For not paying nearly £20 for a second hand coat?

[Sbrown32]

So, today I went charity shopping for the first time in a while as I needed a winter coat for the last few months of my pregnancy. I found a really lovely one that I wanted, it was a nice colour and the quality wasn't to bad, a few imperfections but overall I was happy, until I went to go look at the price 🙃 £18.50!! I don't know if I am just being cheap but that seemed expensive for anything second hand!

Most of my clothes are second hand and I rarely buy brand new, I am used to paying a few £ for any item of clothing and have gotten many coats in the past for £5 - £10 depending on type of coat. I just can't get over it and may have embarrassed the OH with my rant inside the store 🤣

If it’s a decent wool coat then I think it’s a bargain. Including the dry clean price on top.

I am not to sure as I didn't recognise the brand of coat tbh.

My last new heavy wool coat cost £250

£18.50 seems a reasonable price for a s/h good quality pure wool coat in good condition. .

I paid less than that for a brand new one in the sale

What was the brand?

I do get your point, maybe its because I know I will only be using it for a few months and it got my back up a little? Not to sure, I paid £5 for my yellow rain jacket and I have had that for a few years, I love it but unfortunately doesn't fit at the moment

Charity shops have too much stuff, pricing high makes no sense.

They need it gone more than you need it period.

Yeah, I get you. Unfortunately I didn't recognise the branding of the coat just kinda saw the cost a popped it back. I don't usually care about the brand but the qulity and the state of it. Even primark prices have gone up!

By and large I find charity shops have basically priced themselves out of a lot of the market with Vinted’s rise and rise. Anything with a Boden label is £££ regardless of condition.

But I did find a 100% leather M&S long coat in Oxfam a couple of years ago for £25, it looked barely worn so I did buy that.

I think, because I know its only going to be used for a few months it just seemed expensive.

I bought all of my baby clothes on Vinted (no many in charity shops near me) but when it comes to clothes for my I like to go and look/try them on. Plus help out a charity but may start having a look on there for a few items in the future

in another thread you say you spend £25 on a takeaway for 2 people. So £25 is reasonable to you for mediocre food for one meal. But £18.50 for a good coat that will last all winter and beyond causes you to have hysterics in a charity shop?

Completely agree with this! I am not really bothered about brands, most of them I wouldnt know if it was quality or not I just go for the one I like the look of and it fits, in good condition etc.

The cost is based on its brand, quality and condition, not how long you personally will use it for. I think in your situation I would get a cheap low quality one and supplement it with a nice warm scarf.

I once bought a £20 coat from a charity shop in Cheltenham. Lambswool double breasted, still had a racing ticket in the pocket 😀

I wore it for years, quite ruined it! I'd buy another if I could. But I know what you mean. Charity shop prices are rising, quality is dipping... our local ones are all having a rethink, trying to find ways to support families, using those of us with a bit more spare cash to support them more. They too are quite depressed about it!

🤣 its a fair point you made I suppose. I have no argument other than I wasn't hysterical more shocked/annoyed.

Personally, I don't spend a lot of money on clothes but me and my partner sitting down to watch a film and getting a takeaway means a lot to me and is worth the price (whilst we have the money to be able to do so). Priorities I guess.

Is it synthetic or wool?

For a coat you like and does the job, you are being unreasonable. Don't worry about the brand, look at the fabric. If it had a high wool content then it was a bargain.

But it isnt cheap . A charity shop used to be for people who could not afford much at all. So best part of 20 to most may be nothing . But to someone who may only have 40 for food for the week then 20 is a hell of a lot.
Not to mention charity shops get all of the stock for free. And having spoken to people who volunteer they often have full stock rooms with bags and bags of clothing . And turn lots away.
Maybe they would shift more stock and not be closing so many if they reduced the prices and sold more . Like they used to.

Hummm, yes I guess. I ended up getting a nice one for £10 in the end. I usually ask for a nice scarf/hats/gloves for my birthday each year so yes its an option actually and think I will stick to that!

totally depend on the quality. Could be a bargain or a rip off....

A charity shop used to be for people who could not afford much at all.
No it wasn't, it was to raise money for the charity. @Starlight7080

Perhaps it was an expensive brand? So £18.50 may have been very reasonable? Why did you feel you needed to rant inside the shop?? Just put the coat back and walk out, no need for a tantrum!

Synthetic - unfortunately I didn't recognise the brand 😕.

The sole purpose of a charity shop is to raise money for the charity, not to provide people with cheap clothes or even to sell all the clothes.

They need to stock the stores with what will get them the most money. Trying to sell lots of items for a quid is a waste of their time.

I bought a John Lewis wool coat last year in a charity shop for £25. Wore it all winter. Every time I wear it, I get compliments. I got it out and wore it this week - two compliments first day. I will wear it until March probably - so 5 month-ish. How is that not a bargain?

You may see a John Lewis coat on Vinted but I bet it will be over £10. Add on the postage, insurance and then the risk factor of will it fit, will it suit me?

Yes, charity shops have got more expensive and their prices for supermarket brands, Primark and Shein are ridiculous. But you can still find absolute steals out there if you’re prepared to buy the more expensive brands. A quick google on the brand on the label would have been a good idea.