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.


photo (1).jpg
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.


hannah-morgan-ycVFts5Ma4s-unsplash.jpg
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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Oh for goodness sake. Vinnies have to cover costs for the rent on the building. Vinnies is part of a church charity that pays no tax and the church itself is worth millions, even billions of dollars. Most of the clothing in a lot of the charity shops are not fit to buy and should just be thrown on the fire and burned. Most are not too bad for household stuff like nick naks and cutlery, crockery. Like a lot of organisations looking for donations, they have lots of money but never really spend it on others.
Sweeping inaccurate statements!
 
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.


View attachment 36662
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.


View attachment 36663
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.
Weren't Vinnies one of the charities that withheld a portion of donations from fire victims for future disasters! Greedy and I will never donate anything to them .
 
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Reactions: anouch and Jennie
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.
You need to open your eyes to what is going on with these charities.
 
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Reactions: Jennie
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 remember my mum did charity work for St Vinnies in Melbourne about 55 years ago.....and she said the very same back then, that they would go thru everything donated and anything worth a quid or in good condition was always picked over by the bosses first and they had first pick before anything ever went into store....Mum was horrified at all of the furniture and household items that were loaded onto trucks for delivery to the bosses homes on a regular basis....Mum worked there for about 3 years as a volunteer.
 
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Reactions: Jennie
todays Sallys are definitely different.,not the same as good old days..they are a business now (and a good one at that) I no longer support them and I sympathise with thier "grass roots workers,(wonderful people)...the stories above are true I have seen it all..charities are dead as far as I am concerned ,and I am angry for the past ,being one of the suckers that supported them....no more
 
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Reactions: Jennie
New clothes at Millers, Katie’s etc on special are quite often cheaper than used stuff in Op shops.
My thoughts exactly. Last time I went into Vinnies, picked up the first item, saw the over the top prices, turned around and walked out. I thought it was outrages what they were charging. Love you K-mart!!! & goodby Vinnies!!
 
Last edited:
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Reactions: Jennie
Have found that all the op shops in my area except one which is run by a local church, are priced way out of a normal persons budget except for the kids clothes in Salvos which are $1.00 each. I stopped op shopping for adult clothes ages ago and now wait for the big department stores to have their end of season sales and am able to buy what I want at much cheaper prices than the op shops.
 
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.


View attachment 36662
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.


View attachment 36663
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.
I agree entirely. I used to visit them frequently as I felt I was in some way helping people that didn't have as much as me, but lately things like tops are so expensive I can get them brand new cheaper in K-Mart. I think it's ridiculous so now I don't bother going.
 
I agree entirely. I used to visit them frequently as I felt I was in some way helping people that didn't have as much as me, but lately things like tops are so expensive I can get them brand new cheaper in K-Mart. I think it's ridiculous so now I don't bother going.
I also used to love going to Op shops but Vinnie's in particular are miles too expensive. In the country town where I live the Op shop is run by volunteers,.by the Country Women's Association. Nothing is over $3.
If you live in WA there is a cheap shop in Mandurah called Halo and also another cheap one in Golden Bay
You just need to look around, but give Vinnie's, Salvos and the like a miss.
 
I remember my mum did charity work for St Vinnies in Melbourne about 55 years ago.....and she said the very same back then, that they would go thru everything donated and anything worth a quid or in good condition was always picked over by the bosses first and they had first pick before anything ever went into store....Mum was horrified at all of the furniture and household items that were loaded onto trucks for delivery to the bosses homes on a regular basis....Mum worked there for about 3 years as a volunteer.
Did your mother report this activity?
 
  • Like
Reactions: GPA
Weren't Vinnies one of the charities that withheld a portion of donations from fire victims for future disasters! Greedy and I will never donate anything to them .
yes they were and I won't be supporting them either,,,quite often you can buy new everything rather than pay the ridiculous price vinnies want for dirty out of shape smelly clothes
 
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 have been told first handthe only reason
 

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