Goodwill Store Reviews

The second book order arrived a week later from Goodwill Industries of St. Clair County (Port Huron, MI). It, too, had not been packaged properly and arrived with damage to the cover, pages, and corners. I once again took careful pics to document and filed a complaint with Customer Service there. It took several days to hear back from them, but I was very pleased to see that they, too, apologized and refunded the full amount of purchase, including shipping & handling.

Both times I wrote I was very polite and stuck to the facts. Even though I'm disappointed that the shipments were damaged and not packaged well, I am still satisfied with their response. I didn't even ask for a refund and in both cases it was given. I think that is worth a 4-star review for shopgoodwill online auctions.

Even if you scope out an item that you want and bid your maximum in the last 10 seconds of the auction, well be prepared to be outbid by the store's own automated shill bid. That's their way of having a hidden "Reserve" if they think you got the item too cheap.

But be aware that if you win an auction you pay your bid and not the bid of the bidder behind you like at e-Bay. That alone scores them more money. But then their stores like the Middle Tennessee and Tacoma, Washington ones tack on crazy high postage that they score money on.

I've seen the Tacoma store go from having quasi reasonable postage of $12.81 on a ground shipped 5 pound guitar to the outlandish $37.99 + $10 "Handling Fee" the way they do now. And the friggin' Middle Tennessee store will do a last second shill bid of $547 on a Sigma guitar rather than let it sell at the already inflated $280 that classic guitar fetish clowns had bid it up to. The damn Middle Tennessee store has resubmitted that same little Sigma guitar 9 times that I know of.

DO NOT support ShopGoodwill.com EVER. Well, go ahead if you're a moneybag and can afford it. Too many people know about it, so there's no way in hell you'll ever hunt something down that's primo and score it with a last second bid at a bargain price. Because I guarantee you that someone else has put up a crazy high bid that they will bail on just to ruin the auction and hope the next time it comes up they have the money. That's right, folks. In that ShopGoodwill will not award it to the next highest bidder like they do at e-Bay, because they'd rather sit on classy items than let them go on the cheap.

And that's why the Manager of these stores enters the shill bids that sensible bidders can't beat. They know that some wealthy bidder will go the big bucks someday and they are willing to illegally rig auctions until that day comes. All in all ShopGoodwill.com is a sham; just a disreputable shack for lesbian and ** drug addicts to hang out. Do not support their idiot mission of getting burned out prostitutes back on their feet and whoring at the truck stop again.

UPDATE: ShopGoodwill.com (at least many of its participating stores on the auction site) is now straight-faced telling a whopper lie about how FedEx and USPS charging big "Dimensional Weight" fees for packages--as in $39.99 for a boxed guitar even if its packed weight is only 9 pounds. I don't believe it. But, if it WAS true then why the heck does Goodwill refuse to go with good old USPS, hey? I'll tell you why. It's because operating fraudulent on-line auction sights and then shipping by USPS is a Federal Offense, that's why. Oh sure, they are still in violation by shipping FedEx and USPS, but State's Attorneys wont touch them in light of "more serious" stuff involving their time.

Now one small word in defense of Goodwill. In that it might be the case that they are paying a fee to FedEx and USPS to pickup sold items at the store--that's a reasonable assumption being that every employee at Goodwill including the manager are burned-out druggies and whores on parole and don't drive. But COME ON, that pickup fee CAN'T be that big, COME ON! Goodwill is definitely pocketing some easy money and passing it on to the buyers, both with postage as well as "handling fees" to be sure. I look for them to soon put up a fraud online purchase tax calculator like BestBuy does and pocket that, too.

This is all highly unconscionable in light of Goodwill supposedly being a thrift store; a thrift store that hides behind a tax exempt/non-profit Jesus halo and angel wings "Mission" to give entry level crap jobs and hence work experience to society's casualties and undesirables.

Here's an example of how ShopGoodwill.com is unreasonably handling their goods. Case in point: A new and warranted 15-watt Epiphone acoustic guitar amp that can be bought for $99.99 free ship and no tax at MusiciansFriend.com. Well a Goodwill store has put that item up on a auction that also has a "Buy Now" for $59.99 link. Okay so already we're over 1/2 the new store price and leaving the "thrift" zone, especially considering this is in no way a "vintage" amp as in a '60s tube amp; it's just a poor man's solid state, China-made, pitiful squawking sucker. But here's the kicker. That damn store has also placed a $59.99 "Reserve" on that piece of crap, and its shipping is $43.99 and $7.00 "handling charge." That's right, folks. That ** store has locked in that guitar amp at a $110.98 price to you at it's cheapest. $10.99 OVER the new and warranted price with free shipping fer-cryin'-out-loud!

In another store, cashiers often chat about "re-sellers" and laugh about them. I find it unprofessional. In another store I noticed that a manager who used to work in another GW moved to that other one. That other one does get a lot of upscale/high-end items and I've seen him load his car with GW bags. I thought they don't allow employees and managers shop there but looks like its not the case.

I will not be shopping OR donating there any longer until I see some quality merchandise coming out onto the shelves consistently once again and not simply overpriced Chinese crap, Target rejects, broken glasswares, stained clothing, and cheap dollar store jewelry priced at 10 times the price. If they are putting everything 'good' onto ebay then what is the purpose of their crap store?

If they were a regular business they would be out of business in no time, but they have left us no choice, all the thrift stores now are scammers and they have managers that sell to dealers on the side, you cannot just walk into a store and find a gem in the rough. But unfortunately, I collect vintage Barbies and there's no place else to get them.

I asked to speak with the Manager... but then the manager came up and said the exact same thing and stuck to her, new higher price... LOOKING DOWN THE WHOLE TIME, not looking me in the eye, saying, "Someone switched the tags." I paid the extra $3 bucks, but let her know "I was not the person who switched the tag." I also told the manager, "I think the tag was switched by an employee..."

Really, I think this is what they do, they mark the tags lower and then when you get up to the cashier they tell you it's been tampered with and then say item costs MORE. Is this FALSE ADVERTISING AND BAIT & SWITCH? Does Goodwill have such high "Quota" that they tell the employees to change prices and lie to customers, insinuating that the customer changed the prices? Personally I feel it is their POLICY to change the prices. Who benefits? Who profits? WATCH OUT FOR THE SWITCH-A-ROO PRICE TAG SCAM. GOODWILL IS not so "GOOD" after all.

I will never shop or donate to this store ever again. It was the most insulting experience I have ever had at a store! My husband has been a manager for 15 years and has never treated anyone like this. Not sure what her problem was but she made a huge deal over a $3.69 shirt and didn't even apologize. So disappointing. I used loved donating and shopping at this store!

Some of the other stores will set a fixed shipping cost of say, $5-6, still using USPS/FedEx. Don't know how they do it, but many do it, so it must not be hard. But not Columbia-Willamette. You pay the full one-pound minimum plus handling, which is high compared to a lot of other stores. Trouble is, they have a lot of good stuff at that store. Particularly art. On a lot of this art, the painting or drawing is nice, but the frame is crap. No problem--just ask them to pitch the frame and ship without it, right, to save on that crazy-expensive shipping? No can do. Against policy. They refuse to do it. They will do absolutely NOTHING to help the customer save on shipping. Very, very frustrating.

Then there is Waco. "Goodwill of the Heartland. " I bid on a few things from them. Then, suddenly, they were refusing to accept my bids! I wrote and asked why. No response. I called the store. Asked for the manager. He was never in. Finally, after begging, literally, for an answer, I was told that my messages to them were "unacceptable." Now I'm not really one to write anything hateful, but I can be sarcastic. I also have a sense of humor that, I guess, some people find offensive. So when I asked for an example of my "unacceptable" messages, they told me I had written something like, "good luck selling this butt-ugly ashtray..." Something like that. I meant it to be funny, because I remember the item in question was absolutely horrible and I think it was chipped up, too. But they were not amused. No sir. To this day they refuse my bids, even after I wrote the district manager. Guess she doesn't have a sense of humor either. Oh well. The way I see it, as much as I spend on shopgoodwill.com, the "Heartland" store is the loser. I don't lose sleep over it.

Then there is my ultimate Pet Peeve. Stupidity. I purchase a lot of art for resale. Original paintings and drawings, some photography, a few sculpture. But I do NOT buy prints, posters, limited editions, etchings, serigraphs...you get the picture. ORIGINAL ART. It never fails, though, that at least one out of five pieces that I receive are prints. This is a tremendous hassle. Usually they will give me a refund, but they want the thing back. So I have to repack it and drag it back to the post office, or best case, have the carrier come and pick it up. Even when I question the seller beforehand, "Are you SURE this is an original?" I get prints. Once, when I pointed out to the lister that the characters "12/100" mean that this piece was number 12 in a series of 100 copies, and I needed to return it, her response was, "I'm sorry, no. Art is art." I asked for her supervisor's email, and she straightened it out for me, and I requested that she please educate her employee on the difference between prints and originals. She said she had, but when I asked the girl who wrote the listing if she would be more careful in the future, she answered with, "I don't know what you are talking about. Art is art." Forwarded this to the supervisor, with no response.

OK, last one. The Finger Lakes store. Please pull up their items and take a look. They are not a Goodwill store; they are a very high-end art gallery. And please take notice of the column of zeros under title "Bids." Even the geekiest, worst piece of garbage they have listed has a "fair market value" (a term they use in every listing) of like $474.00 and a "Buy it Now" in the thousands. I've written them, expressing my incredulity, but was informed that they have "art experts" whom they are consulting and these prices are firm. Now, after it's listed several times, they may lower the price to $9.99, but it will STILL have a reserve price in the stratosphere. I have been watching their art (and damn it, they have some great stuff) and in two or so months, I have never seen ANYTHING with a bid. It makes me crazy, because I would love to be able to try to win some of it, but with an opening bid of $800, who is going to bid? I even bid on some sterling spoons a couple days ago, and bid about the current value of the weight of the silver, and I kid you not, it came back that I hadn't met the reserve. They have a reserve on everything but the junk. I don't know how they are making a dime and "helping" their target group, people who need job training. But it infuriates me!!!

I could go on and on, but I won't. I'm very glad I found this site. It gave me a chance to vent. What I've written here is just the tip of the iceberg. Goodwill Industries is NOT a charity. It is a for-profit organization, and the various stores are franchises. I don't know what they call it or the details, but that's how it works. How much they donate to helping people, I really don't know. But neither their stores nor their website are "thrift" organizations who sell to the needy, that's for sure! Thanks for listening!

Now GW goes through every item they get donated and hand pick what goes online to sell. This was told to me by a manager of a location where I live. So the rest of the poor people get to sift through the garbage while people who can afford to go online and pay TRIPLE what the item is worth, when the items were supposed to get to the people who couldn’t afford such items. What I sell on ebay is selling FOR LESS than what the GW sells their items for. I actually have people writing me thanking me for such a good deal on clothing and that the GW no longer offers anything good at the retail locations. IT’S ALL ONLINE NOW, out of the reach of the people they are supposed to be helping. Not only that, THEY LIE ABOUT SHIPPING and rip you off even further! GW has gone so far from its initial values, it is sad. I used to remember going to the GW and finding all kind of cool stuff. Now the retail locations are almost like dumpsters. Now I know where all the good donated items have gone. They have gone online, away from the people they were meant for.

I logged on, paid for the two newer items through Paypal. She looked at what I was doing and said, "NOW, what website are you on!" I told her, "Paypal" and her voice lowered and said, "Oh, I've never seen that." I asked her if she wanted to look on the screen for confirmation. She looked and said, "YOU PAID FOR THE SHIPPING!" I said, "Oh shoot, I was rushing and missed it." (I was rushing because of her attitude. I wanted to go.) Reception Lady started chiding me saying, "You have to pay attention! I can't believe the amount of people that just pay for things and don't even look at their bill." She was very condescending and reworded the same sentiments about 4 different ways. She asked if this was my first time.

At first I thought she was asking, "Are you ignorant?" because her of her tone. She then explained that they will sometimes refund for the first-offense. I asked, "Who do I need to talk to?" "Well...I'll have to call a manager." She said it slowly and with warning, as my mother would say, "I'll have to have to tell your father." The receptionist talks on the phone to the manager with heavy breath, explains my error. I wonder what Manager Lady said because Reception Lady responded, "I know, I know." She might as well concluded with "stupid customer". Manager Lady arrives (does not introduce herself, no common courtesies) and gives me the same lecture, with the same tone, the same condescension, the same lack of gratitude for supporting Goodwill.

I gave her my own lecture about lecturing. I told her she could have come out with a smile and said, "No problem, but just so you know, we can only do this once." I would have apologized. She said, "Well, we have a lot of customers and it happens all the time." I was thinking, "Well get a new job if you hate it!" She told me that they would refund this one time and she walked away. Neither the receptionist nor myself knew what happens next. I asked the receptionist, "Am I waiting for a receipt or will I get an email...?" She had to call the same manager back and then told me it would take 7 to 10 days. All stores have to deal with customer errors. It doesn't give anyone the right to belittle someone.Your business has customers. Customers make mistakes! Apparently, they do not want my business and I will oblige.

Let's put our cards on the table.....Goodwill is an out of control "Super Sized Yard Sale with Million Dollar Store Buildings to sell their mostly donated BOOTY!" Selling stuff for almost/and sometimes higher prices than new merchandise at reputable stores. So many times I've purchased items that in one way or another is defective or had a "history" preferred not mentioning.

The unfortunate workers, at one time described to me by a Goodwill employee as "Water-heads, Hillbillies, Spikes, and ** was all Goodwill wants to hire to pay them peanuts cause they know no better!" These "type" of people with challenges I've found being employed with pride at grocery outlets making the minimum wage+ as baggers-greeters-helpers in an atmosphere of friendly surroundings. These suits at Goodwill should be ashamed of themselves as they are actually no different than "Pimps in the Garage Sale Business or Domesticated Drug Dealers" fencing merchandise instead of the drugs. They should be incarcerated like the common crooks they are. They are far from being "Honest, Hard Working Providers For The Advancement Of The Employment Of The Disabled". Their yearly reports of how they spent thousands on their "helping the unfortunate" is a crock of manure.

"BOYCOTT GOODWILL" and shop the local thrift/second hand stores for bargain prices if that's what you're seeking, but keep in mind, those store are just "miniature" Goodwill stores that hasn't had the opportunity to rape the public....yet. They are STILL a business to fill a bank accounts for someone. You can always count on the honest faithful God's Church Socials and occasional rummage sales that the monies are needed and used for the good and not "drinks with tiny umbrellas" lounging on a white sandy beach while on a European massive "merchandise buying excursion". CASE CLOSED!! Oh, and may GOD BLESS CMB P.S. The other stores in the same line of operation are also in the business of "self enrichment too". The list is endless! The public is being duped, wake up!!!

When I arrived at the store to return the product, they had to get authorization from the manager. There was no sticker on the product when I bought it so the manager, a different one at that time, made a pricing decision on her own. I discovered it doesn't work in the reverse order. You can't return a product without the sticker. I offered an explanation describing how another manager made that pricing decision, since there was no sticker on it at the original time of purchase I should be entitled to a return. I did persuade her to sign off, but she wasted a lot of my time to scrutinize such a small purchase/return amount. Imagine my surprise when, what I thought was going to be a cash refund, turned out to be a debit card with a service fee deducted for my return.

Since I was in a different regional boundary I would now have to travel back down another twenty miles to use the debit card, it will not be accepted in my home town. Thoroughly dissatisfied with this response, I asked the manager for a cash refund and was told no. Here's the deal Goodwill, don't give your employees the title "manager" if they can't resolve a dispute over $9.00. And while I don't think you will ever resolve this for me or respond to me, I think you should understand that you have lost ME as a customer over $9.00. Great policy Goodwill. As a business owner myself, I have to tell you how foolish your company is for alienating your customers over such an innocuous matter. Seems like more and more companies now put profits before people. Your corporation must be one of those.

Within an hour I returned it to the store and the person at the checkout stand accepted the return and said purchase price would be "credited to your account". Since that statement from a cashier at any other place of business would mean that I'd have a credit posted to my Visa card, I assumed that was what she meant and never questioned it any further. I did ask if I got my points back and was told they didn't return points but I could return when the manager was there to discuss it with her. That was a Friday afternoon and the store was very busy so I left and returned the following week and the manager (**) got online and restored my points for me.

Yesterday 11/13/14 I checked my credit card statement and was surprised to find that there was no credit from Goodwill. I immediately went to the store and asked the manager (**) why I didn't get my credit and was told they only credit store accounts and don't refund money. I explained to her that I would be leaving the area to spend the winter in Florida soon and wouldn't have the opportunity spend that much at Goodwill and really could use the money for other needs. The answer was simply "Those are the rules."

I took a chance on this purchase because I've been told by the store employees on numerous occasions that electrical items are checked out before being displayed. If this item was checked out, it self destructed between the shelf and my house. If this were a $10 or $20 item, I wouldn't complain but I'm retired on a fixed income and $150 is a considerable amount of money to me. Unfortunately by the time I discovered there was a problem, the receipt had been disposed of. I do however have my Senior Awards card that links to my account number **. I would appreciate a refund of my money as soon as possible.

When emails are sent the responses are curt. Customers are treated as if we are bothering them and they are doing the customer a favor. Other locations have decent customer service, but you do need to anticipate not all items will be in decent condition. They do tend to overestimate the value and condition of items. Consider shipping plus the handling costs before placing a bid. Goodwill auctions is definitely not customer friendly.

I placed a legitimate $400 bid for an item to ensure I would not be outbid. $400 was the actual resale value of the item, if it was actually of quality used condition. My bid was accepted by Goodwill and the item's price was then set at $52. I did this the day before the auction closed. The day of the auction, Goodwill banned my account from placing bids, and locked me out of the other auctions I was participating in. Goodwill retracted my bid and closed my account. When I inquired as to why this happened, I was told I could only have one account. I only had one account, and I question Goodwill about the accusation, for which I received no reply.

So essentially, if you place a bid for an item that has a high resale value, someone at Goodwill will report you for abuse, so that a lower bidder, possibly an employee, can come in and take the item at a lower price. Interestingly enough, I had placed a $700 bid on another item, but for some reason, that bid is still in effect, as other bidders try to outbid my "willing to pay price", yet Goodwill has not retracted this bid, even though they closed my account, banned me for abuse and accused me of multiple auction accounts with no basis.

Goodwill is happy to keep my $700 bid on the other item in order to inflate their profits. Goodwill will manipulate a bid to a low bidder or to a higher price if it is in their interest to do so. Technically, both of my bids should have been retracted, if I was truly an abuser, yet Goodwill want to ensure that the $700 bid is not canceled, so that someone will come along and outbid me and pay Goodwill a nice auction price!

Goodwill's auction is shady, and so is their customer service if you have an issue. Goodwill could have said that it was a technical error that made me lose the auction and account privileges, but instead they outright accused me of fraud when I had done nothing wrong. I did not have multiple accounts. The likely truth is that someone running the Goodwill auction on the technical side is doing side deals to help themselves, friends, family or other resellers to gain high value items from the auction at the lowest prices. The items are probably then resold on eBay, Amazon, craigslist or wherever. There is fraud, and it is a shame that this can happen in a company that has such a good mission to help others. Goodwill seriously needs to correct this issue at their Orange County headquarters.

Also, customers should not watch or wait for new items to be brought out of the stockroom, because they will be labeled a Reseller. Resellers are bad. Other customers will resent Resellers because Resellers are always faster than regular customers and will always get to the good items before regular customers. Also, Resellers are highly frowned upon by workers at Goodwill for reasons that are not well understood at this time, but probably stem from the fact that the workers think they should have control over items even after they have been swapped for money (this is referred to as selling by other businesses, but ownership of said items is usually relinquished to the buyer, so this obviously does not apply to the type of transaction completed at Goodwill). There is research suggesting that some workers (including management) resent the fact that they were not able to catch any valuable items so that they could resell the items themselves, but it remains to be seen whether there is anyone employed at Goodwill who is willing to invest the time and energy necessary for being considered a Reseller.

Further, customers that watch for new items and get to new items first will be considered and labeled Resellers without any other evidence that might prove or disprove whether they are or are not in fact a Reseller and without any discussion on the matter. Under no circumstance should patrons, especially those labeled Resellers, complain to management about any bad customer service. This is also not well understood at the present time, but researchers believe it likely stems from the fact that most bad customer service is coming straight from management. If complaints are lodged, management will deny any and all wrongdoing (even when it is blatantly, laughably obvious) and will then accuse the customer of harassment and asking for special treatment. On a side note, expecting loose toy grab bag tables to be replenished regularly (especially more than once a day) is considered to be asking for special treatment. (See previous section stating importance of loose toy grab bag tables and the customers who are interested in only these items. Also see section referring to replenishment of loose toy grab bag tables as not being the job of any particular worker.)

It should also be noted that management will not answer any inquiries into the replenishment of loose toy grab bag tables unless absolutely necessary. It remains to be seen whether refusal to answer inquiries is done purposely to incite further inquiries by the customer to other workers just so that the customer can be accused of harassment, but it seems likely that this is at least part of the motivation. Also, if a customer is accused of asking for special treatment, the special treatment they desire will be denied, but they will be offered a consolation prize of a different special treatment, such as being told that the loose toy grab bag table will be replenished early the next day. Patrons who are not able to be present for replenishment should expect the same garbage on the loose toy grab bag table that they've been looking at for the past few weeks.

If a customer makes the mistake of lodging a complaint, they should expect any observations they have made with their own eyes to be soundly rejected, denied and dismissed not only by store management but also district management. Observations include but are not limited to things such as items being brought out of the stockroom to a particular customer, shopping carts loaded to bursting 10 minutes after the store has opened, items left just inside a stockroom door with a lower price than they have when they come out onto the sales floor the next day. This last situation will only occur when a customer expresses interest in said items and asks when they will be brought out to the sales floor; customers should also expect to wait til at least the next business day for the items to be brought out to the sales floor. Patrons should review the section concerning their labeling as a Reseller.

These statements are to be accepted and implemented by any and all employees of Goodwill even when said customers, patrons and Resellers are regular customers who spend copious amounts of money in the Goodwill store. After all, customer service at Goodwill is different than what customers would expect to receive at other retail stores, and very different from the courtesies these patrons would grant to anyone in their own everyday doings. In closing, patrons who wish to be treated with respect and courtesy should avoid their local Goodwill stores at all costs.

She proceeded to be obnoxiously loud and even answers her own questions. I put my two 1.00 items up and he puts a class up. She puts everything in one bag... I say isn't this supposed to be wrapped? She says I thought y'all were together?? I say umm we are together but this is my stuff and that is his glass so it should be wrapped and put in another bag. She pulls the glass out slams it on the counter which makes a loud noise then she decides to make the ugliest face at me rolling her eyes... My friend saw her. I didn't however it was the worst customer service experience I've ever had with Goodwill.

When I was in the bags/purses area I know there was a ladies (she was there too) talking behind my back with other associate and some customers that go back and forth on my way. So they know and saw what I am doing And do the same thing on another purse I found. So when I was about ready to check out, walk down to the middle aisle toward cashier, but before to see the cashier, I stop close to the empty clothes rack that has been set there. I started separating those stuff I need and I don't need and I start with the clothing and hang them back to the rack instead throwing it there. But I didn't do it - instead return them back to each hanger and hang them nicely.

When I started removing the clothes inside one of the purses and desegregating those clothes that I don't need to buy and hanging them back in the rack. And all of the sudden, I was shocked with this lady told me I'm a thief and pointing her fingers at me, saying grab my cart away from me and says You're not buying anything here! You're a thief! You're not welcome here anymore!! And she said go out! She stated she is going to call a police If I won't move out! I was shock! Looking at her that I don't know what I did! She says you are caught on a video! She talks so loud at times. And as I look around me all customers, cashiers up front everybody's eyes on me! Staring! Everybody! Some were wondering what's going on when she harass me. She was pointing her finger on me.

Didn't understand what I feel and don't know what to do! That moment I told her I'm proceeding to pay all my stuff (referring the stuff in my cart). But she took it from me and telling me I'm not buying anything here! (She's referring to the Goodwill, Gallatin, TN) Telling me I'm not welcome here anymore! Plus pointing her fingers at me! And she's Saying, I will call a police if you don't go out! So go out! She embarrassed me in front of many people! Discriminating me for not allowing to buy anything in Goodwill store! Accusing me THIEF! For the thing I don't do. You can tell me I'm thief if I go out the building with those materials! Without having to pay for it. I'm about going to see the cashier to pay them all and I even telling her "Oh there's a clothes inside the bag; I need to remove it and ready to check out." But she block me on my way and accused a thief!

I'm a customer. I'm a constant customer here (Goodwill store in Gallatin). Last week I shopped there too, and bought purses also and I do what I did today, but before leaving the building I make it sure to pay all my stuff and remove all the stuff I put inside the purses that I'm going to buy and I don't have any problem at all for 12 yrs since I arrived here in America because I don't steal! When I shopped, I make sure to pay them all before leaving.

Because I was accused thief! And she is going to call a police if I won't go out so I did brought with me my red wallet, phone and car keys and left the building. I try to explain, but she won't Listen! Because she accused me thief! Before I left someone from that store associate I talk with that I wanted to see the manager but only to find out her she's the manager. Her name is **. What she did to me is harassing, humiliation, discrimination! Accusing me thief! Misunderstood me. I was raised by my parents to be honest. I'm employed full time & I work hard with dignity in the company - become associate of the Year, consistent associate of the month, associate of the quarter, and currently an associate of the month. If I'm a thief to our company itself lots of good stuff, but I don't dare to do it because it is wrong! Thief is against the law and punishable by the law!

The people who actually list the items on these Goodwill auctions are experts at deception when they describe the item! They are trained to leave out mostly all of the very important negative details known to them, yet they find a way to over-embellish the good/fairly decent details that "might" or "might not" be completely true. Goodwill has made this into an art-form. One method they use to deceive bidders is when they list a lot or "goody bags" of whatever items they can "bunch" together, yet hide the majority of what a winner will be receiving. They make the bidder think there is something wonderful in the deal, as is described in the listing, but when the bidder receives his winning items, all he receives is junk (junk that no one at Goodwill wanted to keep for themselves beforehand), a pile of crap that should have never been put in that lot to begin with. Maybe there are a few hoarders out there who might like to spend their hard earned money on **, but at least give buyers truthful details explaining that mainly a bunch of ** is in the lot.

I also believe and have read repeatedly that shilling goes on in their bidding practices. I have seen, for example, a used iPad sell for over $300, one that wasn't even tested, was cracked on the screen, yet some potential buyer still bids on it at $300++ when you can purchase a guaranteed refurbished/used one... even ones with a warranty with no cracks, etc., on eBay for under $200... or a new one for not much more. It makes NO sense, yet some aggressive bidder keeps driving up the price against one other bidder. This broken iPad was on "fire" on Goodwill site, and although the much better ones on eBay were being watched, the price gouging and frenzy was nothing like what was going on at Goodwill when eBay is a much bigger, more reputable auction! No sane person would pay that price anyway for something already broken and not guaranteed.

The same user IDs, also, are showing up on very high opposing bids on many of the similar products in a particular category, yet if you observe for some carefully, these exact same products are still being re-listed over and over when the true bidder sometimes backs off and finally realizes in his moment of spontaneity that the price is way over what any human should pay, leaving Goodwill to have to re-list the item again and again since the shill bidder outbid the real buyer. Sure a buyer may not pay in some cases, causing re-listings, but not as often as this is actually occurring. Besides, the same opposing bidder would be kicked off the website for a certain number of non-payments. I wish some reputable governmental agency would step in and monitor the Goodwill online auctions full-forced. I am sure it would be shut down. It's is wrong and deceptive on so many levels!

I realize that there is some good that Goodwill does, but I think most of it is a farce. Even some employees have the audacity to keep the good items for themselves, as has been discussed around the country. The part that I find most despicable is how a disabled person is paid 22 cents an hour or under a dollar, with Goodwill gaining glory for hiring a disadvantaged person. The truth has partially come out on this, but this is wrong, purely wrong, on so many levels and is only exploiting the handicapped.

Like some people said, find a church or another honest charity to donate to. Stay away from the Goodwill auctions. I used to believe in Goodwill (most of my life), but with a little digging and more, I feel they should be investigated very thoroughly and shut down. Moreover, I do wish some new, wonder non-profit group that was truly out to help the needy would come in and swallow Goodwill! This place has done enough destruction for way too long!

One might say that the purses are not obvious fakes, and the sales associates are not aware. I find this to be laughable. Yes, every now and then there are some decent fakes but MOST, as in 90%++ of these purses are such poor quality with missing stitches, "designer" labels that peel right off, super cheap fabric, crooked designer logos, etc. Just very, very obvious that these are not $300-$5000 purses.

On one particular occasion I was checking out and an older lady was looking at a VERY fake Gucci purse in the display case next to me. The purse was a disaster - something a fraudster probably sold for $10 at a flea market to people who could care less that the purse was so fake, it was actually sad. This purse was priced at $50. I nicely told the lady that the purse was a fake. It was not authentic Gucci and it was illegal for them to sell it as such. The woman said she knew it was fake but didn't care. The sales associate got prissy and told me to mind my own business. I told them, again, it was illegal to sell these knock off bags. Trademark infringement is just the beginning of why this is wrong - most of these bags come from groups who use child labor, who are involved with drugs, sex trafficking, child trafficking, and terrorism. This company, Goodwill, does not seem to care that what they are doing is wrong.

I buy and sell frequently and know from experience that these shipping charges are not accurate. I am hoping someone will eventually see this and put a stop to it. They are making plenty of money off of the items they sell, tons more than they would make selling in-store, so I see no need to charge these exorbitant shipping & handling fees. I refuse to buy from these stores that charge huge handling fees and hope someone will eventually see this and do something about it!! Where is government regulation when you need it?

I could understand if it was broken or there were missing pieces if it was jewelry because that is what they had on their sign and that is what I had agreed to purchase but what they sold was NOT jewelry. She went and got the manager and she said that they probably didn't know what it was so they just put it in the bag. I told her, if they didn't know what it was then it should not have been in the bag labeled jewelry because you are suppose to be selling only jewelry. If it was other items, it should have been listed as jewelry and misc items. If a company lists something for sale and then sale that item and it is not what is listed - then that is FRAUD in my opinion.

The prices have become outrageous. I have seen multiple items where the price tag was still on the item and the Goodwill was selling it for $2 or $3 more than the price tag! How is that good for anyone looking to find a bargain or needing to dress their children or trying to save money? If everyone had money to pay retail, no one would be shopping at the Goodwill. Also, why all the discrepancies in pricing at each location within the state? I can find a t-shirt for $0.99 at one Goodwill and the exact same t-shirt for $3.99 at another. If it is a name brand t-shirt, it will cost you much, much, more.

Maybe time should be spent creating some consistency and keeping merchandise that is donated local to help the community. Also, Goodwill should consider helping people by keeping their prices fair instead of trying to get the highest prices for items online or in the store like so many other retailers are doing. At least those retailers don't claim to do "good" while charging you the highest prices in town.

Ironically the same day I was told by a friend that she was charged incorrectly, by the manager once again, for a piece of lingerie that the manager insisted was a dress. This same manager charged my mother for a long nightgown when it was clearly a short one. There is a difference in pricing. Don't get me wrong, the prices at GW are reasonably priced but when a manager is clearly deciding what and how something is price, that is wrong. I will call the GW Corporate office and make a complaint but I'm sure it will be unnoticed.

I was getting some very good deals every once in a while, I found that toys were about the only items that could be purchased without any significant surprises. I would only buy large lots of die cast cars like Hot wheel. This way if they were in really bad condition I was only out about $15 per 100 cars or so. Most times I would sort through them and end up with 60 good cars and the rest were junk. I have to say that at that time, I was having no complaints with them other than they were not packing the items properly, just tossed them loose in a box and put 1 piece of tape on top and 1 on bottom. I was also being charged a $4 handling fee for each order. You would think my $4 would have gone to making sure that the items would be received as they were when i bought them. Of course this was not the case and I'm sure that many other buyers soon found out that getting models that were not damaged during shipping was impossible.

The smaller cars were not as prone to damages as the larger more expensive models. Every 1:18 scale model came damaged, nothing was ever done about it. I didn't buy them any more. Then i bought many electronics items, all were listed as "untested." I found out this means junk. They will not admit or call it junk. They tested it and knew it was junk before they sold it. If it wasn't junk they would have listed it on their EBAY Auction site!!! Yup they also have an EBAY account where they are their own Charity!!!! How do you like that? They cannot pull any of their BS on EBAY like they do on their own site or they'll loose their right to sell there. They were however advertising a return policy of 14 days but then had a statement that said as is no returns in the description also. This way they can receive a discount on seller fees from eBay, I reported them to ebay about this practice.

I bought many electronics that were basically hit and miss, well over half were not working, I'd say 65% or more. I do repair electronics, so some items that were broken I was able to repair, but most of the non-working electronics had severely been damaged and were beyond repair. Most items I bought I figured even if they were not repairable I could still salvage some main parts from, but this however turned out to be untrue also. I have seen speakers with the magnets spit in 2 pieces, it may have happened during shipping due to poor preparation. Then if I tell Goodwill I think it was damaged during shipping and it's covered by UPS or USPS insurance, is this right for them to have to pay for it due to Goodwill's poor packing that I again paid $4 or more for handling fees, just to get the item in an old box that was reused and some wadded or shredded up newspaper.

Here's where things get interesting, I opened up a box that they made me come to UPS to sign for (very inconvenient) on a $7 item, with a $14 S/H fee. I opened it up in front of the UPS person on the counter. The transformer was prong first into the LCD screen of the item I bought. It was taped onto the front of it and placed in a over-sized box with nothing to keep it from bouncing around! Is it right for me to say it's damaged by UPS? No! I contacted Goodwill site and told them about this and demanded a refund on this item. They turned around and blacklisted me from buying from the store that did this! No response, just a message that appears on the screen if a bid is placed on any store from that state (OHIO) Saying "your bid was not accepted!!"

I reported them to the BBB and got a response from the Manager at Goodwill asking about my complaint. I considered ignoring him as I had happen to me, but I told about the event and he replied he did not see any purchases made by me. Wrong answer, I made sure to go back to BBB and let them know that they did nothing to resolve the matter. Kept me blacklisted and ignored my requests. That's just one of many tales from Goodwill. The most recent and this has happened several times to me was I bought an item and noticed that they had an outrageous shipping cost attached to it. So I politely requested that they check the weight and re-figure the shipping cost. I ship items like this daily through all major carriers and I just happened to own one of these exact same items as I bought so I know the weight and size of the item.

I also had just packed up an order I was shipping through FedEx as they were sending mine. My package was about the same size but was going further than theirs. Mine to Northern CA from Phoenix, theirs Denver to Phoenix, mine 8 Lbs theirs should have been 11 Lbs max. My cost without getting a huge corporate discount $7.50 their cost $28! I gave them some example prices I had figured out using various box and weight sizes. I could not see any reason for the shipping to cost any more than $18 that's with a box that's 2 times the needed size to safely ship and I added 4 lbs onto the actual real shipping weight also. Well they responded back with a "We don't set the prices, FedEX does!"

WHAT? Are you kidding me? I waited till the last day to pay and figured I'd see how they can justify the cost. It came and I found a 6.5 Lb bag of shredded newspaper in the box! This has happened before on a 3 Lb item I got a 5.5 Lb bag of shredded cardboard. There was no need for the bag of paper, it was in a trash bag and thrown into the box. The item was wrapped in bubble wrap and was fine just by itself. It also could have been placed in a box 1/2 the size. When I sent a message to the director of the auctions about what happened, I got a spam email stating the cost is determined by the shipping company!!

They used to just blatantly overcharge you for the shipping as much as 3 times the actual cost when they used USPS, but got so many complaints they switched to UPS because it's harder to check the prices of shipping cost for those who don't have a UPS account. I believe that using a Government service to make profit as a non-profit organization is considered to be Fraud! I could go on forever with the stunts they have pulled but in the end it's all the same thing, they are making billions of dollars on free items and I see them doing nothing for the communities. They hold a job fair once a year, and how many people actually are finding work through them? I never met a person who has ever found work through Goodwill, plus how much of their billions they make a year go towards those job fairs? I'll bet not more than 1% actually is spent doing anything that's not geared towards their profits. They need to be audited plain and simple.

I urge everyone to report their actions to the BBB, it does make a difference. There needs to be an online purchase BBB service that can investigate large volume sellers and shut them down if need be. Also claiming yourself as your own charity is not only wrong, it's tacky and really shows their greed. Why not donate a portion to another charity? Losers!

Needless to say, we left extremely unhappy. I felt like I just should have asked somebody the price of the pillow before I went to check out! And I read something on Facebook the day before how Mark Curran, CEO of Goodwill makes $2.4 million profit every year for paying nothing for his products and pays employees minimum wage. Greedy bastards. Doesn't sound like a lot of Goodwill at all to me.

I understand they have employees, overhead etc. The employees are under paid. Also the employees can now buy items at the store. I witnessed an assistant manager buying a bunch of like new shirts that would have been marked up for the customer but their's wasn't, plus they get a discount on top. I and a lot of regulars have stopped buying and won't be donating anymore. This is a thrift store from donations, and not a retail store. A few examples: Old videos $1.99, books -pb $1.99 and up. hb-$2.99 and up. Having had a business of my own, the regular customers are your bread and butter. You can go to the local 99cent stores and buy most of the stuff cheaper. Too bad, used to be my favorite store.

On Tuesday, I called GW to inform them we would be there to pick up purchase on Wednesday afternoon, was told by associate that she would tell her boss and that Wednesday was fine. We drive to Jonesville, N.C. GW and discover they had resold the entertainment center. To say the least, we were beyond upset. We had paid for the entertainment center, paid for gas to get there and NO entertainment center. Then to beat it all, she asked if I wanted to find something else instead of getting money back... ARE YOU SERIOUS???? We explained we had someone drive 40 miles to pick it up and paid for the gas, was told "oh we are sorry, someone should have put a sold ticket on the center". Such utter incompetence. It was totally the associate's responsibility to mark the item. My boyfriend has made lots of purchases there and spent lots of money and "we are sorry????". We won't be shopping in that (and maybe any other) Goodwill EVER!!!!!

Please read the review from a customer Cheryl ** stating the same thing. I have contacted the Corporate Office and inform them that I will file a Class Action lawsuit, as there were two other ladies, this happened today as well and there were a witness. They have said they would have no problem telling everything that happen. After all of this, the Mexican lady stated she did snatch the clothing from hand in front of the manager and she still wanted to ban me from the store. I have spent a lot of money at that store. I am sure there are other customers have shopped there feel the same way I do. Many have stopped coming because of the treatment you get from the Management team. They are only interested in making as much money as they can, so they are not concern about the abuse the goes on in the store.

Clearly, GW Management and Corporate are aware of the conduct. Their manager says they spend a lot of money and their attorney will squash all legal actions. GW employees explain they are powerless. And can't do anything beyond threaten to ask them to leave the store or caution them. Very young children are allowed to shop in the bends without their parents among broken glass and other hazards. Their children ride and play with the toys on the sales floors. Their parents insult and threaten the GW employees when they ask them to correct their children. GOODWILL's political connections must be really strong and their paid lawyers powerful because no other business or industry in America could host that kind of chaos and assaults on other citizens and get away with it.

I just purchased some fabric, as usual, it was folded several times and then the tag was stuck right through the middle, of course that makes it impossible to open it and if the fabric is fragile, it gets ripped. In this case it was a netting and when I took the tag off, there were 8 holes from that one tag. PUT THE TAGS ON THE GARMENT TAGS and on fabric, towels, drapes, etc. put it in one corner. You get the stuff for free and we pay you for the stuff, we want it WITHOUT THE HOLES THAT YOU CREATE!

And another time when I asked her for a dressing room and she deliberately ignored me for ten min. I waited for a dressing room, then she comes finally to open it and it wasn't for me, but for another customer...and then when I asked again, she rolled her eyes, walked away and then came back smirking saying did I need a dressing room? And then this last time, I went to get sheets, etc. This time was the worst of all and the last straw... One of the workers, a male, came up to me and told me that I wasn't allowed in the store anymore... or rather they didn't want me in the store.

When I asked why, I was surrounded by three other workers... I felt odd, threaten... Then guess who pops up behind me and startles me ... The lady who never gives me service. She said they don't have to give me an explanation. The man said that I make a mess in the store so, with that I am no longer wanted in their store... I was scared and embarrassed... and intimidated from Goodwill workers... threatened... for what probable cause? What right? I called the head of Goodwill complaints, left message after message... no one seemed to care from that dept. No seemed to care that their workers are about to cost them a lot of money...

Regardless of how you may feel about a person's appearance, preference, style etc... and if you have not observed with your own eyes any theft, or misconduct... when a person enters your place of business, that person is a consumer/Patron/Customer unless facts... actual facts (!) prove otherwise. As a customer, I have the right to take this matter and any other matter in conclusion to the highest level of justice...

I have NOT bid many times at several locations because I will check on a $6 item (like a T-shirt or a necklace) and they are charging 1 to 2 pounds UPS (ALWAYS the MOST Expensive yet the SLOWEST) plus a $4 "handling" charge. Sometimes I have been able to e-mail ahead and found out that the store WILL combine shipping so it's worth it (even UPS) if I buy 4 or 5 items (like I bought some North Face and Under Armour out of one of the big Michigan ski area shops). The shipping was okay because 1 item was $14.65 but 5 items ran $17.95 (well worth it for North Face and Under Armour).

And I had a REALLY positive experience with the Goodwill Industries of Columbia Inc in Kennewick, WA. I had bought several small items each of which had a set shipping of $5. I got sticker shock realizing my shipping for less than 2 ounces was going to be $20. I paid but sent them an e-mail telling them it was outrageous that they did not combine shipping. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a NICE e-mail back plus a $15 refund on my shipping. They also told me to just e-mail them before I paid should this happen again.

Most of my items have been good quality. I did buy one electronic item which did not work. Their official stance was no refunds. However; after I sent an e-mail, I was refunded anyway. So, it is not always the case that you are stuck with the item. It depends on who sees the e-mail and gets to make the decision. I have found MOST (except one COACH item) designer items to be authentic. One COACH purse looked much better in photos than it did when I received it and I could tell from the lack of quality that it was a fake. As this came from the Orange County Santa Ana Store, they denied it and I was stuck with this overpriced fake, even after notifying them that the local COACH store verified that this was a replica.

However; I have bought several other COACH items that were authentic and verified by my friend (and fellow dog lover, we hang out together) who works at the local COACH store here. Overall, I can say that my experiences have been positive. But I research my items. I blow the pictures up and look at them with a magnifying glass. I KNOW my products. I look for crooked seams, faulty workmanship, creed numbers that are non-existent or are not for that item. And that is my suggestion for anyone else buying at Shopgoodwill or any other online venue.

Now they can use whatever method they desire as it is their store; however, they use phony come-on's to make you think they really discount the items already in the store. After doing some research on this organization and reading other complaints, I now believe they are using their tax exempt status while paying the top folks top $'s. There is no money going to the local people who need help. They just hire and fire like any other company and hide behind their name. The original idea of Goodwill was perfect. It is now just a bunch of greedy execs hiding behind the name.

Well a week went by and I sat on a couch there in the store by the books, my fiance and I were taking our time looking through books picking out the ones we wanted. About an hour and a half went by when we noticed the store was closing. We were the last ones to pay for our books. Once at the register the Goodwill employee reached out and grabbed my summertime beach tote and said, "You need to pay for this also". After I laughed and said, "Very funny, this is mine I own this. Actually I got it here," I said cheerfully because I like it a lot. When I said this she motioned for another employee to lock the front doors. She said that the purse was not purchased at all and she could prove it, then she flipped it over and pointed to a sticker that was on the bottom of it.

I explained that I had not seen that one sticker on the purse when I removed the rest the day before. She demanded for a receipt which of course even if I hadn't thrown it away the day before I surely wouldn't be carrying it with me. I don't carry around receipts of used thrift store merchandise, who does that? She then grabbed my purse roughly and fast so I could not retrieve it. My wallet was in the purse along with other personal valuables so the only thing I could think of doing was to slap her hand as she kept my purse from my reach, "Give it back, that's my purse!"

At that moment she yelled to the other woman to call the police, to call 911 because a customer just hit her. "You just hit me and you are going to jail for shoplifting and battery for hitting me." I turned to my fiance in tears and begged him to do something on my behalf. He then realized the seriousness of the accusations, battery and shoplifting and how even though I would be proven innocent and not guilty in the very end how just being arrested could damage my career. It seemed like the other lady was going to stick with the stories against me also. "Check the cameras!", I said with a bit of hope but the cashier said, "You still hit me and I'm pressing charges!" My fiance then grabbed my purse from the lady behind the counter and got me out safely but in a total emotional anxiety attack.

I couldn't stop crying, I felt horrible but I also felt sorry for all the other people who had been victimized by this Goodwill store in the past. The next morning, I called the general manager, told him what happened and asked him to view the camera to verify I came in with the purse and that I never hit the cashier but only smacked her hand when she tried to take what belonged to me. The manager said that the police showed up and they took a incident report on a burglary and a battery that took place in the store. He agreed to view the camera, and when I called him back to make sure that the police were notified that the incident was not really an incident at all the manager had the nerve to be non-apologetic stating... what more did I want. He then said, "You didn't go to jail so why are you so upset?"

Well Mr ignorant manager of the Goodwill store, the reason I am so upset is because the actions of your employees are more like the actions of gang members twisting the truth just to entertain themselves. Mr ignorant manager, the other thing is that I am upset because I have seen you tolerate this type of plotting from these employees in the past. You see there was a crime committed that night but the crime was of your employees targeting a harmless customer to gain possession of her... wallet maybe... or maybe the crime of kidnapping...not allowing me to leave the store. Your employee lied and plotted, made an untrue police report against me. An arrest of any kind would have jeopardized my future whether I am found guilty or not. This type of behavior allowed is not only a threat to customers but a threat against society as more and more unscrupulous young workers find they can lie their way out of anything and worse, then that lie about defensiveless customers just for the fun of it, just for laughs. Thank for listening!

Then one worker takes hamburgers from the freezer (no gloves) and just tosses them on the grill. Well when I complained about this and said that I could not work in these conditions I got a veiled threat. I was told that I was too high functioning, that these people would never get a job in the public sector and that basically this was the norm and it will not change! How do they pass their inspections from the health department? Where is their food handlers certificates? I was moved out of this department and treated like public enemy number one!

Now there's a problem with one supervisor who lent $200.00 to another worker. She asked for her money back and got cussed out. She went to the boss (who knew about it because this worker borrows from others) got told chalk it up to a loss and a lesson! Isn't it her job to make sure this does not go on? I was seen talking this person who is my supervisor about orders and I asked about her family. And now I'm being harassed. I probably will not have a job soon so I ask you what would you do? Also I live in a house with no furnace in the basement, health problems out the yang and constantly no money. I was hoping that I could save and get out of here but now? I'm upset because I have a special needs brother and if someone treated him with as much disrespect as they do the people at this site I would raise so much hell they would know my name coming and going! So why don't someone fight for these people?

This store overcharges people at the register all the time. Those items were already overpriced for a thrift store to begin with and then this just was too much. Even the other customers stood up saying those blankets are not new. Then to insinuate that I changed the prices. I shop there frequently. I was ticket. I was told by the manager that I don't have to shop there.... while the other manager mocked me, raising her voice saying "we have many customers who shop here and don't complain."

I called Goodwill home office and their supervisor told me he would review the tapes to see who switched the tags. I informed him to go ahead and do so. I will never spend another penny at Goodwill again. How can they be legally listed as a thrift store when they are buying items to sell from Target? Overpriced... then triple overpriced accused of switching tags and insulted by their corporate office also. Never again.

I just will not do business with them anymore "EVER".... "a snake can't bite you if you stay far enough away from it." They get all their stuff from donations and people just keep on giving instead of giving directly to someone that is in need and then later complain about it. STOP giving to people that are rich and you can quit complaining about it.

I was accused of stealing, threatened, and held by a Loss Prevention Officer who left a number of bruises on my body, went through all of my personal belongings, and arrested. Yes, arrested. After the officer watched videos proving me innocent, he changed his story of what I store 3 times. Conveniently (for him), the part of the store (the middle of the store) where he held me, embarrassed me, beat me, and threw anyone who tried to help me out of the store, was not on video (yeah right). I am a 85 pound female and he was a over 200 pound male, who claims I was fighting to get away. I never had a chance if I wanted to. I was helplessly knocked to the floor where he held my arms behind me and aggressively twisted them back and forth putting on an act that I was attempting to get away.

I became screaming, "Please stop, you're hurting me" but every single employee was on his side. The police came, arrested me, and refused to even listen to me. I was put into a jail cell for hours until finally a police officer told me I could leave. I lost my new job because I showed up late to work. A year later, I still haven't heard 1 thing about my arrest. I called the police station and they have no record of my arrest, even though I was finger printed and had mug shots taken. DO NOT SHOP OR DONATE HERE. This story is 100% true and not to mention, I never stole ANYTHING. The fact that this happened to me is still unreal. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS COMPANY? This happened in Bellevue, Washington and officer was "Jeremy".

He also bragged and told numerous stories of putting people in jail for theft including for abandoned items left outside locked stores. His favorite capture involves a doberman pincer who appears and eats the looter. Dec. 15, 2013, Goodwill Industries announced "the Donation Express Locations will go to Piece Work" production where you only get paid for an item you price. You don't get paid for the customer service or shop cleaning, or hauling 40 lb. crates on a continual basis, just for the item you price. Piece work will go to the senior employees who have 3-7 employment in and are the fastest. Disabled employees are paid by companies that have a project specifically for them and can benefit from the legal right to avoid minimum wage.

Part time women are issued fewer hours than men. It takes 7 days to obtain 25 work hours. I was fired because "Florida is a free will state, and you don't fit." A copy of the separation document was denied me. When I asked for it, I was told, "Call Human Resources." There are a LOT of people in Human Resources. This Manager refuses to answer phone calls or Email. She had sent me on wild goose chases to get the most simple information and she refers to management like this: "Corporate is a Black Hole." Recycling......

The owners of the franchise get greedier. I have asked several local managers (with tongue in cheek) what do they give the people in the back to drink who do the pricing? It sure isn't water! I really resent how they split sets up to sell pieces individually and push bidding on nicer items. I have found a way to beat them at their own game but I will not publish that publicly. More investigation needs to be done on the franchise owners of Goodwill districts and expose them for unfair business practices. Also encourage donations to more reasonable thrift stores and to churches that really help people. Goodwill has a terrible public relations image and until enough pressure is put on exposing the franchise owners then they will not change for the better.

The employee at the register finally came over to open the door after she had finished with all the customers waiting in line. She opened the dressing room for my wife and my wife was finally able to select her purchases. When my wife exited the dressing room, the second employee was waiting outside the door and told my wife that there were only three people working the floor and that my wife was very discourteous to keep asking for someone to open the room. My wife apologized to the employee, but she made my wife apologize to the clerk at the register.

I believe this is a serious breach of relations between the Goodwill store and a customer, my wife. Making my wife apologize for wanting to use the store facility is in no way acceptable. I will expect a reply from whatever customer relations department Goodwill Industry maintains concerning this matter.

NOW THE GOODWILL ONLINE AUCTION, has taken it to an all new level!!! When I do bid for something I always feel as if someone from inside drives the price up, and up... Then I realized you are TRULY paying the retail price by the time you have added s&h. Things I would love to have a chance of buying it because the person who donated it surely didn't realize it would be sold to the highest bidder. That would be most who need the store for our goods at an AFFORDABLE PRICE!!! Yes Goodwill, who is your target market? It is surely not the working, and hi-lo class consumers. We can't afford you any more. Not much of what we want and need. I even showed a Manager the cost of a Coffee Pot at the store, as it was costing the same as a new one would, SAME NEW PRICE. I was told because it is new and expensive the price would stand unless it didn't sell after a certain time. Yeah right, it was sold before I left the store, I was floored.

Another thing, splitting up sets to charge separate prices for a set, drives me nuts. Most times now, because it still feel like Home to me in some distorted way, I will just WINDOW SHOP AND WISH, AT GOODWILL!!!!! THAT SHOULD NOT BE. The help if you need clothes project is horrible, because of what they give you to choose from. Oh no, not the good stuff, but stuff you wouldn't want. I still Love My Goodwills, but I now sell for cheaper, donate to Individuals, or to churches, and missions. Anyone who does not have the Money for Clothes, and Shoes so they can Feel Better about Themselves. Not Everyone Have Goodwill Money. Sure would be nice to see some changes to Accommodate the Times Now. It's HARD OUT HERE!!!

My Daughter who also shops Goodwill, recently found Bed Bugs where she had put some clothes to be washed form the Goodwill Stores in Simpsonville, Maudlin, Greenville, South Carolina area, but I can't find any reports on this Topic. She can't be the only one. I still have my bed bug clothes tied in YES 3 Plastic Bags. The items are nice, but the few bugs I saw were not nice at all. Luckily for me I had not yet taken mine out of the Bag while She will be out of The Children's Santa Money/Savings, loss of a Pet Puppy, Guest in Her New Home, over $1,500.00 for a COMPLETE THERMAL REMOVAL!!! Single, no Gov. assistance Working Mother. No Gifts for Anyone Now. She has lost weight because she can't sleep, BED BUG BITES ON HER AND MY GRANDDAUGHTER!!! She jumps at any tiny thing that could possibly look like a Bed Bug. It's ALL JUST FRUSTRATING, SAD AND DISAPPOINTING ANY WAY IT GOES.

Again the manager refused to sell it. I also mentioned that most of the stuff in the store were damaged, stained, chipped or cracked, so what difference was this chair from other items. No answer was given. I left the store disappointed. Three days later, I went back to the store and the chair was still in the work room. There was a different manager on duty that day so I asked her about the chair saying I wanted to purchase it and she said she would have it priced and put on the floor in about an hour. I again told her how much I wanted the chair. I couldn't wait there so I left and returned in a few minutes over the hour. But the chair was gone.

I asked an employee who said he just put the chair on the floor and immediately someone bought it. I was pissed and went to the manager and asked why she couldn't hold off putting the chair out until I could get back to the store especially when she knew who I was and that I wanted to buy it. She said the store didn't hold items for anyone and since I wasn't around, someone else got it.

This is poor customer service and a complete disregard for customer relationships. Two different managers giving two different stories and both not wanting to sell me the chair when it would have been a quick and easy sale. I thought Goodwill was in the business of raising money from donated items by selling them to us. This action by two Goodwill managers was a power play to show customers that we are totally unimportant to them. I am so disappointed to not be given the opportunity to purchase this little French chair when I told everyone in that store I wanted it.

And how do they help the handicapped with jobs because I have a handicapped brother who can't get a job. Never see them in the store. Where is all the profit going, to the Philippines? They run the store. Then one Xmas, I bought some Xmas stuff and because they don't offers bags for your stuff, I had to make 2 trips to my car with my stuff and when I came back in the store for my other stuff, the ladies there had resold my stuff and a big argument with me and the lady. I had to take a loss and walk away. We need to take care of our own people first, not the Philippines.

As I was about ready to pay, the second lady told the first just to "throw it away, since there was no jar." WHAT??? I told the first lady, loud enough for the second to hear, "She would rather have you throw it out than take my $2? That's stupid. You're going to lose a sale over a freakin' dollar?" Goodwill has become very greedy and overpriced anyway. I don't think I will be shopping there anymore.

I was caught off guard, noticing his nasty attitude. It was very clear that they were three items, you can tell right away being that close. I responded, "I Got three, would you like to count them?" as I show them to him. He didn't reply and I walk inside the room. When I come out, the gorilla security was standing outside, waiting for me and told me, "I don't like that way you talk to me. If you don't like it leave the store or I will throw you out." I responded feeling harassed, "You ask me how many pieces I had, and I answered your question. What's the problem, plus I also show the workers the pieces." He repeated that he didn't like the way I responded to him, and that I should leave the store or he would throw me out.

I notice his nasty superior attitude as if he was the grandson of King Kong. I saw the manager walk by, another black man as this was happening and I approached him, and told him what was happening with the security. The manager answer, "We are changing the store" and walk away. I notice right away that this ** was on the security black side and that it was nothing that I could do. I got out the store noticing also that the store had way too many new ** working there, and that they were using the Latinos to do that hard work since ** don't like to work. I realized that these ** were ganging on this stores, acting as if they own it with a superior nasty attitude and they were getting away with it by protecting each other. I had donated so much good stuff to that store over the years, but now knowing what disgusting infested operations these ** are running there, I'd rather throw away my donations to the garbage.

You might think that I'm discriminating this creatures, but I'm here to tell you that they are doing a good job discriminating themselves. You get judge by what way you present yourself to others. It's not my problem, or an body else problem that you're black, fat and ugly. If you throw nasty out there, nasty will return right back at you. This store is located on Sunset Boulevard & Vermont, Los Angeles, CA.

They attempted to put the toys pre-bagged and selling for a high price but then you ended up with a bag of stuff that was mixed up or not the complete toy. In either way, sometimes there was rather gross and hazardous items, you had to use care when handling (example: extremely dirty toys, soiled underwear). The employees obviously would just dump the items in without looking. Now the bin and toy bags are discontinued all together. These items are given for free.

Why can't you just make rules for the toy bin and if rules are broken then that person is banned? Rules like only so many bags per visit, be polite and work together with others to get the sets needed, no reselling (only buy to give to kids), etc. It can't be that hard. Also, recently we have noticed that the prices have gone up. These items are donated. Realize that if you want to sell, you have to mark these consistent pricing and at low prices. I have seen a lot of items lately with prices that are higher than the stores' pricing brand new items.

The Murray, KY store that she manages is filthy and reeks of pretentious smells as was the Mayfield, KY location. I would start with cleaning up management, the store and perhaps everything else would fall into place. Murray, KY is a college town... That location should be thriving but, It isn't because of poor management, lack of obvious intelligence of the operating manager and organization of the facility. The Murray store should had already closed its doors and why it hasn't is unbeknownst to me but, I look for it to in the very near future. Lastly, anyone who post business decisions and the employee's reaction on a public forum cannot be a good business leader but, a moron.

She was even saying hateful things about me to the next lady in line not knowing that she was talking to my best friend. Out of my friends and relatives, we spend a lot of money every week. Just not at that Temple store. And today being grand opening day at the new store in Belton, TX Goodwill, seeing her there, I put the whole basket back and walked out. She needs to be fired and replaced with someone that has a nicer personality.

She transferred to a new store that was opening, and another manager came in, and she and I got along very well. However, months down the line, my position got "let go" because of our tiny store "not meeting budget" every day. Granted, it was a SMALL store, with unrealistic budget quotas that didn't get met EVERY single day we were open. I was offered to the store that I am currently at, the same store that the DISRESPECTFUL manager that I worked with, was managing. I thought, "Oh boy, now I'm working with HER...again?"

In result of having my "job title" taken away, I also had to take a 3$.00 an hr PAY CUT. That was a year ago. I have watched the same manager that I originally work with, harass, threaten, intimidate the co-workers and myself... There have been quite a few people that have quit working at my store. Just the other day, we all had a meeting and the manager and her RUDE assistant manager flat out told us that they've not been able to refer any of us as "employees of the quarter" because NO ONE is doing "their job properly"....How can we? We don't get any praises, and when "quotas" are NOT met as they say, we get harassed for it and blamed because our store is "not making budget like we should"...

This is a big store I work at and we have a lot of middle/high class customers that come in our store to shop... I have watched personally how the manager and her assistant manager have treated us and there is A LOT of favoritism. there. We get threats if we "are not doing our job the right way"... The only reason I can't quit is because I have a family to support. And oh yeah, I've had a raise in 2 years. Right now I am being transferred... again, to where I get to work with just 1 person, and get this, I am getting a $.50 "raise" but not 80 hours every 2 weeks... so I lose about $110.00 a month by accepting this transfer, but at least I don't have to listen to the negative BS that goes on in the store I'm leaving.

And oh yeah, the assistant mgr is one of those who has let her job title get to the best of her, and she screamed at me the other day for no legit reason, and to top that, at least I don't have to listen to her pitiful sob stories about her teen-aged daughter, who is a troubled soul and needs THERAPY, big time. The assist mgr. gets on my last nerves, and I am GLAD I am leaving that store. Too bad I can't leave this company, because I have a family to provide for. If ONLY upper mgt knew how these 2 managers treat us, them 2 women would be out of a job. And I am ashamed that I work for this money-hungry type of company, but unfortunately, the job market is horrible, otherwise I'd be leaving this company. I will eventually when something better comes along. I've always treated everyone with respect, but they don't care. It's all about money. I can't complain to HR because I am afraid I will lose my job, so I don't say anything because it does no good.

Goodwill, began to hire people, who had knowledge of their donations, almost like antique dealers. Their low prices, and fair prices... slowly shifted. Some things began to be overpriced. And, over time... Goodwill "soared" to stardom, as people realized they could get "quality" clothing at a fraction of the department store cost. But... Goodwill turned itself into a profit type company. It no longer catered to people who didn't have a lot of income, but to people with money. It is fair to sell to anyone, but Goodwill's image became like they were like Macy's.

Now, the innocence of their business, is a full blown industry. The image of helping workers who are not qualified to work in the outside world, "changed" radically...and the workers are educated, skilled people... and the so-called, mentally or physically challenged people... I don't see anymore. Now, they have turned a once pleasant shopping experience into a circus. While I still shop there on a regular basis... I recently saw the unthinkable. While closing a store, they make incremental announcements, for how much shopping time you have. So, you try to get finished at their closing time.

A couple of months back, I was the last person to leave... so I thought. As they let me out, and locked the door, I went to my car, and when I looked back at their front large window, the "two" people "who" were still "shopping", as "I" left...were there, in the "locked up" store. A man and his young daughter pulled up and parked, and "read" the hours sign, and got back in their car. I remained in my car, as I watched the manager, with the "two" shoppers, a man and a woman, in front of the jewelry counter, and he had a jeweler's loupe. They were "catering" to these two people, while they had "already" emptied the store of the other shoppers.

So... truth be known... Goodwill is playing the non-profit masquerade. Dealers are now, better than the rest of us. We are now, not equal to the rest of society. They were purchasing jewelry and china type objects. I sat there and watched from my car till they let them out. They saw me... and that's exactly what I wanted to them to do... see "me" seeing "them". Apparently their money is more valuable than the rest of society. But they appeared like they were being wronged by me just sitting there, watching them get into their car. Yet...their greed consumed their conscience.

I also shop at the outlet. If you want to see pandemonium... it's like something out of a movie. They ring a bell, while people "charge" like bulls to an arena. One particular group, grabs every shoe(s) there are, with some small exceptions. If an elderly lady needed a pair of shoes...forget it. She would be laying on the floor, and maybe stampeded in the process. I've been hit by carts, had my foot ran over, and seen a lady almost go down. I had enough!!! The once favorite place of my spending, has now become above itself.

I called the executive branch, and after several voice mails, finally got a "person" to answer. But, this was a worse nightmare than what I've already talked about. The man, literally, got so angry at me for being "honest". He slammed the phone on me, because I told him the truth. I was going to call the attorney general's office, if it was possible, and he freaked out on me. He first got mad, because I had initially studied the history of Goodwill, and found out, it was founded by a Christian minister, who got items for the poor, and gave them back to them to clothe them and help them. He blew up at me for mentioning the Christian foundation of his company. He said it had nothing to do with anything. But that is not true.

Their title, "Goodwill" is 2,000 years old. Most of us have heard at Christmas time... Peace on earth, and goodwill towards men. Yes, Jesus Christ was born. That's why the minister started goodwill to "start" with folks. But... I am not trying to put 2,000 year old meanings, to today's world. I'm merely stating a fact. Goodwill is not about the Bible. But...it was supposed to be about, helping people with learning, and physical needs to sustain "it". Now...it really still does that. BUT, THERE IS BIG BUT HERE. All our donations, and purchases, fill the pockets of the well-nourished, bigwig executives who "run" Goodwill. See...the non-profit company, is quite profitable.

Now, I am not saying that those who run Goodwill, don't deserve a decent salary. But search the internet, and you will find out the "salaries" these people are being paid. Ask them... Do you pay your workers equal pay for equal service? Just because they have college degrees, and the poor worker whose shriveled hand, pushes the keys on the cash register isn't as "capable" as the higher ups "are"... Funny how their salaries don't even come close. Yes..the typical American dream... Management corrupts, and cleans up. While the people on the bottom, are still the people "on the BOTTOM". But, folks, this is our country. So, what's new?

Goodwill was once a fair, and enjoyable place to shop. There are countless people who are really kind and devoted, and really "care". But the execs... just keep licking their fingers to count their earnings. Talk about abuse. Just like football, or any sport. The guy who cleans the stadium gets squat, but the players, get millions. My phone call was a disaster. The man yelled at me, scared me, and he sounded like he needed to be put in a straight jacket. All because I exposed "the truth". At the outlet, they dump all the donations into large rolling containers to the selling floor. There are broken glass, sharp edges, knives, etc. And innocent children and people are grabbing for their lives. It's just a matter of time.

After I had called him, and left several calls to the "head" of Goodwill, I knew, she did not have the guts to call me back. As big as her paycheck is...her guts don't match. Because she knows I am right. And one of her sidekicks, the safety so-called titled man, blew up on me like a monster. I mean, literally. Even, if I was off my rocker, and called him, he showed not one ounce of professionalism. And "he's" got a big title there. He was beyond anyone I have ever spoken to in years of business. He really should be working at the correctional center. Not a place, named "Goodwill". But, since they are letting so much go by, and pretending they don't know about it...is pure folly. They have cameras, and other workers who know and see the truth. But, it's always about the buck stops here.

I can actually tell you, I am afraid of that man. Yet I don't know what he looks like or where he is. But, I can see, Goodwill, is not prepared to play "fair". But I also want to be fair here. I still love Goodwill. And many people, both poor, middle class, and rich...shop there. There are wonderful bargains to receive. But it's the people in their ivory towers that run the ship. There above us all now. Goodbye, non-profit, hello "greed". Bye Bye, honesty and integrity. Hello favoritism, and selfishness. It's a sad day, when someone steps up to the plate, to "tell" the "truth", and like the usual courtroom dramas we know and see, the victim becomes the "accused".

After my horrific phone conversation with him, of which there were (2), because I called him back by mistake, after he hung up the first time, I am ashamed to tell people what goes on behind the scenes. But, as I said, it's still the best bargain for your money. But, you do have to use integrity while purchasing. Yes...as another wrote, some of their items, but very few indeed, cost more than the actual store from which they originated. Sometimes, you'll see a dollar tree, $1.00 item there, for $2.00. But, you have to read the labels. Now, they don't do returns, accept on electronics. But overall, it, as I have repeated, is still my favorite place to shop.

For 20 some years, I have told countless people to go there, and how wonderful the workers were to me. But, when I saw abuse, unfairness, and safety issues, I got punished for sitting in the "jury" seat, and giving the verdict...guilty as charged. I want all who read this to know, that no matter where you live, each Goodwill may vary from area to area, state to state. But, remember...use your sense there. And your cents, will carry your purse strings a lot stronger. Forgive my very long story...but the truth be known...both the good, the bad, and the ugly. So, when you go there, if you do...enjoy the blessings that exist. And be a blessing to others. Like the man who founded it...based on pure motives, of a sincere and merciful heart.

I guess if he was alive today, he would probably go into shock. But...as they say...it is, what it is. Get the most for your hard-earned dollar. And share your love, with those who are not as equal financially to you. Thank you for letting me, let it out. For being patient, and kind. And may God bless all who readily accept His blessings, if they so choose. In Jesus' precious love...

I will not be back to Goodwill. I will take these items and anything I have in the future to Salvation Army or Haywood Christian Ministry. That girl needs to be fired. No one should have to be talked to like I was.

How about I'm scheduled to be at work at 8:00am? I called the store 8 times at 7:47 am. I didn't get an answer. The manager said, "Well, you should had called back at 8:00 am." I showed her I waited to call again and it was like 9:00. I had to call twice then because I didn't get an answer. I went back to work and was fired for it. I believe there was something personal against me. Because at that time, I have been at work on time for 5 months, have not missed a day and they turned around and fired me for going to the doctors because I was sick.

But what really got me was this - our Goodwill (NE Ohio) gets new items from Target. They are priced with a red ticket and rarely get marked down. They are rarely a good deal as Target often discounts their clearance stuff anyway so it is often cheaper to buy from Target. We also have a closeout store called Marc's in the area which also gets Target items. I bought a brand new 8x10 area rug at Marc's that was from Target. I paid $20. It was such a deal I went back and bought another one. The following Sunday at Goodwill the same brand, same Target merchandise was...$99!!! Are you people insane? You are a thrift store. I know you don't get these new goods donated and they are higher priced but come on. To be $79 higher than a store in the same city is ridiculous.

She saw the manager and as I peeked through the door crack, she showed her the brand tag and I saw them talking looking at me. The manager said, because it was a thick winter material, it was considered a sweater at a higher price. Every time I have visited this particular store, the price jumped at the register on everything I brought to it! Does Goodwill policy allow people to make their own prices at the register? I know some proceeds go towards the needy, but not enough of them for this kind of stuff! Items that were marked one price, jumps to a higher price at register.

I ask the manager, "Doesn't that pose a risk to the customer?" The answer was something like, if they don`t wash it first that`s not our fault. This was not the only case and it gets worse but I`ll keep it clean for this forum. Maybe we should realize that we can get serious diseases shopping at these places. They do not wash the clothes yet we try them on in the store! There could be MRSA, strep, corona virus and who knows what on these clothes. They don`t care about the customer, the people who sort have to produce so many pieces or else they are out of a job. So, as long as it looks ok, out it goes on the floor. Maybe we should think twice before rubbing up against some donated object at Goodwill. It may come back to bite you, seriously. Signed, Mr. buying new clothes from now on.

But after that, I started taking pictures of the item with the camera on my phone. An example is that I went into the store and the color of the week was yellow; there were hardly any yellow tags in the entire store. I came back three days later, when the color had changed to green and the store was full of yellow tags. I had been watching one item in particular for about a month, and the color always changed so the item would never sell at 50%. If you inquire about it, the answer is always the same: "No, you are mistaken, we do not change the color tags once they are put out for sale." Well, if they aren't doing it, then who is? I have not seen any customers walking around with tags or scissors changing the tags.

So, in my opinion, Goodwill is just a ripoff trying to make as much money as they can. At least other stores are honest about their pricing practices. And to make matters worse, Goodwill's prices are higher than Walmart, Target, and even the Dollar Tree. I think they should lose their "non-profit" status and be forced to have an independent audit company come in and see exactly what is going on there and where their profits are really going.

Hello! The most I've paid for a stuffed animal in Springfield is $0.96. I told her that and she wasn't willing to sell it for less than $3.99. Crazy stuff. She said the Bloomington store is part of the same group of Goodwills that Springfield is in, but for now, Springfield is way cheaper! In Bloomington, my mom saw a used pair of pants for $9.99. What? Used clothes shouldn't be so high. One of our Springfield stores will be closed for the next 2 weeks. I pray they are not going to change their current way of pricing, but I have a feeling that it's coming. If it does, I will not be shopping there for much longer, and I won't be donating to them either.

I will be moving forward to bring awareness not only to the inner workings but also to the disrespect they have given to the community by accepting hard-earned taxpayers' money for grants that GOODWILL promises to use for training people with disabilities, yet Vice President GAIL HANA and Doug Ostholthoff have brand new organizationally paid cars. GREAT WAY TO USE GRANT MONEY. Although this is just one division of GOODWILL across our nation, I'm sure other Goodwills face the same problem, but the community, hourly paid employees, and those they serve have no idea what is really going on...

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Save the job of a person with a disability before a new car.

Also, at night when this store closes, customer service demands that we must be out of the store by 8pm and are very rude to customers. They treat us like children and sometimes turn the lights partially out before 8pm which caused me to trip on something that was dropped on the floor. Something really needs to be done about the craziness at this Goodwill and the rude customer service. I honestly think security would not be a bad idea. It will help prevent lawsuits.

Anyway, as the wife and I were leaving (on that previous trip), I mentioned to my wife that it was odd that they wouldn't discount us since they're going to have to pay shipping costs to send it back, and probably throw it away whereas I would have bought it at a discount and they would have made money instead of lose it. Frankly, I've gotten discounts on damaged items before, so it was odd. It turned out that the lady was deeply offended by my comments to my wife about losing money and shipping costs. She was ringing up a customer and still stopped in the middle to bark at me and demand for an apology over the other customers about what is nothing. It was rude, inappropriate behavior, and sickening.

I was still confused over it all, but apologized multiple times anyway (frankly, I should have said, "You are right, I apologize, I am sorry that you are so childish that such a small thing would sit with you for over a week, a thing that was a nothing at all"), but I am nicer than that and generally confused. So I got a bit displeased and left the store (I didn't want to be anywhere around her); the other customers couldn't tell why she was acting that way. It was pretty uncomfortable for us all.

As I look back at it now, she did look like the lady who threw my wife and I out of another location for having a service dog. So maybe it was the same lady and she was holding a grudge. Oddly, after we were thrown out of that other location and it made the news with the State Senator being on camera saying it was wrong, that other location closed down like 6 months later. It probably was the same person.