Op shop find prompts cost-of-living conversation: ‘I nearly fell over’

The cost of living crisis in Australia has been a hot topic of discussion for some time now. After all, it has left nothing unscathed, and as a result, many Aussies have kept a closer eye on spending.

One if its many victims: thrift shopping. Popping into your local op shop can be a fun day out, and finding that lovely skirt or a pair of boots to add to your wardrobe while supporting a good cause.

However, an eye-popping discovery in a Sydney charity shop has made many folks question if thrift stores can still be called such in today’s times.



A dress, priced at a whopping $45, has sparked a heated debate about the escalating cost of living and the affordability of second-hand items in charity shops.

A customer, who was browsing through the clothes at a Sydney Vinnies store, was taken aback by the simple floral dress’ price.


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A dress from an op shop was sold for $45. Credit: Facebook



‘Dropped into St Vinnies and was browsing at the clothes I thought I love the fabric and print on this dress. Maybe I could make a skirt out of it, it’s not my size dress, I sew,’ they said.

'I nearly fell over when I saw the price.'

The customer expressed their disappointment on social media, sparking a wave of responses from people who shared similar experiences and concerns about the rising prices in op shops.

The customer argued that Vinnies, a charity shop, should be providing affordable options for people who are struggling financially.

'It is meant to be a shop for people who don’t have much money. That’s the concept of it, always has been,' they said.

‘It’s disgusting seeing them taking advantage of people.’

‘Vinnies has lost its true meaning, I won’t be stepping foot in another.’



The post resonated with many people who agreed that op shops have become overpriced.

'It’s ridiculous the prices they put on stuff that they get donated,' one woman wrote.

Another person added, 'They get free clothes and charge an arm and a leg for them. Not good.'

‘I think that it’s a good idea to have prices adjusted slightly,’ said another, explaining how the brand played a role in how Vinnies priced the item.

‘But $45 is someone’s weekly budget for food. I was a big op shopper but stopped going.’

A shopper was also shocked upon finding that the price of a T-shirt at Vinnies was $350.

‘I don’t know much about high fashion…Tell me, is this reasonable?’ he said on social media.



The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, which operates Vinnies stores, responded by stating that the pricing at Vinnies shops is determined by customer affordability and the quality of goods on sale.

'Our shops use a simple pricing guide based on research on value in the general second-hand marketplace and the quality of the garment,' they said.

‘Vinnies Shops account for 40 per cent of organisational revenue, and this is critical to the funding of programs and services across NSW.’

‘This is especially important at a time when the cost of living is rising, which is leading to a decline in general fundraising capacity just as there is an increase in the number of people seeking assistance.’

However, the high prices at Vinnies stores have led many people to opt for cheaper alternatives like Kmart, where you can pick up a T-shirt for $2.50 and a pair of shorts for $5.50.

'Needless to say, better off going to Kmart,' wrote the author of the social media post.

‘No one should have to pay more for 2nd hand clothes at anytime especially when you can get cheaper at Kmart brand new,’ one user said in agreement.



Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, Chief Economist for PRD, provided some insight into why charity stores are selling things for higher prices. She explained that apart from the cost of living crisis, there are factors that Aussie shoppers might not be considering.

'A lot of the time St Vinnies or any other op shops don't own the building they operate under or out of. They still have to pay even if they are a charity,' Dr Mardiasmo said.

Aussies felt the pressure of costs due to inflation, with the Reserve Bank stating that the interest rates rose 13 times from its record low of 0.1 per cent to 4.35 per cent.


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There are other factors as to why clothing in charity shops rose. Credit: Unsplash



‘Vinnies has to cover the costs—whether it's the increase in rental, increase in wages and any other operational costs that they might have to cover,’ Dr Mardiasmo said.

A recent study from Finder revealed that 3 in 4 Australians are somewhat or extremely stressed with their financial situation.

Five per cent of Aussies opt to change where they purchase their clothes to fight back against inflation.

‘One of the ways St Vinnies or any other charity shops do try to still get that donation is by upping their prices in their op shops,’ Dr Mardiasmo explained.

‘It can be very frustrating for people who are trying to find those good bargains, good finds in op shops because they themselves are trying to decrease their cost of living—so they are expecting they'll be able to pick up something cheaper in op shops.’

‘At the moment, more often than not, I've been hearing that is not the case.’
Key Takeaways
  • An Australian shopper sparked a debate about the cost of living after discovering a floral dress priced at $45 at a Sydney Vinnies store.
  • Many social media users agreed with the shopper's assertion that op shops have become overpriced.
  • A spokesperson from the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW explained that the pricing at Vinnies shops is determined by customer affordability as well as the quality of the goods on sale. They added that the shops generate 40% of the society's revenue, which is crucial for funding various programs and services.
  • Chief economist for PRD, Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, provided insight into why charity stores are selling items for higher prices, citing increased operational costs and the reduced number of donations due to the cost-of-living crisis.
What are your thoughts on the rising cost of living in Australia? Have you noticed an increase in prices at your local op shops? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
 
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I was once and avid shopper at all op shops as money was tight. I noticed the local Vinnies was dearer for 2nd hand shirts, then for a new one at Target . The more I looked, the more I began noticed the higher price of a lot items. I nicely mentioned it to the woman in charge and she was extremely rude and dismissive. I understand they have to pay rent, power etc but I will not pay what they are asking . I have not been back to that particular store in years.
 
I donate to the lions club, who do wonderful work around the place. they certainly do spend it on others, not to mention the beautiful playground that their volunteers have just completed not far from my home. Both my boys have just given me lots of quality clothing items to donate, some even have labels attached.
I suggest you do some research before you open your mouth about what charities do with their money.
I volunteer, as do some of my friends. What a miserable individual you are.
open your mouth when you know what you're talking about. Many of us do actually know. Churches aren't as angelic as some people want them to be. I took in recovering addicts ALONE for 7 years, saw things I didn't want to see and even had the Sally Major stand up in Church and claim that I '"BEDDED" my boarders. I took in over 270 people (Long and short term) over that time. I am 81 and well respected in this town.
 
It's also common knowledge that the people who collect items directly from donating residents, often keep good furniture for their own use or relatives ... never to be seen at the op shops for customers. For instance, wealthier home owners donate their 2 yr old lounge suit when they replace the new one. I've never seen these type of lounge suits in op shops. Something needs to be done about it.
Yes it is well known that this does happen in certain stores
 
A few years ago I took some recovering addicts to a meeting at the Sallies. I witnessed people in the room under the Church sorting and ripping the paper off the donations to K-Mart Christmas tree. They put some stuff into individual bags but took their pick of stuff for themselves. That was the last I ever gave them. I hear you well Veggie. I'm in Sth Bundy.
That's terrible! What action was taken when you reported this crime?
 
A few years ago I took some recovering addicts to a meeting at the Sallies. I witnessed people in the room under the Church sorting and ripping the paper off the donations to K-Mart Christmas tree. They put some stuff into individual bags but took their pick of stuff for themselves. That was the last I ever gave them. I hear you well Veggie. I'm in Sth Bundy.
I was at Avoca from 2007 until 2015. Fun times!
 
This doesn't surprise me. I have always been an ardent op-shopper but no more. The prices have become ridiculous. It is cheaper to shop at KMart or on online with Temu to buy relatively cheap, good quality items. But, I guess they have to get enough money in to pay the exorbitant salaries of their CEOs. It's pretty disgraceful really when you think about the original reasons for op shops - to help the poor and needy!
 
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The bulk of volunteers and paid employees of op shops are upstanding citizens. With these or any large organisations, there can be dishonest and untrustworthy ones.
I can attest to that from my experience - and I'm familiar with the MO of several Gold Coast Op Shops. Certainly this thread shows some interesting claimed Op Shop experiences and whether true or not true, that's very sad for such a wonderful industry. Our Op Shop is very strict and no worker has any privileges which are unavailable to customers, and as for pricing, let the marketplace send its signals to Op Shops just as any market does. In our case, in the 6 years I've been working there, our turnover has increased enormously, which means our pricing, product and service is great - and then our ensuing community ministry is well-funded as a result! Everyone's a winner!
 
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I can attest to that from my experience - and I'm familiar with the MO of several Gold Coast Op Shops. Certainly this thread shows some interesting claimed Op Shop experiences and whether true or not true, that's very sad for such a wonderful industry. Our Op Shop is very strict and no worker has any privileges which are unavailable to customers, and as for pricing, let the marketplace send its signals to Op Shops just as any market does. In our case, in the 6 years I've been working there, our turnover has increased enormously, which means our pricing, product and service is great - and then our ensuing community ministry is well-funded as a result! Everyone's a winner!
Good work!
 
Certainly different people have different experiences with Op Shops. But I agree, some folks here seem to be quite aggressive towards them, don't they? There is a lot of sacrifice, hard work and voluntary contribution at the heart of charities whose main aim is to benefit those in most need.
Yes, unfortunately, there appears to be many people who probably have never donated any of their time to help others. Instead they just whinge, moan and groan about everything. One would think that in your twilight years, you would be grateful just to wake up in the morning. It is a pity that so many older individuals carry so much bitterness.
 
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open your mouth when you know what you're talking about. Many of us do actually know. Churches aren't as angelic as some people want them to be. I took in recovering addicts ALONE for 7 years, saw things I didn't want to see and even had the Sally Major stand up in Church and claim that I '"BEDDED" my boarders. I took in over 270 people (Long and short term) over that time. I am 81 and well respected in this town.
Oh dear, another bitter old man.
 
I was reading an article recently about costs at these so called charity shops,,,the workers were going through donated clothing and those with a good brand name were set aside and later put on Ebay,,it's disgraceful,,,I won't support any charity now,,they have become so greedy and extremely expensive,,,,I was looking for a child's tshirt one day and went into City Mission,,,they had them but were so out of shape and the white part was actually grey and they wanted $3 ,,needless to say I put it back,,next time I was at BigW I bought a beautiful snowy white one for the same price of $3
 
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Is this "common knowledge" supported by facts or just conspiracy theories, I wonder? Surely something would be "done about it" if actual evidence was publicised?
I donated clothing hubby had grown out off including a leather jacket he had hardly worn. No sooner had I put it on the counter, a chap grabbed it tried it on and said, " that's mine" and went out and put it in his car. I asked whether he would pay for it and was told that the workers had first choice when goods came in. This was the Sallies in Wagga. Obviously a standard thing. I don't give to charity shops any more, would rather go down to where our homeless stay here in Wagga. If they don't want it I put it in the bin now. Disgusted and disillusioned.
 
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Certainly different people have different experiences with Op Shops. But I agree, some folks here seem to be quite aggressive towards them, don't they? There is a lot of sacrifice, hard work and voluntary contribution at the heart of charities whose main aim is to benefit those in most need.
Try the op shops in Wagga, you will be thoroughly disillusioned.
 
Try the op shops in Wagga, you will be thoroughly disillusioned.
One of our local op shops is run only so the guy in charge can bignote himself, already has an OBE for his charity work. Not sure what he is working towards at present.
 
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