Is it ok to haggle at a charity shop? Let’s hear from the community

Get involved in the debate on haggling in charity shops with insights from the Skint Dad community. Is it right?

Charity shops are like treasure chests.

You never know what you’ll find inside!

Some of us (ok, me!) love a good rummage through the racks, hoping to spot a hidden gem at a bargain price.

But when the price tag on a second-hand item seems a bit steep, is it ok to haggle?

Let’s see what the Skint Dad Facebook community has to say.

When prices seem too high

Some of our community members have spotted prices in charity shops that are higher than buying new!

Debby shared a story about finding dresses priced more than she originally paid for them.

“I laughed and said I donated these dresses,” she said, sparking a conversation about the fairness of such pricing strategies.

Charity shops vs. new items

It’s interesting to note how many of us think twice before donating to charity shops because of high prices.

Lisa mentioned she’s now more inclined to donate directly to those in need, like women’s refuges, after noticing high prices at charity shops.

The Mary Portas effect

Miriam blames the “Mary Portas effect” for the rising prices, suggesting some shops have tried to upscale their image without considering their local clientele’s budget.

This was echoed across the Facebook post, with many noting that while charity shops aim to raise money, they also need to remember their audience.

Are some prices justifiable?

Carol shared her disappointment upon finding books and clothes in charity shops priced higher than new items.

This opinion is widespread, with many noticing the same trend and deciding to donate to or shop at places that offer fairer prices.

I’ve also found that prices can vary from place to place.

For instance, London – expensive! I just don’t bother.

But, when we lived in Southampton, as it’s a student-based area, there were some total bargains!

Living in Kent, we could see the difference even when travelling a few miles. Our home town was considered “well off”, and the charity shop pricing mirrored this.

However, the prices were much more reasonable if we went to the next town.

No longer thrifty

Russ commented, “I feel for people on a low budget; they’ve just been priced out at many charity shops. They’re no longer thrifty or charitable.”

I wonder how much of this may be down to people who flip items.

It can be an easy way to make money in a side hustle, but it can mean cheap goods disappear off the shelves, leaving less for people who actually need cheaper items.

The case for and against haggling

While some members, like Jane and Sue, feel justified in voicing their disappointment at high prices. Kay shared that she’d rather walk out than haggle.

Others, like Heather and Louise, feel it’s not right to haggle in charity shops, emphasising respect for the cause.

What can we do?

So, is it ok to haggle at a charity shop?

The consensus seems to lean towards “no,” but with a strong message: charity shops need to be mindful of their pricing.

Overpricing not only makes potential supporters turn away from using them but can also decrease donations and community goodwill.

Instead of haggling, consider discussing prices respectfully if you feel an item is overpriced, especially if it’s damaged.

At the end of the day, the aim of charity shops is to support good causes, so let’s help them by donating and shopping as we can.

Plus, charity shops still need to pay their rent, bills, insurance, and all other overheads—which is never cheap!

If you find prices too high and want to support a cause, there are always other ways to donate directly to those in need or find affordable items elsewhere.

Find out other ways to give to charity without donating money.

To our wonderful community, thank you for sharing your stories and opinions and let’s keep the conversation going.

Share your experiences, tips, and thoughts on how we can support each other and our local charity shops. After all, it’s about making every penny count and helping those in need.