'They've outpriced us': Mum unearths $280 find at Salvation Army
- Replies 27
Op-shopping, affectionately known as thrifting, has long been a treasure hunt for bargain hunters and environmentally conscious shoppers.
It's a place where one person's discard becomes another's delight and where the thrill of the find is as much a part of the experience as the savings.
What happens when the prices at these charitable institutions start to resemble those of high-end retail stores?
Melbourne-based mum and op-shopper Nicole Preece was in disbelief at the price tags she encountered at her local Salvation Army store.
Among the items was a second-hand rug priced at a staggering $280, complete with an unwelcome addition of pet hair.
She also stumbled upon a pair of 'heavily stained' trainers for $12, which smelled as if a feline freshly marked them.
A pair of jeans with a 'crusty crotch' was on sale, and a pre-loved karaoke machine, sans microphone, were priced at $29 and $299, respectively.
It's a discovery that sparked a conversation about charity shop pricing and their accessibility to those they aim to serve.
Ms Preece took to social media and shared her experience in a four-minute video that quickly caught the attention of outraged Aussies.
'I've seen charity shops charge double the price for an Anko Kmart brand brand new,' one commenter wrote.
'I think they have outpriced the lower income earners,' a second wrote.
'Mornington Salvation Army, please comment on why your prices are so ridiculous?' another comment read as they called out another Salvation Army branch.
The Salvation Army, a cornerstone of charitable giving and support for those in need, stated on its website that its stores offer 'second-hand or vintage pieces at an affordable price'.
The profits from these sales were meant to fund community programs, providing free goods to those facing hardship.
However, the experiences shared by Ms Preece and others suggest a disconnect between the organisation's mission and the reality of its pricing.
In response to the outcry, some savvy shoppers have offered tips, such as inquiring if an item is old stock, which could lead to a price reduction.
Yet, the underlying issue remains: are charity shops losing sight of their purpose to provide affordable goods to those in need?
'If people are having to steal from an op shop, it's proof right there it's too expensive,' a viewer pointed out.
'If they're not a charity, they can start paying more tax!' one exclaimed.
In a previous story, Ms Preece also called out the shop for a $250 dinnerware set—a staggering price compared to their commitment to affordability.
As of this writing, Salvation Army Australia has not yet issued any statements regarding the issue.
Have you found that the prices at your local op shops have increased over the years? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below.
It's a place where one person's discard becomes another's delight and where the thrill of the find is as much a part of the experience as the savings.
What happens when the prices at these charitable institutions start to resemble those of high-end retail stores?
Melbourne-based mum and op-shopper Nicole Preece was in disbelief at the price tags she encountered at her local Salvation Army store.
Among the items was a second-hand rug priced at a staggering $280, complete with an unwelcome addition of pet hair.
She also stumbled upon a pair of 'heavily stained' trainers for $12, which smelled as if a feline freshly marked them.
Mum and online content creator Nicole Preece expressed her disappointment towards the charity shop in a video. Image Credit: TikTok/Aussie Mum to Six
A pair of jeans with a 'crusty crotch' was on sale, and a pre-loved karaoke machine, sans microphone, were priced at $29 and $299, respectively.
It's a discovery that sparked a conversation about charity shop pricing and their accessibility to those they aim to serve.
Ms Preece took to social media and shared her experience in a four-minute video that quickly caught the attention of outraged Aussies.
'I've seen charity shops charge double the price for an Anko Kmart brand brand new,' one commenter wrote.
'I think they have outpriced the lower income earners,' a second wrote.
'Mornington Salvation Army, please comment on why your prices are so ridiculous?' another comment read as they called out another Salvation Army branch.
The Salvation Army, a cornerstone of charitable giving and support for those in need, stated on its website that its stores offer 'second-hand or vintage pieces at an affordable price'.
The profits from these sales were meant to fund community programs, providing free goods to those facing hardship.
However, the experiences shared by Ms Preece and others suggest a disconnect between the organisation's mission and the reality of its pricing.
In response to the outcry, some savvy shoppers have offered tips, such as inquiring if an item is old stock, which could lead to a price reduction.
Yet, the underlying issue remains: are charity shops losing sight of their purpose to provide affordable goods to those in need?
'If people are having to steal from an op shop, it's proof right there it's too expensive,' a viewer pointed out.
'If they're not a charity, they can start paying more tax!' one exclaimed.
In a previous story, Ms Preece also called out the shop for a $250 dinnerware set—a staggering price compared to their commitment to affordability.
As of this writing, Salvation Army Australia has not yet issued any statements regarding the issue.
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