A former charity shop volunteer has shared an insider tip for finding cheaper items – while other bargain hunters revealed how they bagged their best thrift store finds
Shopping in charity shops is fulfilling as you’re able to contribute money to a worthy cause while snapping up bargains yourself. While customers can frequently pick up items at attractive prices, a volunteer has a different role – one with rules they must follow.
Previously, charity shop workers urged visitors to stop donating one particularly unsavoury item. Now, social media users were eager to discover what some shoppers have picked up during previous visits to their local thrift store. One individual revealed they nabbed a hat for £1 bearing the slogan “Hey there weirdo”, among other “great charity shop finds”.
The thread also prompted a former charity shop worker to come forward and share a useful tip for securing future bargains.
In the Reddit post, the individual said: “I used to work in a charity shop. My best find was a pure cashmere cardigan worth over £100 I got for £5!
“To be fair, from the perspective of a charity shop retail worker it is a shop and not a boot sale (the charity still has to make a profit after all), but if you want cheaper prices, I do think it depends on the area!”
The person suggested that specific areas tend to be pricier, making it the place where certain items can be discovered.
Another contributor disclosed: “Back in 2001, When I was 19, I volunteered in a charity shop as part of a job centre course. Someone donated a N64 with five games, two controllers, memory pack, etc.
“The manager couldn’t sell it, as they didn’t have a license to sell electronics. I asked her how much she wanted for it, as it would be a waste binning it, and she sold it to me for £5. I was on £40 a week at the time, I felt like I’d won the lottery.”
What can you donate to charity?
Clothing and accessories are typically welcomed by charity shops, along with homeware, media and entertainment, toys and games, as well as quality bedding, linens and unwanted gifts.
Other items, such as furniture and electricals, are frequently sought after but come with certain restrictions – for example, a sofa would need its safety labels still attached.
Charity shops also maintain a list of items they simply will not accept. This covers anything broken, dirty or damaged. Safety equipment, such as helmets and car seats, are turned away, as are mains-powered electrical items (unless they have undergone specialist testing).
Furthermore, medical equipment, used pillows, and worn underwear are also refused by charity shops.
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