What wouldn’t you buy from a charity shop?

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What wouldn’t you buy from a charity shop? Why? What do you buy? What’s the best bargain you’ve picked up? Genuinely curious, I’ve always picked up kids toys, books ect I think it’s a great way to re use / save money. never any kitchen bits but I know people pick up some good bargains..

Used kitchen appliances and gadgets make me feel a bit sick. Like a second hand bread maker, I just can’t.

That looks filthy though. Def get it cleaned

Underwear because I wouldn't wear any of it worn by someone else.
Jigsaw puzzles because I'd be really frustrated if a few pieces were missing.
I do buy books.

Have you never heard of a library?!?! How do you think they operate?!

Not read whole thread, as I'm pooped and need to sleep.

I wouldn't buy a used soft toy for a child that might go on to suck them... I shudder at the thought of a previous baby or child sucking it.... there are some soft toys that can't be washed, as the instructions advise that a damp cloth only to be used.

Love charity shops, as you find stuff you didn't even know existed..,

But... You can clean them 🤯 like you would clean a new one after using it?

One of my favourite things I own is a 1960s Kenwood Chef, given to me by a friend when her neighbour was clearing out her mum's house and it needed a good home. At some point I'll strip it, recondition the motor and probably paint it a different colour, but it still works beautifully, the attachments have all been through the dishwasher and survived, and I'm hoping for another 60 years of service 😁

Ok interestingly I would use one from someone I know. I say that having an ancient kenwood chef passed on through the family and your post reminded me. But not from a charity shop.

logically I know I can clean it but I can’t stomach the thought.

I'll buy almost anything for the right price. Wouldn't go for leggings though, I kmow they can be washed but the thought of sweaty crotch makes me feel ill. Other than that so long as its good condition I'll buy it if I like it although tend to steer clear of second hand Shein or Primark.

These are some of my most recent buys

Hell Bunny burgundy dress £6
Karen Millen jacket £10
F&F black coat £1
Parisian grey faux fur coat £5

Not pictured but also recent buys

Per Una coat RRP 59.50 bought for 50p for my nan
Coast trousers in the most gorgeous creamy beige, in love with them £5
M&S knitted top for my nan 50p
Stradivarius wide leg beige jeans £3.50
Nautical dress for my mum £1

Spotted today but didnt get and now kicking myself, will see if theyre still there tomorrow

Joules striped Christmas top brand new £8
Jaeger jacket £10

Last week spotted Reiss dress at £1 but not my style so I left it, it was surprisingly still there today.

I'm lucky where I am, tons of charity shops. Some are massively overpriced, others are massively underpriced. Plenty of decent things to be had though, I've been very lucky.

I expect Catherine feels the same when she wears Diana's or the late Queen's cast-offs...

Surely you can wash the clothing before wearing it?

I've saved myself a fortune buying second hand shoes, and I've never had any with fungus or smells.

Underwear is a no-no for me. Our local charity shop had a selection of naughty undies and frillies in the window for Valentine’s Day. 😧

Anything that you would wear on your body.

I don't think BHF would be very happy to read this post. And FWIW my local BHF shop has very high quality stock.

Many charity shops tell you if pieces are missing. But my mum did buy a jigsaw once whose previous owner had separated out all the edge pieces... And forgotten to put them back in the box!

I wouldn’t buy soft toys because I don’t think I could clean them well enough (I do have ocd though!) Everything else is fair game. Most of my furniture came from charity shops, my sofa and armchair cost £150 together and I love them

So people who wouldn't buy second hand sheets... how do you feel about hotels?

Our CS gets lots of donated jigsaws, we have to trust the donors! No one has the time to count 1000 piece jigsaws. Washing glass and crockery takes up enough volunteer time, and steaming most clothes before they’re priced and displayed.

It’s a retail world unlike any other! No one knows what stock will arrive, carting hundreds of bags up to our sorting room is physically demanding. Volunteers are not the same as paid staff, they won’t necessarily be available when most needed, and some have limited skills. Staff are expected to have expert knowledge on every type of item, but sometimes may get the pricing wrong. My view is, if it’s too dear, it won’t sell. If it’s cheap, someone gets a bargain! We are a busy shop in an area of several charity shops, so we must be doing something right.

Just to add, we don’t sell old pants, pillows, duvets, cycling safety helmets, or car seats. In case anyone was wondering. 😉

Underwear.
Shoes, unless unworn.
Soft furnishings.
Anything that can't be washed or dry cleaned.

That's it really.

Why are so many people still wanging on about underwear? Charity shops don't sell used underwear!!!!!!

@OurLadySaphire that does make a sort of sense, and we're all different 💙 yay for another vintage Kenwood Chef!

It is very outing ( I told so many people as I was so chuffed) so cannot say. Needless to say I have been looking for more ever since!!

The charity that I volunteer for, has a strict no underwear policy, so anything like that which gets donated goes in a recycling bag and a company picks up rejected items which include stained and torn clothing

Nothing, they’re extortionate around here. I picked up a jacket the other week that was priced at £99! It wasn’t even on a special rack or anything.

I'll just say it again loudly for those at the back......
CHARITY SHOPS DON'T SELL USED UNDERWEAR.
😂