A number of charity shop volunteers gave an insight into what working in a thrift store is really like – and one admitted there’s a specific rule which must be followed
Shopping in charity is a fantastic way to reduce costs while also benefiting the environment. Donating unwanted clothing to those in greater need is equally commendable, though there is one particularly unpleasant item people must stop handing in.
While shoppers tend to snap up bargains, what is life really like for those who volunteer at their local charity shops? Many people wonder whether those working behind the scenes get first pick of donated items, but a volunteer has lifted the lid on what actually happens when clothes come through the door. In a social media post, one user posed a question to “people who volunteer in charity shops”.
The Reddit post began: “When you’re in the back sorting through the new items, if you see stuff you want, are you allowed to put it to one side and buy it for yourself? Or do you have to stock it?
“Thinking about volunteering, but I love charity shopping and seeing good things that I’m not allowed to have would physically pain me.”
Further into the post, the user added: “I’m also interested in what type of interview questions they asked when you applied. I assume there is at least some communication before you start. Wondering what to expect.”
The comments section was quickly flooded with fellow volunteers sharing their experiences of working in charity shops.
One revealed there is a strict rule they must follow, as they said: “I volunteered at one for a few months, and we were not allowed to put aside things.
“We had a pricing chart to price things. Honestly I never really saw anything I really wanted but the charity shop I volunteered used to put a lot of the really good stuff on eBay anyway.
“I’d seen other volunteers ask for things and be told that the items had to go on shop floor and then they could buy it from there. We didn’t get discounts either.”
Another person noted: “My grandmother worked in a charity shop for a while. Quite quickly everyone she knew had designer clothing.” Before continuing: “Okay, I’m exaggerating slightly, but the staff absolutely were putting all the good stuff to one side.
“They still paid full price for it, but they certainly had first dibs on everything.”
A further commenter stated: “Honestly I think it depends on the manager of that particular shop – I volunteered for a bit that was really casual.
“The older ladies who were on the till seemed to really like me, so they’d often price stuff more cheaply if I wanted to buy it! Nothing was free, though – everyone there still wanted to support the charity to some degree.”
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