If you’ve ever walked into Goodwill and wondered why a secondhand shirt costs $10 or a pair of used jeans costs $20, there’s another way to shop.
At the Goodwill Franklin Outlet in Sacramento, California, shoppers can dig through large bins of secondhand clothing, shoes, accessories, and other donated items. Instead of paying the price on an individual tag, most items are sold by weight.
That means you could walk away with a pile of clothes for much less than you’d spend at a traditional thrift store. Of course, there’s a catch. You’ll have to do a little digging to find the good stuff.
A different kind of Goodwill shopping experience
The Goodwill Franklin Outlet, or Goodwill Bins, is unlike a regular Goodwill, where clothing is organized on racks and shelves; outlet shopping involves searching through large blue bins filled with donated merchandise.
You might find jeans, jackets, T-shirts, shoes, handbags, household items, or something completely unexpected. Inventory changes regularly, and there’s no guarantee what you’ll find on any given visit.
It’s the kind of place where you might spend an hour looking through things that don’t interest you, only to come across something that makes the whole trip worthwhile.
The best part is paying by the pound
What makes this Sacramento Goodwill different is how it prices its merchandise.
Rather than paying a set amount for each shirt, pair of pants, or accessory, shoppers pay based on the weight of their purchases.
This works especially well for lightweight clothing, children’s clothes, scarves, and other small items. A handful of shirts might cost considerably less than buying them individually at a regular thrift store.
Heavier items, on the other hand, may not always be as good a deal. Consider the weight of what you’re buying before heading to checkout.
The outlet’s current per-pound rates aren’t confirmed, so check the pricing signs when you arrive. Some merchandise may also be priced separately.
A few things to know before you go
Bring gloves if you’d rather not dig through the bins with bare hands. Inspect clothing for stains, holes, broken zippers, and missing buttons, and check household items for damage or missing pieces.
It’s also a good idea to watch what you put in your cart. Just because something is cheap doesn’t mean you need to bring it home.
For resellers, low prices can make the bins an interesting place to find inventory. For everyday shoppers, it’s an opportunity to stock up on basics, children’s clothes, and other secondhand finds without spending much.
If you come across something vintage or a quality brand mixed in with everything else, that’s part of the fun.
Where to find the Goodwill Franklin Outlet in Sacramento
Goodwill Franklin Outlet, 6648 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95823
The Franklin Outlet isn’t the place to go if you want a quick, organized shopping trip. But if you enjoy thrifting, don’t mind digging through piles of secondhand merchandise, and love the chance to find something for next to nothing, it’s worth adding to your list.
You never know what someone else has donated until you start looking.
