Rules for Shopping at Charity Thrift Stores

Shopping in a thrift store that benefits a charity is different than shopping in other thrift stores. In fact, there are some rules that you should follow - unless you want to appear rude or uncaring. If you are unfamiliar with charity thrift stores, take a moment to familiarize yourself with these rules before your first visit.

Rule #1: Consider the Circumstances

Did you realize that many people that work in charity thrift stores are volunteers? This means that they may have a full time job as well as working in the thrift store. Have you thought about why the store is even available? The items you are purchasing have been donated to benefit a certain cause. This isn't a fancy boutique where store employees wait on you hand and foot or have shoes available in different sizes. In other words, be considerate of the workers, the charity and the store you're shopping in.

Rule #2: Do NOT Attempt to Haggle

Haggling in regular thrift stores is acceptable, but if you're shopping in a store that benefits a charity, haggling is not only inappropriate, but rude. When you ask charity thrift stores to cut you a deal on an item, you're taking money away from whatever the charity is benefiting. It may be animals, homeless people or even a church.

Rule #3: Learn the Prices

Many charity thrift stores have a pricing system to make it easier to price items. For example, all handbags may cost $2.50 or paperbacks may be $0.25. Keeping these prices in mind will allow you to keep a running total in your head so that you can make sure you're getting charged right. Remember, these are usually volunteers who are overworked. If they make a mistake, nicely point it out to them.

Rule #4: Don't Make a Mess

While it may be okay to rustle through piles of clothes in regular thrift stores, you should try to be more considerate in charity thrift stores. A messy store creates more work for the volunteers and turns other shoppers away from the store. Help keep the store clean by putting things back where you got them and refolding clothes after you're done looking at them.

Rule #5: Shop!

The more money you spend, the more you help charity. Best of all, many charity thrift stores are loaded with great deals. I mean, where else are you going to find a Liz Claiborne handbag for $2.50? There may be a few things to keep in mind, but that doesn't mean there aren't great deals to be found.