| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Feb 24 2011 : 08:55:39 AM
I have been down on our local Goodwill Stores for sometime because of their higher prices, and labels detailing "vintage" or "name brand" because, well, I think it's silly--the store management is in no way an expert on what is "vintage" or valuable.
So, I usually go to St. Vincent DePaul, now, because things seem to be priced accordingly, and are still very reasonable.
Yesterday, I stopped by like I usually do on Wednesay lunch hour and I noted a change. All the furniture in the front window, which is where they "showcase" nicer things was marked with blue tags that read, "Circa 1900" or "Circa 1950", or "Circa blah blah blah" with prices that you would find in an antique store. The dresser was nothing to write home about--part of a bedroom suit missing the rest of the suit, and it was marked $210.00. The twin beds from the 1960's (think Doris Day Pillow Talk) were marked $95.00 a piece, without any rails.
When I first moved out, my first apartment was entirely furnished in "old" furniture that noone wanted, all bought at thrift stores. Sure, it was old, but was it antique? I remember paying $50.00 total for a kitchen table, 4 chairs, a coffee table, and a wing back chair.
Seems like this is the wave of the future when it comes to thrifting. Gone are the steals and deals of the past, unless you want clothing on 50% off day!!!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| electricdunce |
Posted - Mar 15 2011 : 09:39:33 AM
Years ago we used to get some interesting furniture at the dump, but now there are no dumps so I occasionally hit the thrift shops when I can avoid my children's scathing glances. We have one great store where I can always find a bargain, sometimes furniture, sometimes old sewing stuff, you never know. A big goodwill store opened in the next town over and my one purchase of real savings are my new cobalt blue framed reading glasses, three bucks. What a deal....
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Mar 09 2011 : 09:16:02 AM
Darlene,
Love your tag line! I may borrow that sometime.
farmgirl sister#43
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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| HealingTouch |
Posted - Mar 09 2011 : 08:46:48 AM
You are right...All the things are donated to them Free! That should be enough of a reason to be fair about pricing. Greed seems to be in style these days everywhere you go. The church thrift feeds those in need and I support them always with purchases and donations. But for the Grace of God go we!
Be Blessed,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
When Satan's knocking at your door, just say "Jesus will you get that for me?"
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| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Mar 08 2011 : 12:38:37 PM
Denise, that's exactly the way I feel about our Goodwill stores. I picked up a top last year and walked around the store with my stuff in hand, and the manager said to me, "that's a great brand. You're getting a real deal on that--I looked it up on the internet and it usually sells for around $100.00." First of all it was donated, so it's essentially "free" so how could I be getting a better deal than they got?
I don't mind helping charities when I feel that the money is actually going into more than administrative costs or CEO pay. Seriously, if someone was going to donate something of MAJOR value to a charity, don't you think they'd run it through their attorney, first? If I knew it was going to bring a charity a large sum of money, then I would MOST certainly make sure the charity knew it as well and acted accordingly, not just put it in their donation bin and walk away.
The other part about the tags reading "circa" and "vintage" is again, just because it's old, doesn't mean it has value. What expertise does anyone have, working in these backrooms pricing this stuff to say whether something is "circa" anything. There are plenty of reproductions, a) and plenty of retro furnishings that resembled earlier era furniture, b). The 1940's saw a huge Greek Revival period, and mass produced furnishings in that design. Anyone without even the slightest knowledge could label something inappropriately--I feel that it's misrepresentation.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Mar 08 2011 : 07:42:08 AM
I rarely shop at Goodwill anymore too pricey for a thrift store and I don't donate there either. We have a thrift in town that is run by a local church. Their prices are more then fair. I donate to them because I know the funds go back into our community. Lots of people shop there. Too expensive to shop anywhere else. I got one of my sewing machines there and when it is time to get rid of it I will probably donate it back. I have too many machines at present and I only use one on a regular basis.
I think it is ridiculous for them to list anything as vintage or antique. They think because they slap a sign on it they can charge more. When did charities start having paid anything. They used to be volunteer workers. Last is what I like about this local thrift from the church. The people volunteer their time and they have the ability to change the prices for you. I went in found a set of 20 Happy Hollister books, asked the girl how much and she said 2 bucks for the set. When I took them up front the lady who checked me out was surprised but rang them up. I have gotten wrapping paper there for ten cents and some days everything is half price. I think they are doing it for the cause not the money.
farmgirl sister#43
O, a trouble's a ton or a trouble's an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,
But only--how did you take it?
--Edmund C. Vance.
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| rhondacate |
Posted - Mar 06 2011 : 10:36:41 PM
We have two thrift stores in our town. I have this same complaint with one of them. Everything seems to be overpriced and they like to call things "vintage" so they can charge more for them. I guess if they can sell things at those prices, then it works for them. But they definitely don't have my business.
~Rhonda
http://rmfo-blogs.com/rhonda |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Mar 01 2011 : 02:16:09 AM
Our goodwill and consignments shops here are not places I enjoy. They smell, and everything looks so sad. Once in a while I stop in hoping to find a treasure, but I rarely find anything I want to spend money on.....but garage and estate sales are where the treasures are.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Feb 28 2011 : 06:25:54 AM
It's both good and bad to see that this issue is elsewhere. The main problem I have with the higher prices, is, as I mentioned before, it prices out the very people who actually NEED the charity. The day after the mom couldn't buy the coat, I called our local Goodwill Corporate offices to make a complaint. Did you know that their CEO's make 6 figures? The Regional Director I spoke to said, "Well, we have sales consistently, especially on weekends, so she could have gotten the item on sale some other time." My response: "It had just turned cold without warning. She needed it THEN. What if she doesn't drive and has to take a bus, works odd hours..." he was totally unsympathetic...and ultimately, the turnover is so high, it's unlikely that the coat would have been there when she was next able to make it. It was a lesson to me about the "administrative" costs of charitable organizations.
Before Violet was born, I haunted the local thrifts for furniture and found several great items. Her chest of drawers with bookcase attached was $15.00, and is a perfect addition to her room, but that's the last deal I've come across.
I wish we had a Salvation Army store, here. I avidly support their charity, and would welcome an opportunity to support it by shopping :)
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
| Violets November |
Posted - Feb 27 2011 : 08:51:22 AM
I realize that these different charities need money to help where needed. But beyond that, this is the way I see it.
Some of them , thrift stores, are like the government. Instead of giving families the opportunity to come in and make purchases of things they need or would like to have because it's affordable, they, the select thrift stores, charge high prices. THEN, they decide how to spend the money they receive for high prices, they then decide how to spend that money FOR the disadvantaged!!!
This is just a general synopsis, I realize that there are many unique situations which could be dealt with in a unique way.
~Violet~
Farmgirl Sister #1669
My blog, http://hiddenacre.blogspot.com/
Our Organic Jewelry, http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaelicForge |
| HealingTouch |
Posted - Feb 26 2011 : 5:13:32 PM
That is true Carol. I've seen a few other organizations selling on ebay too. I was at the more expensive thrift today and they said they pay $2000 a month rent. No wonder their prices are high.
Be Blessed,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
When Satan's knocking at your door, just say "Jesus will you get that for me?"
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| Lessie Louise |
Posted - Feb 26 2011 : 2:22:44 PM
Our local Salvation Army store admitted they sell all the "good" stuff on ebay now. I stick to our local non profits and support the communities as best I can. And wait for garage sales.
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting them in a fruit salad!
Farmgirl #680!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lessielouise22 |
| Judyr808 |
Posted - Feb 26 2011 : 10:54:44 AM
One thing I would suggest is to check and see if the thrift store is a non-profit or privetly owned. And like ours the money made stayes in our community. We don't have a Good Will store here, but there is a pick up sight and they take their donations to Portland. Just a little gripe of mine. :0)
Judy
Love & Light |
| Judyr808 |
Posted - Feb 26 2011 : 10:45:05 AM
I volenteer at the local Senior Center Thrift Store, and all the money we make goes to the Meals on Wheels program.We work hard to keep quality up and prices down and if someone comes in who is in need and can't pay we will GIVE them what ever they need. I love working there, oh there are some people who butt heads, but everyone wants the same thing, to help the meals program. Not only that, but I have to admit I love getting the first look at things that come in. Sometimes it is garbage and we have to hale it off to the dump (at our cost) but sometimes I get a chance to buy something before anyone else sees it.
Love & Light |
| dprovence |
Posted - Feb 25 2011 : 12:45:11 PM
Ditto here. I used to go to the thrift store often with much anticipation. But things have gotten out of hand as far as pricing goes. Goodwill here is always higher priced than salvation army. But I did get 2 pair of jeans the other day for 9.50. So I guess it is still cheaper than "regular" stores :-)
Huggs and Smyles,
Debbie
Farmgirl Sister #2636 |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Feb 25 2011 : 08:31:35 AM
I so agree with you Jonni - I have gotten some amazing things at thrift stores in the past but any more everything is just expensive. It is very depressing - if I want to go antique shopping I will go to an antique store, the fun of thrift stores was always in the unexpected find. The garage and estate sales in our area are brutal too - competition between antique dealers - there was actually one antique store owner who yelled at an older couple who were just looking because they weren't following the "rules". Anyway, I used to be a die-hard thrifter but I go into a thrift store maybe once or twice a year now.
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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| chloesmom011 |
Posted - Feb 25 2011 : 07:44:35 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Daizy
Have ya'll Have ya'll been in the back of the stores and seen all the goods in the trash bins? It seems that the clothing and other items could be GIVEN away to the homeless or poorer countries instead of land-fills. The ships go back across the oceans half empty to bring back all our cheap crap that we import. Just saying....
Daizy, I totally agree! I shop the Salvation Army and the Goodwill stores here around me. The Salvation Army is I think a lot better store, cleaner , nicer things , HUGE selection and cheaper prices. The Goodwill tries but the items and the store just are not so clean or nice and the prices are always higher.
Loving the country life in my little space in the city.
http://sunflowerfarms1.blogspot.com/ |
| pnickols |
Posted - Feb 25 2011 : 06:51:42 AM
I've been sticking with Salvation Army, the Goodwill store is terribly over priced in our area |
| Daizy |
Posted - Feb 25 2011 : 06:16:26 AM
Have ya'll Have ya'll been in the back of the stores and seen all the goods in the trash bins? It seems that the clothing and other items could be GIVEN away to the homeless or poorer countries instead of land-fills. The ships go back across the oceans half empty to bring back all our cheap crap that we import. Just saying....
Daizy
PHR Farmgirl #1093
A good day is when you find ALL your ear tags! I wonder how my cows would like my Farmgirl apron?? |
| Miss Bee Haven |
Posted - Feb 25 2011 : 03:39:21 AM
Jonni - Good and cheap furniture can still be had here. Now it's in rough rooms in antique malls and some consignment stores. Susan and I furnished her daughter's apartment by haunting rough rooms.
Farmgirl Sister #50
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?"
'Br.Dave Gardner' |
| HealingTouch |
Posted - Feb 24 2011 : 4:52:33 PM
I like a certain church thrift store. The items are CLEAN and reasonably priced and they use their funds to feed those in need. I also buy from the Salvation Army because they are the first to respond to a need. I also donate to them. The one near me is not as clean as another that I go to. Some of the other thrift stores are overpriced and dirty. I even hate to touch some of the things. They run sales on certain days but I would rather they keep their prices lower all the time. I bought 15 various sized crochet doilies for $2 at the church as well as 3 scarves for $1 each on saturday. Yesterday I bought a green depression glass cake plate with a heart handle for $2.50 at the SA. My mother used to have an antique store and she would have grabbed this up! I love old colored glass, cobalt, ruby and green. Not that I need it!LOL! Linens and glass are my thing! Of course any bargain I find is OK! Nancy, I love all your posts showing all your finds...keep em coming. If I knew how to post pics I would too! Happy thrifting everyone.
Be Blessed,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
When Satan's knocking at your door, just say "Jesus will you get that for me?"
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| Miss Bee Haven |
Posted - Feb 24 2011 : 11:40:31 AM
I'm not as lucky as Nancy Jo, but there are good deals to be had. The Goodwill is the priciest thrift, both in Louisville and across the bridge in Indiana(New Albany, Corydon, Jeffersonville, etc.). I did get lucky last week and score a old glass oil lamp for ten dollars in a Goodwill. But that's very unusual. St. Vincent recently went up from 2.50 to 3.00 on most clothing and they raised the age for senior 10%discount from 62 to 65! The nerve of them to pull the rug out from under me when I finally get to discount age! LOL! I just get my pal Carolyn to pay for my stuff. What I call the 'church lady thrifts' are still cheap and full of finds. Come on down when the weather warms up, Jonni! Let's hit the road!
Farmgirl Sister #50
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?"
'Br.Dave Gardner' |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Feb 24 2011 : 11:10:51 AM
Penny, I'm also becoming very picky about where I donate. Like Claudia, I'd like to help their ministry/charity, but only if these items actually SELL. Marking something that isn't really of any value with a high price is misleading and most of the time, it stays on the floor, I've noticed. It looks as though someone at St. Vincent's administration has seen what our local Goodwill's are doing and thinks it's a good idea. I've seen a young mother unable to buy a coat for herself and BOTH her children at a Goodwill store because they had them marked too high. SHE actually needed the charity, and had been priced out. She ended up buying just one coat for the littlest child.
Here, at the law office, when we evaluate the contents of estates and people say, "Mom had a lot of antiques." We specifically request any provenence or certificates of authenticity, because otherwise, it's just "used furniture" for purposes of the court. I mean, some families have a silver set made by the REAL Paul Revere; THAT'S an antique, but there are very few of those out there.
Nancy, your thrifts are like Janice's, in Louisville. THE Best. When thrifting with Janice, I once bought an office sized plastic garbage pail liner FULL of linens, just for one WWII souvenir hankie--total of my bag o' linens? 25 cents. Not here. ONE hankie is $3.00.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
| Daizy |
Posted - Feb 24 2011 : 10:56:43 AM
Hay Ya'll Our local thrift store no longer has a few of the select items we all look for but it has new furniture and rugs and even new clothes. SO.....as I go in there is a sign hanging up high which gives color coded sales, 30 then 50 then 70 percent off.....so i remember the 70 color then the 50 color then the 30 color and I try not to purchase anything except those colors (I try not to but don't always succeed). That way I keep ME in check but I really like the estate sales and yard sales. Estate sales are half off on Sunday. Just me rambling Daizy
PHR Farmgirl #1093
A good day is when you find ALL your ear tags! I wonder how my cows would like my Farmgirl apron?? |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Feb 24 2011 : 10:14:15 AM
My thrift store is still the same old thrift store. good deals. Like the things I got today were a more then fair price. Furniture is always priced cheap. No fancy words like vintage or antique written on anything.
Nancy Jo
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Feb 24 2011 : 09:59:39 AM
I think I agree for the most part, but could it differ from area to area? I usually donate to Salvation Army, St. Vincents and a Christian School run thrift shop. There items seem to be faily marked and I feel as though I am helping their ministries.
Buffypuff/ Claudia ~ Farmgirl & Sister #870 ~
"It compliments God to ask great things of Him." ~ St. Theresa of Avila
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