Goodwill Outlets: Clothing By The Pound Strategies
Goodwill Outlet stores are popping up in chains all over the country. Be warned: they are no-frills (and for thrift stores, that's saying a lot).
Here are some Goodwill Outlet strategies to help you come out ahead:
1. Consider the weight.
At my Goodwill Outlet, bins and tables of merchandise are rolled out to the sales floor daily. You do the digging. Concentrate on light items like paperback books, kid shoes instead of work boots, sheets instead of comforters. Large furniture items and outdoor equipment, which are not priced by weight, offer some of the best values.
Not everything is a bargain. I just had to have that 24-cup restaurant muffin pan, but it cost almost $5 by weight. Sensible me wouldn't have looked twice at a $5 muffin pan in the retail Goodwill!
Likewise, a wool coat may calculate more than its original Goodwill price, while silk scarves, once $1.99 each, ring up at 50-cents for a handful.
2. Figure out the tricks.
Watch the pros. And yes, there are professional buyers who sit at the Goodwill Outlet all day to grab the better stuff.
Our Goodwill Outlet drops the price once you hit 50 lbs, making it like getting 20 pounds free. Weigh your cart before checkout if you think you're getting close. You might want to combine items with a friend (or stranger!) to share the savings.
You'll see a mad rush when new bins arrive on the floor. The best tactic is to put something interesting in your cart, then inspect it later--within reason! One local dealer grabs dozens of good shoes and goes through them later (after slipping the employee a $2o to look the other way).
If you see someone who knows what she's doing, ask for advice! However, use good judgment when interacting with your fellow shoppers. Goodwill Outlets can have a tougher, angrier clientele than the retail side.
3. Separate the "never-solds" from the "never-sorted."
You'll find 2 types of merchandise at the Goodwill Outlet. First are the items which never sold in the retail store, even after multiple discounts. Those usually carry a store tag and have hidden flaws you'll want to avoid.
The second type are items which, for whatever reason, were deemed unsuitable for retail. To me, they represent the hidden treasure of the Goodwill Outlet. Look for bulky items, like strollers or Little Tikes playhouses. Look for practical items, like vacuum bags, opened gift wrap, or wire organizers. Anything unusual or technical may end up in an outlet bin instead of the retail shelves--to your advantage!
We hope these frugal strategies help you conquer the Goodwill Outlet--or any place clothing by-the-pound is sold. Now that Meredith from Like Merchant Ships is on a blogging hiatus, she's had a lot more time for frugal adventures like this one! Do you have a favorite frugal outlet in your area? Give us your suggestions in the comments below.
19 Responses to “Goodwill Outlets: Clothing By The Pound Strategies”
September 21st, 2009 at 9:47 am
It’s so good to hear your “voice”, Meredith! I’m really looking forward to getting out and thrifting now that the baby is here and I’m not (quite) as big as a house anymore! We have very few thrift stores locally – a Salvation Army and a Habitat store…neither of which are well run. I’m hoping to try out a few new places next time I’m in the big city, though:) And it’s almost time for our annual kids consignment sale so I’ll be planning what to sell and what to buy. I wish we did have a by-the-pound place nearby – that sounds like so much fun!
September 21st, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I would think one would certainly have to think about weight at a by-the-pound thrift store, but I sure would pay $5 for a nice quality restaurant muffin pan. It would be a very nice thing to own! I wish I had such a store near me.
September 21st, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I find lots of those 80′s silk shells, and like you said, silk weighs almost nothing. I’m using them to make nice slips.
September 22nd, 2009 at 11:51 pm
[...] made an appearance on Frugal Hacks and blogged about Goodwill Outlets. There isn’t one of those near me, and I’m not sure if I have the guts to ever dive [...]
September 30th, 2009 at 8:42 am
I shop at a good will be the pound and belive me a get some good stuff i opened a bussiness selling childrens cloths a dont make much but where i live some people really need a two dollar pair of pants for there children.
January 11th, 2010 at 9:29 am
If there are multiple thrift stores in town (even the same name), check them all — at least once. In one city we lived, ONE Goodwill store consistently had very high quality items! I have NO idea why, but it sure did. I kept thinking, a bunch of spoiled kids got things they didn’t like for a gift and NEVER wore ‘em. Great name brands, never used.
July 25th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
i live in rock hill were are these store
October 12th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Is there a Weigh and Pay Goodwill in or around Orlando, Florida? Thank you
January 9th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
Is there a Weigh and Pay Goodwill in or around Orlando, Florida? Thank you.
March 14th, 2011 at 6:40 am
I shop in jacksonville fl goodwill everyday. I am like an addicted to it now. I leave home around 7 am and went home around 3 when they close. I stayed in goodwell store all day with my 1 year old son. I only pay $1 per lbs if items and yes some of it is designer purses and cloths. I scan books too. I am selling it pretty good in amazon.I make extra money to pay my bills lol.
March 15th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Is a Weigh and Pay Goodwill in or around Tampa,
December 1st, 2011 at 10:11 am
Heck yes ! one of the best around in Saint Petersburg ~ on Gandi ~ LOTS of Pros there ~ but in time youll fit right in and join in the group. I find REALLY wonderful items ~ Have FUN
January 8th, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Do we have a goodwill selling in pounds in Georgia?
March 20th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
[...] have seen firsthand the mountains of stuff that Goodwill Outlets have to process, and I admit that there’s a fair amount that probably isn’t worth [...]
April 8th, 2012 at 10:19 pm
do you have any stores that sells clothes by the pound in Baltmore-Maryland?
October 20th, 2012 at 7:28 am
Hello! I’m looking for Goodwill Outlets in Georgia. Does anyone know of any? I found on in Charlotte NC and Nashville TN but I would like one within driving distance. Thanks!
December 22nd, 2012 at 7:58 pm
Hello, where can I buy clothes by the pound from Goodwill Stores? I live in Madera CA 93637?
Thank you
February 11th, 2013 at 5:45 pm
is there a pay by the pound goodwill outlet in the orlando area?
May 6th, 2013 at 2:06 am
List of Goodwill Outlet Stores is posted here: http://frugalliving.about.com/od/bargainshopping/qt/Goodwill_Outlet.htm
Thank you Erin Huffstedler, you’re my hero for keeping up to date.
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