Inspired by Christina's post yesterday, I decided to pop into my local Vinnies for a little scout around. I hadn't been for a visit for a whole two weeks (which feels like a lifetime).Something horrible has happened while I've been away. There's either a new Manager or a new pricing system, because suddenly everything is far too expensive.
I found two really nice tops but they were both $9 each. Eeeek! I can buy a new top for that same price...... and what about the GFC? The dresses were a minimum of $15.
I don't live in a trendy inner suburb, this is an op shop in the outer suburbs which should be catering for families.
In the end, the only thing that I came home with was this corduroy skirt from the $1 specials rack..... it's large enough for another pair of kiddie pants.
I must say that I was extremely dissapointed. I'm wondering whether I should be writing a letter of complaint to their head office. I never thought I'd be one of those letter writing people..... but I did write to my local council last week too (sheesh.... I really am getting old and crotchetty).
27 comments:
Those prices are ridiculous. They will probably get a lot of flack and lose sales but it would harm to write head office and complain. Fancy putting up the prices in the midst of economic gloom. Seriously silly. Cherrie
Write a letter, they need feedback and who knows it might be enough for them to realise their blunder!
I would write a letter. It doesn't need to be a complaining letter just an informative one. Over priced op shops defeats the purpose of what they are supposed to be doing.
I know where you are coming from! There are three op shops around me and one of them is very expensive. I still go in and have a look though, as sometimes there are two things similar and one is ver expensive and the other is marked cheaply. I like to think there is a rebellious little old lady working there! (Eg. similar knitting patterns marked 0.20c and $2.00, or similar Target clothing for $3 and $15!)
I'm all for the letter writing. I understand higher prices when it is a dedicated retro shop, or if they are in the city and the rent is higher. I know they are a charity and they are raising money for good causes. But if they raise the prices too much, who is going to shop there?
PS. I recently donated some huge bags of stuff to my fav. oppy. I went their yesterday and saw a girl walking around with "my" belt. Love it. :)
Ahhh thats too bad. It is Just like The Salvos op shops now. Its all about profit and sales and very little to do with charity. Thats such a shame.
p.s the salvos make me quite furious when I see stuff marked up MORE expensive than if you were to buy it brand new........who on earth does their pricing??? ok rant over lol you get em girl!
our local vinnies had a coat for $80 and a tablecloth for $30 last time I went in....I was blown away, who goes to the oppy with $80 to spend. Maybe they have gone like the hospice shops here, all upmarket and branded and tidy and way expensive, no fun at all
I hate that! The other day I wanted to get a totally unremarkable sundress from the Salvo's $17.50! Crazy. My favourite story to tell people who are thinking about writing letters: Once when I was about 10 I think, I wrote a letter to Arnott's because my BBQ shapes didn't have enough flavour on them. And they sent me a $5 money order. How's that for results!
write a letter, the worst that can happen is they ignore it and keep the prices the way they are. But if they get enough letters it will tell them their prices are too high and might make them lower the prices
The only places left to go are the vinnies and Salvos in small country towns. They don't sort the items there and they are much cheaper.
Is it a Salvo's because our salvos is really expensive too. I would write a letter.
that drives me crazy!!! do it!!! write a letter! tell us what you write!
I'm with everyone else - write the letter. I bought some tops brand new for $10 recently, so $9 is pretty steep.
PS. I think its better to be old and crochety than crotchetty!
I totally agree about writing a letter. As my mum says op shops first started not only to raise money for charity but to help people who could not afford to buy brand new clothes. Nowadays they are actually harming the people that they first set out to help because they keep raising their prices. I think the thing is they have noticed that op shopping has become cool and have become greedy to make a profit of it.
I had the exact same problem when visiting my fav opp shop last week... suddenly it doesn't seem like I'm getting bargains anymore!
I know what you mean, there aren't many bargains anymore :(
I only just wrote a post last night about the exact same thing!! It's going to be published next week some time. It's totally and utterly ridiculous the prices they're asking. I found a cake stand in Lifeline the other week and they wanted $50 for it! I could buy and brand new even nicer cake stand for the exact same price!
I mean, the charities are getting these things for FREE and the people are VOLUNTEERS and ok, they might have to pay rent, but when they're charities, don't they get a discount or something?
I think I may write a letter too...
I agree $9 is too much .
I went to my local Salvo Superstore and was appalled at the expensive prices for some items but when I took my four items to the checkout two of them were half price. She said it was because of the ticket colour (orange). I didn't really care I was just happy to get the bargains.
it seems to be happening everywhere! I went to a Salvo's the other day and they wanted $25 for blankets that had holes etc, and it was in a poorer suburb as well. don't know whats going on!
Write it I say. You're an old and crotchety letter writer-er when you start complaining about the sun shining or kids playing on the street or outdoor cafes. Hmn, lots of O&Cs in my neck of the woods.
Sounds like you need a visit to our local op shops!! We never leave without a bargain!!
xo Steph
I have totally noticed that too. Anything vaguely retro or vintage has been put on the 'vintage rack' and sold for around $20. I was amazed....and basic katies tops were $10. that's how much you would pay if you shopped retail during stock take sales.
Grrrrrr.....
Vinnies have been like that for a while.
I like the little ol' lady oppies like the uniting church ones. they have no idea about retro & vintage and I'm quite happy to buy more & leave them the change.
I think letter writing is quite cathartic and may even make things change...Hmmm. I'm thinking about tomorrow's quote and this gives me an idea! Good luck.
yes I agree the prices have blow way out...
I did notice on my last trip that every thing at my op shop had gone up...
really most stuff is starting to cost the same as buying it at big w...
which is really sad...
where are the bargains these days!!!
It's getting outrageous. I am often speechless at the prices. One small consolation are the times my favorite op shop man says "pay me what you think". I always buy lots of things and never baulk at giving a bit extra if I have it.
woah that sounds terrible! I thought vinnies would be helping the community where you live not taking all their money. I think you could buy things for less at best n less or big w!
Yep I'd write a letter with a sob story, the whole works or tell them you're going to a current affair!!
Corrie:)
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