Compare prices at Different thrift stores

**gottadance** · 05-08-2010, 12:45 AM

It pays to check different thrift stores for prices. At our local GoodWill some of the stuff is a good deal, but other times they have stuff priced for as much as you'd pay in the store!

Then I found this other thrift store - can't remember the name, but remember the location and they had really cute, stylish tops - current, like you'd find in the stores today, for $1-$3. I bought a bunch and completely updated my spring wardrobe.

**frugalfranny** · 05-08-2010, 01:09 AM

Yes, I agree.

We have one, Value Village, and many of their clothes are priced for what you would pay for new. I won't even look at their books....the prices start at a minimum of $1.99.....that is just crazy! I will go there as a last resort.....or if I have lots of time...but I don't expect much.

**nuisance26** · 05-08-2010, 08:49 AM

~Oh yes, it pays to shop around! Every thrift store seems to have their cheap niche and bafflingly overpriced sections. The prices on furniture at our Goodwill are more than new but the linens are priced to practically give away.
I've been shopping thrift my entire life so periodically I shop regular stores to get an idea of what clearance prices are like.
I love that buying secondhand saves something from the landfill but not so much that I'm willing to pay more for it.
Glad you got some good deals!~

**Teresa T** · 05-09-2010, 06:34 PM

Salvation Army is crazy with their clothing prices. I go there for dishes etc. Those are often cheap.

I prefer our PAWS thrift. All clothing, unless specially marked, are $2.00.

Also a local charity shop that has been in the same location for years is very reasonable. Both are volunteer run which helps I think.

**frugalwarrior2** · 05-09-2010, 06:49 PM

W/ 2 diff. Salvation Army Stores the prices will be very diff.
Ours gets new items from Walmart cast off.
White NEW Mr coffee replacement pot $2.99
Black NEW Mr. Coffee replacement pot $6.99
Same exact pot diff. location $4. diff. I figure thenwhite may be less popular but Really??

The same thing can happen at the same location for identical items priced by 2 seperate individuals. Sometimes I ask for the lower price.I say "What's the difference?" and they usually give me the lower one.
As far as Goodwill-clothes and shoes are good but furniture is a joke. A hugely dented in file cabinet $14.99. Right.

**Teresa T** · 05-10-2010, 05:37 PM

frugalwarrior, You are sure right about the pricing. I have found that if something is brightly colored it will tend to be priced higher.

For example I got my beautiful Mikasa plates at SA for a quarter a piece. They are plain cream colored with an lovely embossed flower and basket weave pattern and plain yellow boarder. They could not have been cheap originally. Had they had bright flowers on them, I know they would have been priced higher. At our SA any dish that is not priced is 25 cents.

I have found this with clothing also. A plain good brand, tailored blouse will be priced cheaper than a brightly colored cheap one.

Many years ago in my early 20's I applied at Goodwill. They didn't hire me because I didn't have "retail experience" Idiots. I have bought many things that were under priced at both Goodwill and SA in past years because someone didn't know what they were pricing.