Salvation Army Thrift Stores Reviews

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About Salvation Army Thrift Stores

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The Salvation Army Thrift Stores sell secondhand clothing, furniture, household items and electronics. These stores aim to provide affordable shopping options while promoting recycling and community support through their sales and donation acceptance policies. Proceeds support The Salvation Army's charitable programs.

Pros
  • High standards of customer service
  • Professional and courteous staff
Cons
  • High prices for used items
  • Poor quality of merchandise

Salvation Army Thrift Stores Reviews

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    Page 2 Reviews 10 - 40
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    Customer ServicePrice

    Reviewed Feb. 25, 2023

    I went to Blaine, MN Salvation Army on 89th and spent about $200.00 this time. There’re few items I wasn’t allowed to buy because the clerk told me “the price tags were not correct,” “someone switched them!” May be so or whatever the case might be, I had no idea and how she’s supposed to even remember prices of thousands of items, she called the manager.

    The manager was pricing the items randomly as he wished! A new backpack was for $25! A small rug was for $20! An used clear M size storage container was for $8! I looked at the prices online and regular stores were charging less!!! They also didn’t allow me to buy a plate because the price tag was missing. The clerk was looking at me as if I was somehow guilty! I felt so humiliated and embarrassed as I’ve never ever experienced such! I told them that they just lost a good customer! Btw: a piece of table was listed for $195.00 and when I searched online, Wayfair is selling it for $65. Go figure!

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    Staff

    Reviewed June 3, 2022

    They scheduled us two weeks out and the guys who arrived were two ** overweight guys that appeared not to want to lift anything. They looked at our donation and said it was not good or new enough for them to take. A guy named "William" was arrogant and didn't care. When I was in college, I worked for the west coast location and they were a bunch of drug addicts forced to work. They would keep the good donations. I can tell they wanted something to keep not help the poor.

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    PriceStaff

    Reviewed April 21, 2022

    Every time I go to the Salvation Army in Torrance Plaza by Michaels and this one Hispanic female cashier is there, there’s drama. She’s always accusing people of stealing or changing prices. Everyone else is very kind but she is crass and downright nasty to customers. Today I went to pay and she accused me of changing prices! I DID NOT!!! And she would sell me the items. As I was leaving, she ran outside and grabbed another Hispanic women's arm and grabbed all her purchases, screaming at this customer! I don’t understand why she is still working for Salvation Army! She is the worst!

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    Reviewed March 3, 2022

    First of all I want start out by saying I have always appreciate and applauded organizations that dedicate their resources around helping others in time of need and those who are less fortunate. I have donated several times to the Salvation Army and shop there as well on occasion. I know the store they have here in our community has decent used furniture and I don’t blame their organization for being careful with donations.

    However… I recently had a beautiful, black wood, twin, trundle bed (with the extra bed) get turned down for donation. I bought this bed at Rooms to Go for about $1,000 roughly 9 years ago. It was used for a guest bed and our needs simply changed. It did have a few dings and I didn’t bother to clean it, but I the joints and springs were perfect. I really don’t get it. These guys walked in and said, "Nope we can’t take it, nobody’s gonna buy it". The truth is I could sell it for myself if CL or Offerup for at least a hundred or so. I don’t think I’m gonna bother with Salvation Army anymore. I’d rather do a free curbside alert in CL.

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    Staff

    Reviewed Feb. 8, 2022

    I scheduled a pick-up from the Akron store. When the truck arrived with one person I was told he could not take the furniture because he didn't have anyone to help him load the truck and that they didn't want the brand new recliner that I was do

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    Reviewed May 19, 2021

    Immediate damp smell noticed upon entering, like a damp basement. Crumbling walls and around entry door, uneven floors, no mirrors, filthy bathroom. But the toilet was clean. Sink and room itself filthy and falling apart... The building is downright falling apart. Shameful. Will NEVER go back in there.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed March 5, 2021

    Since 2017, I have donated various items from clothing to books to furniture to the Tampa Florida Salvation Army. Scheduling pickups have been simple online, and everything always worked out as planned---someone would call me 30-minutes before pickup, and the drivers would not "overly" scrutinize my items. I understand some Salvation Army in various cities may have forgotten the meaning of charity, but in Tampa Florida, there seems to be practice of the original concept in every way. I'll always think of them first for donations.

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    Price

    Reviewed Sept. 16, 2020

    Miami, Fl - The Salvation Army has become a greedy organization. They expect donated good to be perfect, though it's a thrift store! I showed up with a van full of furniture and household goods from my deceased parents' home and they rejected most of the furniture due to minor wear. Some of these were expensive pieces of furniture with a lot of usable life left. Any of those would have been perfect for anyone who needed a dining table, book shelf, side tables, tv stand, etc. They said they were unsellable, but that was absolutely not true. Who do they think they are? Nordstroms...?

    If I had more time then I would have taken all of it to Goodwill who does appreciate such items. After years of donations to SA, I will never donate to Salvation Army again. The only ones being 'saved' there are their management with higher than deserved salaries gained from our donations. That's how they can now build those new million $ thrift stores. They have crossed the line! If I could rate less than 1 star I would.

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    Reviewed Aug. 22, 2020

    I went to the Saugus location to drop off a glass front TV stand and was treated rudely from inception. From "you parked in the wrong place" to "we may not accept your stuff anyways", it was the last time I will be dealing with this company. After a quick glance at the furniture, they refused the donation saying it wasn't in sellable condition. Totally not true, but after the welcome I got, didn't bother to discuss any further and just left. It's a shame some family in need won't get this piece. It will be going in the trash this week. Maybe someone will grab it off the curb.

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    Reviewed July 28, 2020

    I was surprised to find banking, health and insurance information and other personal information left in the drawers of several items on the floor. Is anyone responsible for checking this? I took a picture.

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    Installation & SetupOnline & AppStaff

    Reviewed Feb. 14, 2020

    I scheduled a donation to be picked up in front of my condo. I SPECIFICALLY left instructions to leave me a receipt for my taxes. Well, the 2 bags of clothes were picked up without leaving a receipt. I called Customer Service at the Salvation Army and was told they were on their way to pick up my donations. I told the rep that they already picked up my donation and I saw the truck drive away. She said that they hadn't made the pick up yet. I again told her they did, as I saw them drive away and put the donations in the truck. I was told that they would email me a receipt for my taxes. It has been 5 hours and still no receipt. Evidently, all the Salvation Army does is talk and does not pay attention to special instructions on their website! Will not donate to them again!!

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Feb. 13, 2020

    I schedule a pick up with the Salvation Army to pick up my sister's mattress ($399) I bought from Firm Mattress company. The mattress hasn't got much use because she was uncomfortable laying on it. All it had is a little stain caused by sweating. I have already washed it and is not unsanitary. I put the mattress on the porch and put the SA sign out on the railing. Well, I noticed that they didn't take the mattress so we made a call to find out why. They told us that it has stain in it. I couldn't believe it and am furious. What about all the homeless people who were out in the streets and they come in get clean and so on but they wouldn't take the mattress? Things wasn't they used to be years ago. That really stink.

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    Customer ServiceInstallation & SetupPunctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Feb. 13, 2020

    None of the instructions I gave in the online donation form were followed. There was no notice before their arrival in the morning even though I was called days before and told that they are supposed to call before they arrive. The couch I was donating is in excellent condition but needed a vacuuming prior to pick up. Because they did not follow any of the instructions that I put in the request or their own instructions I did not have time to do this quick vacuum and then they did not pick up the product. They also knocked on the front door of home which I specifically had asked them not to do in the instructions by stating "knock on back door." I would not recommend this service to anyone. It is a waste of time. Anything you ask will be ignored. And they do not do what they say.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Feb. 12, 2020

    Awful! We are moving and I scheduled a donation pickup one month before the scheduled pickup date. The day of pickup they called and cancelled. Made arrangements to pickup next day. On that day, they called and cancelled again. Awful Awful Awful. Not donating to this organization ever again! Awful unempathetic people! I had to give them a star so I pushed one BUT if the option could have been ZERO, that’s what I would have pushed!

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    PriceStaff

    Reviewed Jan. 18, 2020

    So I had SA come to pick up a number of pieces of furniture and they deemed some of them to be too "used" to accept. I understand that as they are planning to resell the items and it may not be successful if the items are too worn. However, I had an armoire that was in pristine condition and they would not take it. They thought the distressed design of the item (which is designed to be an antique reproduction) indicated that it was in bad shape. I tried to explain to them that the item was suppose to look that way and was in fact identical looking to the day I bought it and they said I was incorrect (I guess lying) and they refused to take it.

    I needed to have everything out of the house that day and with their refusal, had no plan for how to deal with the armoire. I tried calling the driver's supervisor but he was just as stubborn and kept suggesting that the piece was "worn out" and not suitable for the store. It was incredibly frustrating. You may not like the distressed style but I had no idea the SA would refuse a style. Won't be dealing with the SA in the future. Just not worth it.

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed Jan. 2, 2020

    This was the worst experience I have ever had dealing with a company. I had scheduled a pick up for Thursday between the hours of 9 to 12. They did not come. Called the company, first they said they could not find my appointment. Then after waiting, they finally found my appointment. They finally showed up at 2. Walked in, looked at my furniture and said they would not accept my furniture. It was not in excellent condition and they just walked out. Prior to scheduling the pickup, as request sent them a picture of the furniture which clearly shows the sofa started to peel as bonded leather will do. I would never advise anyone to do any type of business with this company. The workers were extremely rude.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 28, 2019

    Today was 50% everything day and store was crowded. There were only two of the five registers staffed. Spoke to assistant manager Chris who was rude and ignorant who’s solution was just be patient and wait. Spoke to the store manager (efficient, courteous, and decisive) who immediately opened 2 more reg. Of course we still waited in line but big difference overall. How the assistant manager (Chris) could be so rude and clueless is concerning. He should in my opinion be demoted or fired as was voiced to the store manager. Five stars to store manager- one star to assistant manager Chris thus the three star rating.

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    Customer ServiceCoveragePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Dec. 26, 2019

    Salvation Army was scheduled to be here today and my wife told me they will call 30mins before pickup. I got a call from my wife while I was still sleeping at home that Salvation Army was at the door...! I was surprised because what they told us was that, they would call before 30mins before they showed up. I manage to wake up and went downstairs to open the door. I came out in the cold and the driver was still sitting in his truck looking at me through his side mirrors. I walked back to my door hoping he has seen me and would walk to the door which is did. I opened the door and said hello..., he responded and asked if he could see the two fridges I wanted to donate. I said ok and that, he will need to take off his factory/warehouse boots or use something to cover his boots or come in with his socks which is not unusual for people coming into my house and the very light type of rugs in my house which we maintain very expensively.

    The Driver holding the papers in his hand actually said a NO and requested I move the rug aside. I had no problem doing that for the hallway rug which I said to him, But the second fridge is in the basement rugged wall to wall and there's no way we will move that rug NOR will I let his factory boots and his fellow driver boots walk on my clean rugs with their factory boots and if there's a way he can cover the boots with some nylon? He responded with…"THEN YOU WILL HAVE TO FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO GET YOUR STUFF THEN..."

    It's a very SAD Experience! These drivers call the shot! They did exactly the same last year. We donated a new Queen size bed. The first driver that came said there was a minor scratch on the side of the headboard which wasn't visible and he couldn't pick it up which I think was pure laziness! My wife called Salvation Army and Another driver showed up 3days later and said there was nothing wrong with the bed. He picked it up with great appreciation. I just cannot soil or mess up my well maintained rugs because I'm trying to give out items that will be of great help to someone out there. Every drivers sent out there to pickup an item for Salvation Army should learn how to exemplify the Salvation Army Mission of trying to help someone out there. These drivers should show character bigger/greater than themselves.

    My perception today reflects individuals trying to tell me 'they are doing me a favor' picking up my donated items. I decided NOT to donate it to them because, it's the other way around. People has to feel they're doing a noble thing donating to people in need. I'm just disappointed because, this is not the first time I have had to deal with these kinds of drivers from Salvation Army. This is just the first time I've chosen to express this. I hope drivers like this don't end up destroying the great reputation of Salvation Army.

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    Staff

    Reviewed Dec. 2, 2019

    After posting some items on Craigslist for sale, I decided I would just donate the furniture to the Salvation Army. I donated a couch, an entertainment center, and several decorative cabinets. I purchased the furniture from Ikea and it was all in perfect condition except for the coffee table. I am aware that most moving companies have a disclaimer about Ikea furniture. However, all of the furniture was put together by Ikea experts and I myself moved this furniture once with no issues.

    On the day they picked up my items I thought all was fine. Then as they were wrapping up one of the drivers thought it was important to tell me they usually don't take Ikea furniture and that all my items would probably wind up in the trash. Again, they had finished loading my items at this point so it was not as if I was given the opportunity to change my mind about donating. And personally, I felt the statement was not Christianly. It was in fact very mean to tell me after they had loaded all of my perfect furniture that they were going to dispose of it.

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    Staff

    Reviewed Nov. 12, 2019

    They do no help people as much as they claim. A while ago 15yrs I lost my job and home I had a 6 month old baby and wife I turned to them for a little help and lo and behold they would not help my family because we are **, yet another ** family got all kinds of help. Sad thing is to this day when I see them collecting money in kettles at Christmas I give money hoping it is going to help someone in need. After all it's only Christian like. This happened at the Williamsport Salvation Army. I personally feel that they show favoritism to certain groups not races. It is likely it may have just been the colonel was just an **, I sure hope he has never been that heartless to any other being. I hope this year at Christmas time people have humanity in their hearts and help someone who may need it, I know I will. Even though I suspect that there is a lot of pocketing money in that organization. God knows who's honest and who is not. I hope this helps someone.

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    Reviewed Nov. 9, 2019

    I scheduled a pick up of a desk and hutch a few weeks ago. The pick up was scheduled for November 4. Today is November 9 and they still have not shown up. The desk has been outside covered with a tarp all week long. How long do I wait before giving up?

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    Customer Service

    Reviewed Oct. 21, 2019

    I left two plastic bags with the receipt for pick up taped to them. On the other side of my porch, I had a bright yellow dry cleaning back for pick up service. Salvation Army took that with the other bags. Now, we are out 20 of my husband's dress shirts and a few pants because they were careless. I will not call them again as they cannot be trusted.

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    CoverageStaff

    Reviewed Oct. 18, 2019

    Contacted Salvation Army to donate a Love Seat, Sofa Sleeper and dresser. All are in good condition. When the 2 men came out to pick up said they could not take because the love seat and couch were faded from the sun and the dresser had a little wood chipped at the bottom side. Dresser was beautiful and couch was in excellent condition. Someone in real need could have put a couch cover on it and have a perfectly good piece of furniture. It’s like they only accept new things. This is a thrift store for Pete sake. I would have killed for this type of furniture for my first apartment. I will never contact, donate or recommend the Salvation Army again. They are definitely not working for the people in need. What a shame.

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    Price

    Reviewed Oct. 15, 2019

    This company sells your donated product for top dollar! I called to donate my like new dresser that has a small scratch on it. They tell me that they cannot take it. Seriously, it's a thrift store for God sake not a new furniture store. The furniture was hardly used. It's bad enough that I don't shop there because it's too expensive but then I try to donate and you want the furniture to be perfect. I really hope this store goes out of business soon!

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    Punctuality & Speed

    Reviewed Sept. 28, 2019

    I have scheduled pickups in the past but today I was so disappointed. I had a solid oak desk and shelving unit and a few odds and ends to donate. The desk was a very nice piece of furniture. I arranged my schedule twice around a pickup because of the desk and when they showed up for delivery (which I waited all day for) they told me they didn't take furniture. I had waited all day for a delivery truck to pick up a few boxes that I could have easily taken myself. The fact that they didn't inform me when I set up delivery has caused me a day wasted waiting and I missed other events because I was not available because I need this desk removed to clear space. I don't know if I will donate again.

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    PriceStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 4, 2019

    In Bellingham WA, the Salvation Army Thrift Store USED to be the best Thrift store in the county. 2 yrs ago, they put an older woman in charge. She changed everything in the store. Nancy decides on prices that cost more than if you were to buy brand new. Rumor has it that the store is closing in 3 months. The actual manager asks customers what she should do to turn around business, but then does the opposite. It's as though Salvation Army WANTS this store to close because the 2 older women running the place are literally running the store into the ground. I've watched employees just walk off the job mid shift because of the insanity.

    The really sad thing is that the revenue from this store actually goes into a fund for very low income families for help. They dont help a lot, but they have kept many off of the street, clothed many in need and been a really neat store to find fair bargains at, UNTIL 2 YRS AGO. They have spent the last 2 yrs repricing literal garbage. They spend more money on dump runs from moldy destroyed donations than they make in a whole month! The older gals, Nancy and Sara, are terrible at their jobs. The hostile work environment is all gossip and laziness. All of the volunteers quit, even paid employees quit after they cant take it anymore.

    Shame on the 2 women who have taken a really great place and turned it into a failure. I'm happy to shop elsewhere and I will NEVER SET FOOT IN THAT STORE AGAIN, unless Nancy and Sara are no longer there. I've been shopping there for 10 yrs now, and quite frequently!! It's disappointing to overhear old bitty banter about employees, volunteers, gossip about the church and upper management. I'm not a soap opera fan, so I don't find their casual, unprofessional ways amusing.

    The absolute worst part is that without that store, there will be no funding for those most in need in our community. These 2 could care less. They knowingly overprice broken, moldy, torn, stained garbage. Kinda seems like these 2 are TRYING to get this store shutdown. Wish Salvation Army would fire the problems, and hire people who dont give special pricing to their personal friends and family, while overcharging thru the roof for the counties dumpster items. It really used to be such a wonderful store!!

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    Staff

    Reviewed Sept. 4, 2019

    I was so glad to have Salvation Army come and pick up my donations. They were very courteous and helpful. It really blessed me to know my mom's things were going to a good charity. I would definitely schedule again for large donations.

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    PriceStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 19, 2019

    Helpful sales people and lots of products. All kinds of products. You can return items if necessary. Good prices on most all items. Large selection of household goods. A lot of locations in various cities.

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    Staff

    Reviewed Aug. 19, 2019

    We scheduled a pick up for several larger items and boxes of household goods. The pick up guy was argumentative and didn't really want to take anything. He left a like new love seat, 3 shelves, and boxes of dishes that were easily salable. He was upset that everything was not itemized on his order from dispatch. He stated all they really wanted was clothes, and that he would be penalized by Elk River sorting center if he brought in anything else. We packed up the car and dropped everything off at Goodwill where they were thrilled. Never again.

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    Customer ServiceStaff

    Reviewed Aug. 12, 2019

    6432 Rising Sun Ave. I was shopping at the Salvation Army on Rising Sun Ave yesterday in Philadelphia, Pa. I LOVE thrift stores shopping. My 5 yr old daughter left her cellphone in the store. So I go back and tell the cashier, my daughter left her phone. I can clearly see it from where I am. The MANAGER tells me I have to wait. SHE COUNTING CASH. Patiently, after 20 mins w/ my child having to go to the bathroom the lady walks off. I bangs on the glass and ask can she just pass me her phone. She screamings, "WE CLOSE." I AM HEATED NOW. I CALLED THE COPS. I staked out the front and told my husband to come and stake the BACK!!

    She wasn't leaving WITHOUT giving me my daughter's phone. SHE LIES and said there was no phone there. SHE turns the lights OFF so you couldn't see. She didn't know I took a photo of my phone sitting there prior. I SHOWED IT TO THE COPS.. I told the officer, "She lying. My daughter phone is right there." She was heated because the cops told her to give the phone. The officer took his flashlight and could clearly see the PHONE. I waited for 45 mins with my child in the heat and this is how people do people!!! The Salvation Army will hear a word or TWO from me tomorrow!! AND I will never patronize one again!! The manager told the cops to tell me not to come back again. The nerves. I was the victim and ban me? I have contacted management and no one has returned my call. Next will be the media.

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    Salvation Army Thrift Stores Company Information

    Company Name:
    Salvation Army Thrift Stores
    Website:
    www.salvationarmyusa.org