Tommy Hilfiger/Ralph Lauren/ etc clothing all marked $15-20....
Broken toys upwards of $5...
Yup sales have got to be way down, maybe all the thrift shops should just close down & go thru all the trouble of listing this stuff on ebay (i.e. pictures/cleaning/packing/etc etc). If they want ebay prices??
posted on August 27, 2000 01:02:14 AM new
We went to Value Villiage this evening. Found a beaded evening gown (No designer tags, Entire areas of missing beads). $165.00 Geesh,
I almost forgot why I quit going there in the first place. Tonight refreshed my memory.
posted on August 27, 2000 01:15:50 AM new
You think all your guys stories are bad, the Local SA burned down here, with goods still inside!!
I got a a copy of the Fire Inspectors report from a contact in the FD...I'm glad the place burned down!!
Most of the items were overpriced according to the contact, but only thing I would've saved from the fire was the Military Jackets. They were selling them for a buck apiece when the place burned down!! I found one 10 years ago that saw action in the WWII era!! And it costed me 10 cents!! It goes for $200+ on eBay!!
Course, they moved the stuff that was spared from the fire to a new store...it's a mixture of Highs and Lows.
:\\\"Crystalline Sliver cannot be the target of spells or abilities.
edited for the smiley.
[ edited by Crystalline_Sliver on Aug 27, 2000 01:17 AM ]
