Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Our pricing procedure combines our experience with the sale of an item, the demand for the item, our supply of the item and how much space is available for the item. We like to say that eventually the customers set the price: items that don't sell can't be left on the floor for long, as the flow of new donations continues every day. So the prices come down until the customers decide it's a good buy. We do not bring in outside expert advice: we want the experts to come and shop with everyone else.

Why do identical items have different prices?

We often see items that are identical priced differently. One reason is that two different pricers may price the items. Another reason is that a pricer may choose to price the items differently to encourage shoppers to purchase. Our practice when this happens is to leave the prices as they are; our customers will ultimately determine what the items will sell for.

Why are some items priced higher than when they were new?

Sometimes a pricer just doesn't know, and makes the best guess possible. We appreciate your informing us when you think we've made a mistake; our practice when this happens is to let the item sit for a while to learn what the value is and to use that knowledge in the future.

When are you going to mark an item down, and how much will it be?

We are not able to predict when a particular item will be marked down, or how much it will be when it is marked down. How soon we need the space and how nice the item is compared to others plays a big role in determining when it will be marked down and its markdown price, but these factors change daily with the arrival of new donations.

Why can't I see that unpriced item behind the counter?

In fairness to our customers, if we show an item to one to customer we must be prepared to show it to all. The hectic flow of merchandise and the competitive shopping cannot safely and efficiently support individual inspection of donations before they are priced and put out for sale.

When will you put that item out for sale?

We can't predict when an item will be priced and put out on the sales floor. Staff and resources swing back and forth where needed: one minute the store is packed with customers and the next minute there is a big donation coming in. People go on breaks or call in sick. We like to be helpful, but have learned to be honest and say, "We just don't know."

What happens to the things you don't sell?

We make every effort to give all donations a try. If a donation doesn't find a home, we try to recycle the donation. Some items are exported in bulk to other counties, some go to material recyclers. We are always looking for ideas that will help prevent waste.

Do you buy things for resale?

No, we don't.

Do you consign items for sale?

No, we don't.

Do the employees get all the good things?

Every thrift store gets this question and they all say no. We, however, are the only one that does not let staff shop for anything. We feel that the donation was intended to benefit the people with developmental disabilities that we serve, not our staff. To us, it seems that the conflict of interest is impossible to avoid any other way. It is also important that our customers know that they have a fair shot at all the great finds.

Why are there no refunds, or exchanges?