A second-hand notepad. A price tag that sparked an argument. And a wave of frustration sweeping through charity shop aisles across the country.

A shopper named Casey believed she was getting a 50-cent bargain at a Salvation Army op-shop—until she reached the counter and was told it would cost $4.50.

She had already placed her coin on the counter when the volunteer corrected her.

In a clip posted to social media, she said: ‘So I walk up to the charity shop counter with this and my 50c already in hand. Pop it down, hand the lady my 50c. She goes, “Oh no, that’s $4.50.”’

Casey explained that she thought the handwritten label said 50c, as it appeared to show a semi-colon followed by the number 50.

‘I said, “Oh, I thought it said 50 cents”, and as I’m digging through my wallet, trying to grab the other coins—because I’m not going to argue with the charity shop—she goes: “I’m not going to argue with you. If you think it says 50 cents, then whatever.”’

‘I need to make sure I’m not going insane,’ Casey added.

Shopper misreads price, gets unexpected response. Image source: TikTok/vegemitewedgie

She then asked viewers: ‘Guys, does this say 50c or $4.50?’

Despite the confusion, she paid the $4 difference, but pointed out that the issue ran much deeper than just one item.

‘You're an elderly volunteer at a Salvation Army, and it is Tuesday. I didn't come here to be gas-lit,’ she said.

‘I'm thinking (is she) actually married to Saint Vincent de Paul himself? Like you're licking his boot, babe.’

‘It's like… price it up properly then.’

‘What if I was someone who was actually struggling, on my last 50 cents, and you treated me like that at a charity shop?’

Source: TikTok/vegemitewedgie​

Her story struck a nerve, as dozens of Australians chimed in with their own frustrations about rising op-shop prices.

‘With rising prices, you think op shops would've stayed cheap for that very reason so people that can't afford stuff can actually still buy stuff,’ one person wrote.

‘Is it even possible to find things that cheap in op-shops anymore?’ another added.

‘I refuse to shop in op-shops now,’ a third user commented.

‘I’m low income with four kids, I was raised on op-shop clothes myself—my mum could dress six kids on a $12 fill-a-bag—and I actually loved the hunt, but I can’t afford to shop there anymore.’

‘It’s either Kmart or Shein or Facebook as it’s cheaper. (Op-shops) aren’t targeted towards struggling people anymore which is sad.’

Another shopper pointed out: ‘I love when you go to op shops and they have Anko shirts—shirts that you buy at Kmart for around $7—for sale for $10 plus.’

Some praised regional stores for staying true to their purpose.

‘I live in an undesirable low income rural town and the op shop ladies are the best. They constantly discount already cheap stuff and give out freebies,’ one viewer said.

Casey is not the first to raise concerns.

In April, Courtney Leigh Hollins criticised a Western Australia Salvation Army for pricing a table at $400 and a couch at $240.

‘Imagine struggling in this economy and coming to the Salvos for help,’ she posted online.

‘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.’

Other eyebrow-raising price tags included a $25 single duvet, a $250 wooden cabinet, and a $600 furniture piece.

Melbourne mother-of-six Nicole Preece encountered a $280 rug filled with ‘dog or cat hair’, $28 jeans with a ‘crusty crotch’, and a karaoke machine priced at $299—with no microphone, just drum sticks sold separately for $15.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Zervas in Brisbane found a carry basket marked at $60.

‘$60 for what? Oh my God, man, are you actually serious?’ she asked.

‘I just am blown away.’

Key Takeaways

• Casey was charged $4.50 for a notepad she thought cost 50c.
• She said the unclear price tag and staff response left her feeling gaslit.
• Other Aussies shared similar frustrations over rising op-shop prices.
• Items priced higher than retail goods have raised questions about the mission of charity shops.

Have charity shops drifted too far from their original mission to support those doing it tough?

 

[Jan A]

Charity shop management has changed from focussing on providing affordable goods for low income people to setting up “boutique-style” shops to make profits. As a very long-term fan of charity stores, I have noticed the difference over the past few years.

Listen up management: We do not go to a charity shop to buy second-hand goods at the same price as new goods. You are alienating your own customers. I am not going to pay $10 for a second-hand t-shirt when I can buy a brand new one from K Mart, Best & Less or Big W for the same price or lower. As for charging $4.50 for a notebook, are you kidding? Is it gold plated? What a ridiculous price.

Some charity shops still offer reasonable prices for good quality goods. When you see unreasonable prices for goods, put them down and leave the shop. Hopefully, the eventual decline in their business will force management to re-think their priorities.

 

[kerrikennel]

That looks like it could've been a 6 or a 5, but looks nothing like a partial 4!!

 

[Jo Piper3]

Sad she had to post on social media (just to have her photo published).

 

[Isis]

Used to love a rummage , the pension doesn’t go far, but the prices are too high. So off to Temu I go, nice clothes very affordable.nyou have a weeks wait but worth it. I am a small person so wonderful, to have things I don’t have to hem. Some of their products come up in f book adds twice the price so I let people know about it.

 

[Ashmenou]

Charity shop management has changed from focussing on providing affordable goods for low income people to setting up “boutique-style” shops to make profits. As a very long-term fan of charity stores, I have noticed the difference over the past few years.

Listen up management: We do not go to a charity shop to buy second-hand goods at the same price as new goods. You are alienating your own customers. I am not going to pay $10 for a second-hand t-shirt when I can buy a brand new one from K Mart, Best & Less or Big W for the same price or lower. As for charging $4.50 for a notebook, are you kidding? Is it gold plated? What a ridiculous price.

Some charity shops still offer reasonable prices for good quality goods. When you see unreasonable prices for goods, put them down and leave the shop. Hopefully, the eventual decline in their business will force management to re-think their priorities.

Agree. I used to buy lots of stuff from them, now I don’t even bother to enter their shops as it is too expensive for my budget. I get a better deal with other shops

 

[Frida1944]

Charity is big business now and, of course, the CEO has to be paid hundreds of thousands of dollars. They have long forgotten just why their charities were set up. There is no way someone on a low income with several children can afford their prices any longer. They are far better going to Temu where the prices are super low. It might not be politically correct to purchase from their store but, in the current financial environment, needs must when the devil drives! I was once a big op shop fan as I could always find quirky bits and pieces at reasonable prices. No longer, as their prices on some of their so-called "antiques" and "collectibles" border on the ridiculous!

 

[BabsL]

The Salvos staff are PAID a wage. They are not volunteers. That is the reason they give for charging such high prices for donated goods.
Other OpShops are staffed by Volunteers - no wages.
Shop rentals have risen and electricity prices are high, so the organisations still hv to pay.
As single pension my only income, I cannot afford the Salvos.

 

[Rujam]

My friend works in an op shop and says they are now classed as a business, not a charity. They are getting donated items so why the hike in prices?

 

[SandraD22]

It looks like 50c to me. I remember having to shop in charity shops, when I was a young mother, to buy clothes for my children. It is embarrassing to be pulled up for offering the wrong money and worse if you don't have the extra in your purse. The prices in some shops are unrealistic

 

[Jest]

this is why i do not give to the salvos. I have quite a good selection of shirts etc, and i wish to give them to charity without any expense to anyone. WHO ARE THEY PLEASE.
i give to MND, so sad, and Fred Hollows and Cancer.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Sad she had to post on social media (just to have her photo published).

And with a head like that, I would donate her some paper bags.

 

[Veggiepatch]

The Salvos staff are PAID a wage. They are not volunteers. That is the reason they give for charging such high prices for donated goods.
Other OpShops are staffed by Volunteers - no wages.
Shop rentals have risen and electricity prices are high, so the organisations still hv to pay.
As single pension my only income, I cannot afford the Salvos.

Salvos administrative staff and managers are paid a wage, not ordinary store staff. Over 8000 Salvos employees are volunteers.

In addition, the Salvos OWN almost $700 million in real estate in Australia. mostly for their retail operations. So where are the rental expenses?

 

[Jan A]

this is why i do not give to the salvos. I have quite a good selection of shirts etc, and i wish to give them to charity without any expense to anyone. WHO ARE THEY PLEASE.
i give to MND, so sad, and Fred Hollows and Cancer.

Perhaps think about giving your shirts and other things free through www.gumtree.com.au. Someone who needs them will be happy to have them.

 

[joybells sausage]

Op Shops often have a paid manager because there are no longer enough people willing or able to volunteer.
There are many Health and Safety regulations that must be adhered to in any business.
Op Shops have always been profit making businesses. They help people by providing cheaper recycled second hand goods, but they also help people through charity. A hospital, or aged care Op shop raises money to help the hospital or institution. Many of the charities GIVE goods to people in need. Grocery vouchers, fuel vouchers and help in many other ways can be offered because the shops make a profit. Sometimes the people who "complain" the most about Op Shops are people who want to sore a fabulous bargain that they can then sell on Marketplace. If you think something is genuinly overpriced at an op shop, discuss it politely with the manager - mistakes in pricing occur. Better still, think about volunteering and offering your expertise to help any of our charity shops raise worthwhile, needed funds for many charities.

 

[7777]

I have been going to our Savers charity store for many years. They always have the best quality items with very reasonable prices. Toys, jewelry, clothes, bedding, paintings, cutlery, crockery, ornaments, vases, they are always at a very low and affordable price. And I must say, that the Savers store always has more customers than our Kmart store, which is located just across the road from each other. Whether its a festive season like Christmas, or just a normal day of the week, Savers is full everyday with happy customers.