The Salvation Army

I went in to this thrift store today with my family. There was a lot of great deals as everything in the store was 50% off! But still it was during the middle of the day so the store was very much picked over already. There was still some great jewelry for sale but the prices were still shockingly high for what they were and as this is a thrift shop you expect bargains naturally. Still I found some great crystal jewelry that I loved.
Although, there was an incident surrounding the purchasing of my jewelry that I did not like. A lady whom I thought was a new clerk, who was very sweet, showed me the jewelry from the cabinets. I picked some out that I wanted to purchase and she placed them in a plastic bag along with a note stating the price for all my jewelry. She held the jewelry for me while I continued shopping. Apparently, this lady whom I thought was a new clerk but was actually as I found out just a volunteer, gave me a good deal on the jewelry. A clerk told me that volunteers are not supposed to price the jewelry. The clerk clarified what the exact prices were and would not honor the price that the volunteer gave me. She still gave me somewhat of a better discount but it still was a disappointment.
Seriously, if volunteers are not supposed to price items then that should be clear to them. And, if any thrift store staff person, either paid or volunteer, prices the items, then those prices should be honored regardless. But believe me when I say, even at 50% off the jewelry generally is overpriced. Customers come to thrift shops looking for bargains not to pay for something they may be able pay the same price for brand new at a discount store like Ross Dress for Less or at a store like Macy’s on clearance. Even then, if a person could make the item for less then the price the thrift store is charging, that is ridiculous!
I saw bracelets made of plastic beads here that were originally $ 8 but were half off. At Burlington Coat Factory, similar bracelets cost around $ 2 brand new! Even the crystal bracelets which were the same price (but think about it, crystal has obviously more value then plastic) were for sale. Even Pier One Imports sells crystal bracelets for about $ 6 new and craft stores such as Michael’s and Beverly’s sells similar bracelets for about $ 4. So come on now!!! It is obvious that the jewelry prices here are no bargain and whom ever prices the jewelry does not do research regarding how much similar items are priced brand new. Also, like with all thrift store items, I think it is fair and just to price items including jewelry discounted 60% or below their possible original prices when new. The only exceptions would be if the item is an antique, is one of a kind or extremely rare.
Pros:
–lots of merchandise for sale and it is a huge thrift store
–generally well organized and clean
–various sales throughout the month
–the occasional great bargain, although rare, can be found here
Cons:
–gets picked over toward the end of the day esp. when there are those 50% entire store sales
–jewelry is the most priciest — it is very ridiculous– and rarely is discounted or on sale
–much of the clothing for sale is outdated, faded, torn, or just well worn
–pricing on merchandise is starting to become more expensive — reminiscent of department store pricing where merchandise costs more then its current value to be later marked down during a sale
–prices on used items are starting to become ridiculously high