Shopping at thrift stores is great: you can find something authentic, it doesn’t hurt your wallet, and you’re helping the planet by not contributing to overconsumption. In 2024, roughly 90% of Americans and Canadians engaged with a thrift store through either shopping or donating. And Gen Z is leading the trend, with 60% thrifting monthly.
Nevertheless, lately, thrifting lovers have been noticing a worrying trend where second-hand goods are often pricier than their new counterparts. So much so that they’ve been posting the prices online and shaming thrift retailers. We’ve collected the funniest and most absurd examples of ridiculous thrift item prices and present them to you here, Pandas!
#1
Cocktail Umbrellas $12 Each
Seen in an antique store, so possibly vintage? Still this is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve seen in a second hand shop. And the pink one was ripped! Saw a listing on eBay where you could buy 25 vintage ones for $20. And new you can get about 145 for $9 from Oriental Trading Company.
#20
$400 Fake Louis Vuitton. Who Can I Report This To?
Need advice on who I can contact before someone gets scammed by Goodwill for $400. The employees know it’s fake after I brought up the flaws but put it back in the case. This color combination doesn’t even exist.
#22
I Just Get Mad When I Go Now
Some little Mexican lady that spoke little English came up to me while in goodwill and said, “I no afford anything, this donation yes?” Made me so sick, these prices are ridiculous.
#24
5 Glass Yogurt Jars For $5. I Think You Can Get Them Filled With Yogurt For $1 Each. Why Does Goodwill Do This?
#26
I Love Reducing Waste, But Not Everything Needs To Be Donated To The Thrift Store. There’s No Way Those Markers Aren’t Dry, Right?
#27
Stitch Marker “Earrings”
Found these “earrings” at the local Savers. Tried to tell a cashier that they weren’t earrings and are available like 50pc for $3 she said, “well some kid will probably wear them as earrings because they look like safety pins.”
They are… Not traditional ear piercing size.
#34
Pair Of Matching Urns In Thrift Shop. Very Heavy And High Quality, With Names And Dates, So Not Just Cheap Decorations. Empty, But Clearly Contained Cremains At One Time
#44
I’m Getting Really Tired Of This. I’m Sure You Can Get These Brand New For A Similar Price. Money Is Tight And Seeing This At Thrift Stores Is Really Discouraging
#51
I Thought These Were Free On The USPS Website. This Local Goodwill Is Breaking The Law I Think. Do I Report Them To Their Corporate Or USPS?
#52
Local Goodwill Is Pre-Damaging The Clothes
This particular goodwill has an interesting new idea. They pre-damage the clothing. I was browsing the racks today, and noticed a lot of the clothing had what I thought were initials written on the logo. Then I found some new with tags that had the initials written in it. Then I started to wonder what was going on and asked the cashier. She says its part of an anti-theft policy? They write with marker in the logo to help them reduce theft?
So cool. I would never have thought to write all over the product so I could detour thieves!
Oh, an check out them prices.
#56
Local Thrift Store Caught On, Now They’re Using Ebay Listings
Although $69 doesn’t sound too bad (even though people are seeking it for $80 off eBay not close to $300) it’s still petty just to slap the piece of paper on.
#59
The Local Thrift Store Has Decided To Write The Price Of The Lens Using Permanent Marker On The Actual Lens
#78
Goodwill More Like Good Grief. Literally Haven’t Even Left The Store Yet And I’m Posting This Because I Can’t Believe
