'Charity is just a big business': Aussies outraged over op shops' price hikes

Op shops have been a staple for bargain hunters and shoppers looking to support charitable causes.

However, a recent wave of discontent towards these stores has swept through communities.

The outcry sparked conversations about charity shops' role in our society and whether they are still staying true to their mission.


Shoppers expressed their dismay over exorbitant pricing at The Salvation Army's op shops.

The issue came to light when a mum and online content creator, Courtney Leigh Hollins, shared a video from her recent Salvos trip.

Ms Hollins' video highlighted several household items with prices that left her viewers gobsmacked.


compressed-Salvos.jpeg
The Salvation Army has over 400 stores nationwide. Image Credit: Salvos Online


Second-hand bed linen ranged from $11 to $20.

Meanwhile, furniture such as a table had a $400 price tag, and a cream couch was available for $240.

Her frustration was palpable as she questioned the affordability of these items.

'Imagine struggling in this b******* economy and coming to the Salvos for help,' Ms Hollins wrote in the video's caption.

'I'm so done with huge corporations like the Salvos who make millions per year and we still have families on the streets. Charity is just a big business.'


Hollins' video sparked a heated debate among Aussies who were feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis.

Other shoppers echoed similar sentiments and took to social media to voice their concerns.

'It's cheaper to shop at Kmart, and the bonus says you're getting brand-new,' a shopper stated.

See Ms Hollins' video here:

Source: @courtneyleighholl/TikTok

'So funny how it's all donated items and supposed to help those in need, but for those prices, it's ridiculous,' another remarked.

'The big three, Salvos, Lifeline and Vinnies, are out of touch with helping the poor,' a third pointed out, also calling out other op shops.

'I only support small independent op shops now.'


'You go to Kmart if you're struggling, not op shops. It's been like this for years, unfortunately,' a shopper commented.

'I know, and it needs to stop,' Hollins responded to the previous comment.

This backlash raised essential questions about the balance of generating revenue and maintaining accessibility.

Salvos Stores stated on their website that 100 per cent of their profits support The Salvation Army's community programs, which rely on donated goods.

Yet, if the prices are too steep for the people they aim to assist, is their charity model working as intended?

As of writing, The Salvation Army has yet to comment on these concerns.

With the cost of living rising, the role of op shops as affordable stores for the disadvantaged is more critical than ever.
Key Takeaways

  • The Salvation Army's op shops faced criticism from consumers for their high prices on second-hand items.
  • A mum shared a video online highlighting the expensive price tags of various donated items, including bed linen and furniture.
  • Customers shared the same sentiments and compared it to brand-new items from stores like Kmart.
  • Salvos Stores stated that all profits go towards supporting The Salvation Army's community programs.
Have you come across expensive finds at op shops near you? Should op shops change the way they price items? We encourage everyone to share their experiences and thoughts about this issue in the comments section below.
 

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My neighbour is an op shop shopper so must ask her about the pricing in Tasmania. I’ve donated heaps of stuff, a lot still new with tags, at various op shops & have found Lifeline & the Adra shop to be the most excited about receiving things. I also donate to the Benevolent Society as they actually give things to people.
 
At Geebung, Brisbane we have 4 op shops opposite the station. They are Red Cross, Lifeline, Link Vision and Salvos. They all have good items at very reasonable prices. Perhaps being so close together and lots of healthy competition helps keep the prices down?
 
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Reactions: PattiB
That is such a lie why are spreading untruths ☹️
Before pointing the finger, do your due diligence. There are actually 2 types of Salvos stores. One (thrift shop) is run by the Salvation Army. They are mainly found in smaller towns and you can always find a bargain.
The other, and the bone of contention, is the Salvos Stores that have the different coloured tags and often have colour tag sales. Their prices are ridiculous. These stores need to be investigated as they are reputed to be run by one of Australia’s largest supermarkets which hide behind the name. If this can be confirmed without a doubt then, yes, it is just a business that has no right or place in OP SHOP land.
. GO TO THE MEDIA! INVESTIGATE FIND OUT THE TRUTH.
IF FOUND GUILTY, THEN EXPOSE THEM FOR THE FRAUDULENT DEVIOUS SO AND SO’S THEY ARE!

On a better note, there are a lot of OP SHOPS out there that offer cheaper items.
Just remember that even they have overheads. Rent. Utilities. Insurance for both workers and customers.Accountants and book keepers. Logistics. Staff and training.
There is a lot more to running an op shop than just donations!
Kmart and the likes only provide cheaply made items from China. At a decent Op Shop you can buy higher quality items for a much cheaper price. You just need to hunt for them and if you are lucky, your item may even be new with price tag still attached
Think about all that before complaining about prices next time you are looking at something in your local op shop!
 
Op shops that trade under the guise of a "not for profit" church aligned business are generally fraudulent by being tax exempt, while making a PROFIT!

CEOs of large Australian not-for-profits are paid almost $100,000 more than average charity CEOs. Charities with a turnover of between $50 million and $500 million typically pay their CEOs $350,000. In contrast, the average salary of all charity CEOs is $267,000.

 
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM
That is exactly right what I do when we have donations to give now is hang around salvos or other charities and if I see mothers who look in need of help I give them the donations I have just a week ago I gave a couple of strollers and a lot of clothes still in very good condition one lady offered to pay me something but I refused she was incredibly thankful
 
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM
Before pointing the finger, do your due diligence. There are actually 2 types of Salvos stores. One (thrift shop) is run by the Salvation Army. They are mainly found in smaller towns and you can always find a bargain.
The other, and the bone of contention, is the Salvos Stores that have the different coloured tags and often have colour tag sales. Their prices are ridiculous. These stores need to be investigated as they are reputed to be run by one of Australia’s largest supermarkets which hide behind the name. If this can be confirmed without a doubt then, yes, it is just a business that has no right or place in OP SHOP land.
. GO TO THE MEDIA! INVESTIGATE FIND OUT THE TRUTH.
IF FOUND GUILTY, THEN EXPOSE THEM FOR THE FRAUDULENT DEVIOUS SO AND SO’S THEY ARE!

On a better note, there are a lot of OP SHOPS out there that offer cheaper items.
Just remember that even they have overheads. Rent. Utilities. Insurance for both workers and customers.Accountants and book keepers. Logistics. Staff and training.
There is a lot more to running an op shop than just donations!
Kmart and the likes only provide cheaply made items from China. At a decent Op Shop you can buy higher quality items for a much cheaper price. You just need to hunt for them and if you are lucky, your item may even be new with price tag still attached
Think about all that before complaining about prices next time you are looking at something in your local op shop!
Wow 😮 sorry but I haven’t been in an op shop in donkeys years so no finger pointing by me, go pick on someone else prick.☹️ And don’t yell I’m not deaf.
 
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I will not give anything to the Salvos now. Took a couple of bags of clothes , shoes etc that were very well looked after, to their warehouse in Hobart & they knocked them back. They said they weren't new enough.
I then sat in the car for a while & watched other people donating. Some staff went through the stuff & took items & put them in their car. Never again.
 

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