After 35 years of thrift shopping and reselling, I’ve learned that large chains like Goodwill, Deseret Industries, Salvation Army and Savers take on personalities of their own.
Each chain operates differently, prices goods differently and has its own criteria for what goes on the shelf or in the garbage.
As North America’s largest thrift store chain (3,300 stores and growing), Goodwill deserves a bit of decoding for shoppers. Here’s what I do to find the best stuff at any Goodwill store — which many shoppers don’t do.
1. Go often
In my experience, Goodwill is one of the few national resale chains that restock shelves and racks daily. The sheer volume of donations demands it.
To score the best deals, go frequently. You’ll find the freshest inventory in the mornings and early afternoons (and some stores will even let you shop right from the cart as staff members are restocking).
2. Make friends
Professional pickers, collectors and resellers form tight-knit communities, and our gathering place is usually Goodwill. Maybe it’s the number of stores or the seemingly endless fresh inventory — whatever the reason, this particular chain plays host to some friendly camaraderie.
And those relationships pay off. I regularly get tips about items that have just hit the shelves, upcoming estate sales and pop-up flea markets.
3. Know the discounts
Saving by shopping secondhand — plus a discount? Sign me up! Take advantage of the multiple ways to save at Goodwill:
- Rewards program: Though Goodwill has no universal rewards program, each region offers something for loyal customers. In my area, Goodwill of the Heartland has a Rewards Card that lets members earn five points for every dollar spent. Points can be accumulated and spent like cash at participating stores.
- Military discounts: This discount is available to active military and veterans with a valid military ID. Policies vary by store, with some locations offering military discounts only on a certain day of the week. Discount amounts range from 10% to 20%.
- Senior discounts: This policy also varies by store. Typically, it’s available to anyone 55 and older, but you must request the discount before your items are rung up and present valid ID. Discount amounts range from 10% to 30%.
- Colored tag sales: Rewards programs have largely replaced colored tag discounts at many Goodwill locations — but not all. The few that remain work like this: On certain days of the week, all items with a specific color of price tag will be on sale (the typical discount is 50%). Since colors indicate the time an item was stocked, this system helps clear out older merchandise.
4. Test before buying
When it comes to reselling electronics, Goodwill knows its stuff. Most stores have clearly marked testing areas where shoppers can make sure the toasters toast and turntables turn.
With large countertops and multiple outlets, it’s a convenient shopping feature that not all chains (I’m looking at you, Salvation Army) bother with.
5. Don’t remove the tags or stickers
Though Goodwill’s return policy differs by location, most stores allow returns within seven to 10 days as long as the original price tag or sticker is still attached and you have a receipt. Instead of a cash refund, expect an in-store credit.
6. Shop the best sections
Though every Goodwill is unique, the dozens of stores I’ve been to from Iowa to Oregon have particularly good selections of:
- Toys and games
- Dishes and kitchenware
- Footwear
- Purses, bags and luggage
These sections are consistently well-stocked and areas I make a point to explore in every store.
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