| Goodwill or good profit? |
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| Written by Erin Harty - Argonaut | ||||||
| Monday, 21 September 2009 | ||||||
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Most thrift stores are run by non-profit organizations that raise money
for charities, provide employment and training and also provide a
service — a place for students and others on a budget to find
affordable furniture, clothing and small appliances. While this is true
of a majority of thrift stores, there are the exceptions. The most
notable to me is Goodwill. I can understand seeing their prices go up a
little as the price of space rentals and electricity increases, but
what I don’t get is how they can turn away donations. I have heard this
complaint from several people and have experienced it first hand.
While trying to donate some used furniture to Goodwill — a solid pine
table with a few scratches on the top and an ‘80s era couch in great
shape — I was told Goodwill could not accept these items as the table
had too many scratches and the couch looked too worn. Employees told me
they wouldn’t be able to get enough money for them.
According to their Web site, Methodist minister Edgar Helms started Goodwill in 1902. The intent was to meet the needs of his parish, which had very little. Finding them too proud to take handouts directly, he repaired and cleaned the donated items he had collected and sold them at “reasonable prices.” As the operation grew, Helms used the money to pay previously unemployed workers to work in the store. No one could fault Goodwill Industries for trying to help people by giving them jobs and training in the workforce. This is a worthwhile endeavor, however, Goodwill is also a thrift store, emphasis on the word thrift. People usually count on thrift stores to give them a good deal on previously-owned items and a place where people can donate their gently-used goods to the store. Because Goodwill is getting its merchandise through donations, they are making a nice profit to pay employees. So why are they turning away donations they could sell for a bargain to those who can’t afford to buy something new? You would think Goodwill could take these items, make some minor repairs, and sell them at a profit to their customers. Instead, Goodwill accepts donations of brand new furniture and items. They sell them at a deeply discounted price, but still far above what the average student or bargain shopper could afford. People can still find bargains at Goodwill, but prices seem to keep rising. Customers aren’t always getting the deals they had hoped for. Why buy a pair of used designer jeans at Goodwill for $7 when you can go to the local discount retail store and get them for $10. As non-profit organizations, Goodwill and others should strive to not only serve the people who work for them, but also the community they are located in. Everyone should be able to donate their gently used items and know they are being sold at a reasonable price to someone who could really use them. Customers should feel they are getting more for their money while also helping a worthy charity. Comment on this column at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  Add as favorites (17) | Views: 452
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