MYSTERIOUS: Goodwill bins best finds - What They Never Told You

Whether you’re an avid thrifter or an online reseller, you are probably familiar with Goodwill retail stores. However, did you know that Goodwill also has another type of store? They’re called Goodwill outlet stores and are also known as Goodwill pay by the pound stores, Goodwill weigh and pay stores, or Goodwill bin stores.

Shopping at Goodwill outlet stores is a rather unique thrift hunting experience. A small handful of items may be sorted and put in bins separately, including clothing; this is an exception rather than a rule. Items are brought out in large blue bins which the shopper will have to sort and dig through themselves in order to find the gems.

At the same time, it’s very likely that as a shopper, you will be competing with many other pickers and thrifters. Usually, the bins are lined up in many rows throughout the store. After a row of bins has been on the floor for a while, a staff member will announce the last call for that row and shortly it will be removed and replaced with more items.

Since most of the items are sold by the pound, there are a couple of things you may do as a shopper to make your checkout easier. Goodwill suggests dividing your cart into the categories shown in the diagram (on this webpage) since these items need to be rung up separately.

Moreover, the associate will determine the best way to ring up your merchandise. “Please work with them to get everything weighed properly,” Goodwill reminds their shoppers. “When rolling your cart onto the floor scale, be sure to remove your personal belongings or you will be charged for their weight,” they add.