What did shoppers find at Vinnies that made them furious?

If you’ve ever wandered into your local Vinnies or Salvos, hoping to snag a bargain or simply relive the thrill of a good old-fashioned op-shop treasure hunt, you might want to brace yourself. 

The humble op-shop, once a haven for affordable finds and quirky knick-knacks, is now at the centre of a heated debate—sparked by a single, jaw-dropping price tag. 

A recent shopper’s social media video has gone viral, showing her disbelief at a $60 price tag on a second-hand basket at Vinnies. 

‘$60 for what? Oh my God, man, are you actually serious?’ she exclaimed, her shock echoing the sentiments of thousands of Australians who have since weighed in online. ‘I just am blown away.’

The reaction was swift and fierce. Social media lit up with comments from frustrated bargain hunters and those who rely on op-shops to make ends meet. 

‘All the Australian charity shops are rip-offs now,’ one person lamented. Another added, ‘Thrift shops are meant to promote reusing unwanted items, and try and steer away from fast fashion and waste. It’s meant to be a non-profit thing. It’s so upsetting to see this.’

For many, the op-shop was once a lifeline—a place where families could clothe their kids, students could furnish their first flats, and retirees could find a little something special without breaking the bank. 

But as prices creep up, some are feeling left behind. ‘I’m officially too poor for the op-shop,’ one commenter wrote, while another shared, ‘Vinnies lost my respect about 11 years ago, they upped the price at the only local store my family could afford clothes at … Scamming a*holes.’

The frustration doesn’t stop at baskets. Shoppers have reported seeing Kmart and Target home-brand clothes marked up to more than double their original prices. 

‘I’ll never forget donating my clothes and finding one of my dresses there selling for double what I originally paid for it new,’ one woman claimed.

So, what’s going on? Some blame so-called ‘scalpers’—people who trawl op-shops for trendy or branded items, only to resell them online at a profit. ‘Blame the people who started upselling everything they could get their grubby, little mitts on,’ one person wrote. 

‘Why wouldn’t the original shop just follow suit, especially if it’s meant to be for charity? This way they get the same money as scalpers.’ Others argue that the influx of well-off shoppers looking for vintage finds has driven prices up, making it harder for those who genuinely need affordable goods.

But is it all doom and gloom? Vinnies Queensland General Manager, Drew Eide, responded to the controversy, explaining, ‘The pricing model is carefully designed to provide great value to a diverse customer base. The average cost of an item sold by Vinnies Queensland is just $5.07 and 90 per cent of the items we sell are under $10.’ 

He acknowledged that, with thousands of items donated daily, ‘we don’t always get it right,’ and pointed out that, like any retailer, Vinnies faces rising costs for rent, electricity, and other essentials.

Mr Eide also highlighted the charity’s ongoing commitment to helping those in need: ‘We work directly with those in need to provide direct donations or vouchers to support them with items like clothing, furniture and bedding. Every item sold at Vinnies is used to support people experiencing homelessness, poverty and other financial hardships in your local community.’

The bigger picture: Why are op-shop prices rising?

It’s not just Vinnies feeling the pinch. Across Australia, op-shops are grappling with increased operational costs, from rent and utilities to transport and waste management. 

The cost-of-living crisis means more people are turning to op-shops, both to buy and to donate, putting extra pressure on already stretched resources.

At the same time, the popularity of ‘thrifting’ has exploded, thanks in part to social media and a growing awareness of sustainable fashion. 

While this is great for reducing waste, it’s also created a new market for vintage and branded items—sometimes at prices that rival regular retail stores.

Are op-shops still fulfilling their mission?

This is the heart of the debate. Op-shops were founded to make second-hand goods accessible and affordable, while raising funds for community programs. 

But as they try to balance rising costs, changing customer bases, and the need to fund vital services, some fear they’re losing sight of their original mission.

There’s also the question of fairness. Should op-shops price items based on what they’re ‘worth’ in the current market, or stick to the principle of affordability for all? And how can they ensure that those who need help most aren’t priced out?

What can shoppers do?

If you’re shocked by a price tag, don’t be afraid to speak up—politely, of course. Most op-shops welcome feedback and want to serve their communities well. 

You can also look for stores that offer discounts to concession card holders or have special ‘fill a bag’ days.

And if you’re in a position to donate, remember that your pre-loved items can make a real difference—just check with your local store about what they need most.

Have your say!

We want to hear from you. Have you noticed op-shop prices creeping up? Do you think it’s justified, or are charities losing their way? 

Have you scored a bargain lately, or been left shaking your head at the price tag? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going!

Also read: You won’t believe what bargains you can find on Vinnies’ new venture!