Goodwill has long been a favorite stop for people looking to save money on clothes, furniture, and everyday household items. You never knew exactly what you’d find, but that was part of the appeal. Sometimes a quick visit turned up a great pair of jeans, a piece of vintage decor, or something worth far more than the price on the tag.
But some shoppers are starting to feel differently about their Goodwill trips. Between higher prices and merchandise that doesn’t always seem worth buying, the experience isn’t quite what they remember.
In a recent Reddit discussion about the state of thrift shopping, people shared what they’ve been noticing at their local stores. While some still find plenty of bargains, others say they’re shopping less often, leaving empty-handed, or looking elsewhere for secondhand deals.
The Prices Are Getting Harder to Justify
One of the biggest frustrations is finding used merchandise priced almost as high as something new.
Shoppers said they’ve seen clothing, furniture, and household goods with price tags that made them think twice. Some said they’ve even come across items that cost more at the thrift store than comparable products at regular retailers.
Paying a few dollars for a secondhand shirt is one thing. Paying close to retail for something that’s already been worn is another, especially when you could wait for a sale and buy it new.
For people who shop at Goodwill primarily to stretch their household budgets, those prices can take away much of the reason for going.
Finding Quality Items Isn’t as Easy
The prices might be higher, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the merchandise is better.
Several shoppers complained about seeing more inexpensive, mass-produced clothing and household items instead of the quality secondhand pieces they used to find. Fast fashion was a particular frustration, with some people saying their local thrift stores are filled with brands they wouldn’t consider buying new.
There’s also the question of whether some of the best donations are making it onto the sales floor.
Goodwill operates online shopping and auction platforms, and some commenters believe desirable brands, collectibles, and other valuable donations are increasingly being sold there instead of in stores.
That doesn’t mean every valuable item is pulled from the shelves. But for shoppers who enjoy finding an overlooked bargain, it’s another reason they feel the selection has changed.
Related: Shoppers Say Goodwill Is Charging Too Much for Donated Items
More People Are Selling Their Belongings Instead of Donating
Another change may be happening before merchandise even reaches Goodwill. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Poshmark give people more opportunities to sell their unwanted belongings themselves.
Several people in the discussion admitted they’re donating less because they’d rather make some money from items that still have value.
That could mean fewer desirable pieces end up in thrift stores. A quality handbag, vintage vase, or name-brand jacket that might once have been dropped off at a donation center could now be listed online instead.
Of course, people still donate plenty of worthwhile items. But the growing number of ways to resell secondhand goods gives them more options than they had years ago.
Some Shoppers Are Looking for Bargains Elsewhere
When Goodwill stops delivering the savings people expect, it makes sense that they’d start exploring other options. People mentioned garage sales, estate sales, smaller nonprofit thrift shops, and Facebook Marketplace as places worth trying.
Some shoppers said they have better luck finding solid wood furniture and quality home decor at estate sales, particularly toward the end when sellers may be more willing to negotiate.
Others prefer smaller thrift stores that price merchandise to move rather than trying to get the highest possible amount for every item.
These alternatives aren’t always cheaper, but shopping around gives people more opportunities to compare prices and find something worthwhile.
Is Goodwill Still Worth Shopping At?
Goodwill hasn’t stopped being a place to find bargains, but some shoppers are becoming more selective about what they buy there.
A used item isn’t automatically a good deal because it came from a thrift store. Condition, quality, and price still matter, especially when you can buy a similar product new for only a little more.
For longtime thrifters, finding something special at a great price is still possible. It might just take more patience, a few different stores, and a willingness to walk away when the price doesn’t make sense.
And judging by the discussion, some Goodwill shoppers are already doing exactly that.
