Interested in visiting a Goodwill Bins Outlet Store for the first time? Here’s what to expect and how much you can save!
In a Nutshell:
The Goodwill Bins are a fantastic place to find cheap deals for resellers and anyone on a budget. It’s unlike any other second-hand store you’ve been to before so plan what you want to look for ahead and expect chaos. Once you learn the rules you’ll be on your way to finding bargains! Make sure to inspect all your finds for damage before purchasing and wash them when you get home.
Because living on a single income can get tight, both my husband and I have dabbled in reselling to make extra money on the side. One of our favorite places to find incredible deals is the Goodwill Outlet Bins. Items sold here are sold by weight so your dollar stretches further! Whether you’re planning to resell or just looking for cheap clothing and home goods, the Goodwill Bins are worth the trip!
What Is A Goodwill Bins Store?
A Goodwill Outlet store is where all the unsold or extra donated items end up before heading to the landfill or recycling. Everything you would find at a normal Goodwill store will also be at a Goodwill Bins store but everything is in large rolling bins instead of hangers and shelves. Hence the name “The Bins”. Most items are priced per pound. Furniture, DVDs, and books are priced individually and usually deeply discounted. There are far fewer Goodwill Bins than regular Goodwill stores and the experience is wildly different than shopping at other second-hand stores. You can find a store near you using this store locator.
Preparing For Your Visit To The Goodwill Bins
Bring Bags: The Goodwill Bins do not provide bags so you’ll need to bring your own. Make sure they are large bags or that you have multiple so you don’t run out of room.
Expect Crowds: The Goodwill Bins can be hectic and chaotic, especially on weekends. They are usually filled with resellers and bargain-hunters looking for deals who arrive early and look for specific items. Most Goodwill Bins do not allow strollers. Plan to leave young kids at home or baby-wear if they are young enough.
Bring Gloves: Gloves will provide you with protection from sharp or broken items. They will also be a barrier between you and the unwashed donations. At normal Goodwill stores, employees inspect clothing for major stains or filth. Here they do not.
Dress Comfortably: The Goodwill Bins are typically busy and there is no place to sit. If you stop to take a break you may lose your place in line so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes you can stand in for a while.
Time of Day: Plan to arrive early and wait in line if you’re looking to find the best gems. If you’re looking to make a casual visit, I would recommend arriving in the afternoon after the rush.
Learning the System
Because the Goodwill Bins can be crowded, there are special rules to keep bargain-hunting fair. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the rules when you arrive. Typically you must start in a specific area and follow the arrows around the bins. When a new bin is rolled out, a line forms around that bin. The first in line get the first look at the fresh inventory. Many seasoned resellers will scout out these bins first. Don’t be afraid to network with these resellers and find out the specific tips or tricks they may have for shopping at that particular location.
General Conduct at Goodwill Bins
Besides the enforced rules, there is also an unspoken code of conduct at the Goodwill Bins. First, NEVER steal a find from someone else’s cart. If it is in their cart, they found it and have a right to purchase it. However, some shoppers do sometimes steal. To protect yourself, make sure you keep an eye on your cart of finds. Sometimes people will cover their carts with sheets so no one can see underneath. If you find a really fantastic deal, keep it to yourself. Telling everyone around you may provoke jealousy.
Competition is part of the Goodwill Bins experience. With everyone searching through bins together, there is very little personal space. Occasionally pushing and shoving can happen. Employees try to keep this to a minimum but my recommendation is to move away from any shopper you feel is too aggressive for your comfort. No bargain is worth a fight.
Goodwill Bins Pricing Model
Most things at the Goodwill Bins are priced by weight. The more you buy, the less per pound you pay. Some items like furniture, bikes, books, DVDs, and CDs are priced per item. All are deeply discounted. All sales are final.
Tips for Finding the Best Items
Plan Ahead: Know what you’re looking for and don’t get distracted by everything else. Getting overwhelmed will make you lose focus and overspend when you find things you don’t need.
Inspect: Before you check out go through your cart and make sure there is nothing wrong with the items you chose. Test electronics, check for holes and stains in clothing, and make sure the decor isn’t broken.
Give Yourself Time: You’ll need time to look through all the bins to find the treasures. Plan for an hour minimum and don’t rush. Bins are not sorted so skimming the top layer won’t give you any indication of what might be beneath.
Post-Visit Considerations
Make sure you wash everything when you get home. The Goodwill Bins do not clean items before putting them out for thrifters. Remember, all sales are final so if you bring home something you don’t end up liking, consider reselling or donating.
Reselling for Beginners
Do you want to pick up resale as a side income? Many resellers like “sourcing” at Goodwill Bins because it is one of the cheapest second-hand options. If you’re new to reselling the Goodwill Bins can be a low-risk way to dip your toes in! Make sure your items are in good condition and cleaned before listing them for resale. If you’re looking for inspiration Mogi Beth, ReCloth Collection, Ginger Marvin, and Jack Valentine are some of my favorite reselling YouTubers with Goodwill Bin content.
Starting to resell can be overwhelming. Start by picking just one category of items to resell. Personally, I like to resell clothing. Then, start following long-time resellers like Mogi Beth (clothing reseller) to learn what brands or products to look out for. Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, eBay, Depop, and Mercari are all popular selling sites. Each platform has different expectations and seller fees so research and pick just just one to start on.
Don’t expect everything to sell fast or for a ton of money. Sometimes I end up only making a $1 on a sale or holding onto a dress for 2 years before it finally sells. Be patient and continue to learn more about your chosen category and ways to maximize sales on your chosen selling platform.
Are you planning your first trip to the Goodwill Bins? Let me know how it goes in the comments below!
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