Most of us know exactly what to expect when we walk into a Goodwill. For one creator, it was brand new territory. @rachxlouise, a creator with a large following on YouTube, shared a quick trip to her very first American Goodwill, and her honest take on the prices and the finds is a fun look at a store many of us take for granted.
She opens by explaining the store the way a newcomer would. Goodwill, she says, is basically a big thrift store. She adds that she loves a good charity shop, so she was excited to see what the US thrift situation is like.
A First Walk Through the Aisles
Her first confession is a relatable one. She says she was a little tempted by a bag she spotted, and she admits she could not lie about that. Then she talked herself out of it, explaining that she really does not need another bag. She reminded herself that just because a person is thrifting does not mean she should buy things she does not need.
That is a lesson plenty of seasoned thrifters have learned the hard way. A low price can make almost anything feel like a bargain, but a cheap item that sits unused in a closet is still money spent for nothing. Her instinct to walk away from the bag is a good model for anyone who struggles with the thrill of the hunt.
Where the Prices Surprised Her
Not everything impressed her. She says some of the stuff seemed a little overpriced. In her words, the mini conditioners were almost double what they cost at Walmart. She also felt that some of the shoes were a little pricey considering they did not look like great quality.
Her remarks touch on something thrift shoppers argue about all the time. Secondhand does not automatically mean cheap. Donated goods that cost the store nothing can still carry price tags that creep up, and new items such as travel size toiletries may be priced by a store policy instead of by what a discount retailer charges down the street. A shopper who assumes every tag is a deal can end up paying more than she would have at a regular big box store.
The Finds She Was Happy With
Still, she says there was lots of fun stuff. She found a My Hero Academia poster for a dollar, which she knew her boyfriend would love. And the best find of the day, in her words, was a pair of jeans. They were $11 and, she says, they looked brand new. They were too big in the waist, but she tried them on with a belt and decided she could work with them. She and her boyfriend both left the store with jeans and the poster. Earlier she had encouraged anyone who has never given thrifting or charity shopping a go to try it, since you can find great things and support a good cause at the same time.
How to Judge a Thrift Store Price
Her trip is a handy reminder that a few simple habits can keep you from overpaying. Here are some ideas to carry along on your next visit.
First, compare before you commit. If you can picture a price at a discount store, use your phone to check it. New items such as toiletries, candles and kitchen gadgets are the easiest to compare, and if the thrift tag is close to or above the store price, put it back.
Second, look at quality, not just the tag. She noticed that some shoes did not look like good quality for the price, and that is a smart test. Check the soles for wear, the seams for fraying, the lining for stains and the insides of the heels. A well made pair that costs a few dollars more may last years longer than a worn pair that is cheaper today.
Third, check for the signs of nearly new clothing. The jeans she found looked brand new, which is exactly what you want to see. Look for crisp fabric, intact stitching, no fading at the knees or thighs, and no stretched out waistband. Smell the item too, because lingering odors can be hard to remove. If a tag is still attached, that is a bonus.
Fourth, try things on, even if the fit is not perfect. She says the waist was too big but a belt solved the problem. Simple fixes such as a belt, a hem or a button moved over can turn a near miss into a favorite piece. Do be honest, though, about whether you will actually do the fix. A pile of clothes waiting for alterations is clutter in disguise.
Fifth, know the store’s rhythm. Many Goodwill locations rotate colored tags or hold sales on certain days, and prices can differ from one location to the next. Ask a staff member politely about discount days, senior days or rewards programs. A little curiosity at the register can save a few dollars, and those dollars add up over a year of shopping.
Finally, keep your own rule about needs and wants. She took a moment to say no to the bag, and that is a skill worth practicing. A good rule is to ask whether you would buy the item at full price, or whether you are buying it only because it is cheap. If the honest answer is the second one, it is probably not a bargain for you.
A Fresh Look at a Familiar Store
There is something refreshing about seeing a familiar place through a newcomer’s eyes. Goodwill is such a normal part of American life that many of us stop noticing the prices, the layout or the odd little treasures tucked into the aisles. Her short visit shows both sides of it. There is real value to be found, like a pair of jeans that looked brand new for $11, and there are a few tags that make a savvy shopper raise an eyebrow.
Her last point may be the best one. When you thrift, you are not just saving money. You are also supporting a good cause. Keeping that in mind can help you shop with a lighter heart, even when you decide a certain item is not worth the price. Leave the overpriced conditioner on the shelf, take home the jeans that fit, and enjoy the small pleasure of finding something useful for a dollar.