Comments on a visit to Goodwill

[MrsPete]

Just observations from my visit to Goodwill today: 

- Know how some people collect those fancy porcelain-faced dolls in Victorian clothing?  I think they're quite expensive.  A friend of mine -- very wealthy friend -- actually has a small living room with specially built shelves to showcase her collection.  Anyway, today at Goodwill I saw an entire collection of these things out for sale -- must've been more than 50, no duplicates, all on matching stands.  I'm sure they cost a fortune, and I wish I'd looked at Goodwill's price.  But what made me sad was thinking that someone wasted so, so, so much money on such a worthless item.  I wonder if it was an elderly person whose family tossed them out as soon as the person died.  Makes you think about the value of "collecting".

- I was looking for a small lamp -- an accent lamp -- to keep "on" all the time in a dark spot in my house.  I saw one I liked; it was maybe 10" tall and grey ceramic.  I didn't like the color but was willing to spray paint it.  $13, which I thought was pretty expensive for a Goodwill lamp, even though it was in good condition.  It was surrounded by other lamps of similar age and quality -- but the others were all larger, and they were priced $5-6.  What gives?  Why would the small lamp cost more than double? 

- What did I buy?  A bundt pan.  I've never been quite satisfied with mine because it's lightweight and doesn't produce as nice a crust as I wish -- this one's nice and heavy, and I think I'll get lots of use from it. 

Just observations.

[GenXbiker]

But what made me sad was thinking that someone wasted so, so, so much money on such a worthless item.  I wonder if it was an elderly person whose family tossed them out as soon as the person died.  Makes you think about the value of "collecting".

Yes, people spend a lot of money on decorative and collector items.  I've heard of people fillings rooms in their homes full of their collections.  I realized many years ago that collecting was not a good use of my money.  I have coin collections from 30 years ago that I haven't added to and have barely looked at in that time.  I suppose if you're collecting something that is out to see (decorative display) or is something you can use (tool collection), it makes more sense.  And some people surely just enjoy the activity and the social aspect of engaging with fellow collectors.

[Bracken_Joy]

Sometime when I was a teenager, it occurred to me that every collection, of anything, that I'd ever seen, was dusty. That alone led me to one of the most useful rules of thumb I've ever embraced: don't own anything that just collects dust. And my home decor pretty well reflects this ;) I decorate a lot with candles. Dusty? Burn it. Same idea with dried flowers. If it gets too dusty? Throw it away, dry some new ones, ta da, decor. It's funny, I get a lot of compliments on my home decor, when most of it is based around me being lazy.

I wonder what will happen to all those porcelain dolls and stuffed animals everyone is hoarding, as the older generations die? We're beginning to reach the end of life for the first generations of consumers in a cheap consumption society. It'll be interesting to see how it all goes. A lot of landfills, I'm sure, sadly enough.

[LearnTo]

But what made me sad was thinking that someone wasted so, so, so much money on such a worthless item.  I wonder if it was an elderly person whose family tossed them out as soon as the person died.  Makes you think about the value of "collecting".

Yes, people spend a lot of money on decorative and collector items.  I've heard of people fillings rooms in their homes full of their collections.  I realized many years ago that collecting was not a good use of my money.  I have coin collections from 30 years ago that I haven't added to and have barely looked at in that time.  I suppose if you're collecting something that is out to see (decorative display) or is something you can use (tool collection), it makes more sense.  And some people surely just enjoy the activity and the social aspect of engaging with fellow collectors.

I think it becomes an addiction for some, as does shopping in general.

[AnnaGrowsAMustache]

Just about everything I own or wear is second hand, and I've noticed that a hell of a lot of goodwill stuff has one thing in common: people have no idea how to clean things! I've scored the greatest water spotted leather or baked on grease high quality cookware that really only needed a basic knowledge of how to properly clean in order to restore to new condition. Many folk seem to dispose of things rather than spending 5 minutes googling how to clean it.

[Monkey Uncle]

But what made me sad was thinking that someone wasted so, so, so much money on such a worthless item.  I wonder if it was an elderly person whose family tossed them out as soon as the person died.  Makes you think about the value of "collecting".

Yes, people spend a lot of money on decorative and collector items.  I've heard of people fillings rooms in their homes full of their collections.  I realized many years ago that collecting was not a good use of my money.  I have coin collections from 30 years ago that I haven't added to and have barely looked at in that time.  I suppose if you're collecting something that is out to see (decorative display) or is something you can use (tool collection), it makes more sense.  And some people surely just enjoy the activity and the social aspect of engaging with fellow collectors.

Yeah, I've never really understood the attraction to collecting stamps, coins, figurines, or other such tchotchke.  Every now and then, I think that I'd like to have several vintage Martin and Gibson guitars, and a couple of muscle cars and pickups from the early '70s.  But then I remember that I'm a lousy guitar player and a terrible mechanic, and that the tens of thousands of dollars I would spend wouldn't bring me near as much joy as using that money to fund a year or two of work-free life.

[Drifterrider]

Some people collect things because it give them joy.  Then they die; and other people take the "collectables" to Goodwill because they don't want to be bothered trying to flog them on E-Bay.

[jlcnuke]

Some people collect things because it give them joy.  Then they die; and other people take the "collectables" to Goodwill because they don't want to be bothered trying to flog them on E-Bay.

I've enjoyed going to museums (art and otherwise) over the years. Sure, it's generally just "stuff" that sits there and "collects dust", but the act of viewing such things can give people pleasure. I have Dali prints on my walls because I like to look at them. My mom has entire sets of household decorations to change out based on season/holiday because she enjoys seeing her place decorated as such. If it's within a person's budget, and it brings them happiness, then I won't judge them for owning it even if it's not something I would want to own. When she passes, my sister may want some of the stuff but I'd imagine we'd be "getting rid of" most of her decorations. Either by selling or by donating to charities that will sell them to fund their cause. I see nothing wrong with any of that myself.

[Noodle]

Some people collect things because it give them joy.  Then they die; and other people take the "collectables" to Goodwill because they don't want to be bothered trying to flog them on E-Bay.

I know quite a few people who collect in various areas. For most of them, it is less about the actual stuff (although they do enjoy it) and more about the experience--visiting shops, learning more about what they collect, meeting in-person and online with other collectors, etc. I admit I have a harder time understanding the appeal of the "Franklin Mint" type collections where you just place an order. I do think sometimes they justify the money they spend with the idea that the collections can later be sold or be an asset for family members, and that is less true as tastes about collecting are changing.

[Drifterrider]

Some people collect things because it give them joy.  Then they die; and other people take the "collectables" to Goodwill because they don't want to be bothered trying to flog them on E-Bay.

I know quite a few people who collect in various areas. For most of them, it is less about the actual stuff (although they do enjoy it) and more about the experience--visiting shops, learning more about what they collect, meeting in-person and online with other collectors, etc. I admit I have a harder time understanding the appeal of the "Franklin Mint" type collections where you just place an order. I do think sometimes they justify the money they spend with the idea that the collections can later be sold or be an asset for family members, and that is less true as tastes about collecting are changing.

I don't get the "Franklin Mint" or "Elvis plates" either but what do I know:  I collect M&Ms candy dispensers.  I can afford them, they bring me joy and I don't have to justify myself to others :)  (and I like the candy too).

[GuitarStv]

Collecting and the drive to complete a set seems to be an inborn need for most people.  It certainly is for me, one that I used to find myself fighting against on a semi-regular basis.

[Bumperpuff]

I mostly collect interesting plants, fossils and pine cones.  I've paid for a few plants which I keep because they're pretty and make me happy, but I have some fossils, rocks, and plant specimens that are just cool to look at or provide interesting lessons in natural history.  I also collected wine glasses for a time.  I'd pick up any interesting glass from the thrift store that was less than $0.5 and didn't match any I currently had. They were super handy during parties because nobody forgot which glass was theirs.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Just about everything I own or wear is second hand, and I've noticed that a hell of a lot of goodwill stuff has one thing in common: people have no idea how to clean things! I've scored the greatest water spotted leather or baked on grease high quality cookware that really only needed a basic knowledge of how to properly clean in order to restore to new condition. Many folk seem to dispose of things rather than spending 5 minutes googling how to clean it.

So true! Or mend! I got a Land's End t-shirt in excellent condition for $1 because them hem was falling. I didn't even sew--just used a little Stitch Witchery.

I also got a vacuum cleaner that didn't suck because it had no belt. I wonder how many people take their vacuums to Goodwill because they don't know about replacing those.

[Cranky]

You can collect whatever you want by going to Goodwill. LOL

I have a great collection of vintage pyrex, for instance.

[fuzzy math]

If I find an overly expensive item ( compared to its competitors on the shelf) at the gw, I will generally take it up to the register and explain why I think the price is wrong and ask if there is any wiggle room. Most employees will admit that it's just a random assertion by whomever was pricing that day, and will discount a bit. Generally it becomes non returnable w the discount, so be sure you want it.

[surfhb]

You should have been a good MMM'er and bought them to sell on EBay ;)

[SC93]

Well, several years ago Goodwill said they had to raise the prices because people were buying things and reselling it and for some reason they didn't like that so they raised the prices. So a few years ago they came out with Goodwill Outlet Store. The Outlet Store sells by the pound and resellers go there to buy things to RESELL!! Isn't that why they went up on their prices to begin with??? See if you have a an Outlet Store near you and you can find some hellish deals!!

[PhrugalPhan]

You can collect whatever you want by going to Goodwill. LOL

I have a great collection of vintage pyrex, for instance.

Don't you go to my GW, I want that Pyrex!  Just kidding...sorta.  For whatever reason I started about 5 years ago, and it has become quite the collection for me.  But I spend maybe $200/year at most, so I figure I can afford it.

[forumname123]

If I find an overly expensive item ( compared to its competitors on the shelf) at the gw, I will generally take it up to the register and explain why I think the price is wrong and ask if there is any wiggle room. Most employees will admit that it's just a random assertion by whomever was pricing that day, and will discount a bit. Generally it becomes non returnable w the discount, so be sure you want it.

To me this crosses the boundary from frugal to cheap; from virtue to vice.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

If I find an overly expensive item ( compared to its competitors on the shelf) at the gw, I will generally take it up to the register and explain why I think the price is wrong and ask if there is any wiggle room. Most employees will admit that it's just a random assertion by whomever was pricing that day, and will discount a bit. Generally it becomes non returnable w the discount, so be sure you want it.

To me this crosses the boundary from frugal to cheap; from virtue to vice.

I actually disagree. It prevents one of two bad outcomes:
1. The thing languishes on the shelf and never sells; or
2. Some less-educated customer gets a bad deal.

Goodwill gets money, you keep something out of the landfill.

[SC93]

bender, While you are correct about how the Outlet works, you couldn't be more wrong about making money from them. I know people in several states that makes money and lots of it from Outlet Stores only. My good buddy's sister was buying and selling some stuff on ebay and was making about $400-$600 a month. I turned her on to the Outlet Store and now she makes about $2000 on top of what she was already making. She tries to find either Lego, Scrabble tiles or other game pieces. She said there is some really good high priced name brand clothes there almost every day. She just sells as a part time gig, she has a regular job. Just because you might think it is junk, us sellers call it PROFIT! When you go in to an Outlet Store take your gloves and a mask. The lil woman and I went in a few times and although it is not our thing, there is plenty of money to be made.

[SC93]

bender, You are correct again on something. They are OVER FLOWING with stuff. Just today there was an article saying how over loaded GW is with everything! If I find the article again I will post the link. I should have copied the link earlier.

[LeRainDrop]

bender, You are correct again on something. They are OVER FLOWING with stuff. Just today there was an article saying how over loaded GW is with everything! If I find the article again I will post the link. I should have copied the link earlier.

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/18/your-money/aging-parents-with-lots-of-stuff-and-children-who-dont-want-it.html?mcubz=1

http://www.businessinsider.com/adult-kids-refusing-heirlooms-2017-8

[Travis]

bender, You are correct again on something. They are OVER FLOWING with stuff. Just today there was an article saying how over loaded GW is with everything! If I find the article again I will post the link. I should have copied the link earlier.

And this is why I feel no guilt shopping at GW despite having a high income.  Sometimes it feels like I'm doing them a favor by buying something from them.  The last time I bought jeans for my son, I couldn't put the ones I didn't want back on rack because it was so full.

[SC93]

They bring out rows of those blue bins throughout the day so showing up early won't help because they might not put out a new row for 2 hours after opening.... it's just a crap shoot. Part of the 'business' so to speak. There is all kinds of things buried that people overlook. There is one guy I know that lets the anxious people hurry and go through the bins when they first push them out then he goes behind them. He says the anxious people aren't good money makers because they look for the things that aren't high profit. I love the idea of it all but I have really bad allergies and I start sneezing every time we go in there. Plus, we don't look to sell, we just like to find the one treasure that the little woman likes. She works in a high class museum and has to be proper all day every day so she likes to 'get dirty' so to speak and look through junk sometimes instead of dealing with a $50 million painting.

Give it another shot. This time dig a little. If you do, let me know if you find anything. Good luck!

[SC93]

^^^ Thanks LeRainDrop for the link to that article ^^^

[dodojojo]

I find GW overwhelming.  I really enjoy going to my local smaller thrift shops.  They're the kind you can browse through in 5-10 minutes and if nothing catches your eye, you're out of there.  Since they are smaller, I have to be patient with "need" items as they likely aren't on the shelves.  That's the advantage of GW--they literally have almost everything.  But that doesn't do me any good if I can't stand to there for more than 20 minutes.

[Dicey]

Goodwill just opened a store in my town. If I drive to the end of my street, make one turn and follow that road to the end, I will find myself in the GW parking lot. Score! Except that their prices are kind of silly. Fortunately there's an independent thrift store slightly closer. Another bonus of not living in the fanciest part of town.

[Digital Dogma]

Sometime when I was a teenager, it occurred to me that every collection, of anything, that I'd ever seen, was dusty. That alone led me to one of the most useful rules of thumb I've ever embraced: don't own anything that just collects dust. And my home decor pretty well reflects this ;) I decorate a lot with candles. Dusty? Burn it. Same idea with dried flowers. If it gets too dusty? Throw it away, dry some new ones, ta da, decor. It's funny, I get a lot of compliments on my home decor, when most of it is based around me being lazy.

I wonder what will happen to all those porcelain dolls and stuffed animals everyone is hoarding, as the older generations die? We're beginning to reach the end of life for the first generations of consumers in a cheap consumption society. It'll be interesting to see how it all goes. A lot of landfills, I'm sure, sadly enough.

I get a kick out of watching the Antique Road Show's "Then and now" price comparisons, they'll re-air old episodes and give an updated price evaluation after a number of years have passed. I'm rarely disappointed when I see something hideous like a collectible doll come up which was worth a whole lot of money, they typically are worth far less years after the initial appraisal.

So if you DO have a collection and its sitting around collecting nothing but dust, chances are its not gonna get any more valuable over time, younger generations are just not that into old stuff. Sell it now! While there are still buyers alive who can appreciate it like you did!