Today’s nifty thrifty lesson:
“All About Goodwill”
Here are 10 great questions answered about Goodwill. If you guys have any others, feel free to leave them in the comment boxes below!
1. Does Goodwill wash clothes before selling them?
I get asked this question all the time. As far as I know, no, Goodwill does not wash clothing before putting it on the floor. However, they do ask that donors wash the clothes before donating, and I find that they’re almost always in very good condition-no stains, rips, etc. Many people feel more comfortable washing their finds before wearing them.
2. When does Goodwill restock?
The stores have an almost constant stream of donations coming in, so new items are being added all the time. They pretty much leave all donations on the floor no matter what the season, etc. Many people will go shopping 3 times a week and find new stuff every time.
3. When is Goodwill open? Are they open on Sundays?
The hours vary from store to store. You can find your local Goodwill here and check the hours and days they’re open. And yes, Goodwills are frequently open on Sundays. Here’s what a fairly typical schedule might look like:
Mon-Fri – 9am-9pm
Sat – 9am-7pm
Sun – noon-6pm
4. Does Goodwill have dressing rooms?
Yes! Every Goodwill I’ve ever been to has always had dressing rooms. Sometimes they can be pretty crowded with left over clothes and sometimes they’re pristine. Usually they’re locked and you have to ask for an associate to open them for you. They also typically have a limit on the number of items you can bring in (5 or so), although this isn’t always the case.
5. Does Goodwill have good clothes?
YES! I definitely believe so. They have all kinds of clothes…everything from jackets from the 60’s to modern-day clothes with the tags still attached. I really believe there is something for everyone. Of course, you have to search a bit but it makes finding those designer jeans or perfect blazer that much more worthwhile.
6. How can I pay at Goodwill?
Cash, credit, debit, personal checks, and gift cards. It’s best to check with your local store to make sure, but these are widely accepted payment methods.
7. What items does Goodwill not accept?
It seems like they sell everything, but there are certain items they cannot accept as donations. Fridges and other large appliances, broken TVs etc, mattresses, torn or dirty couches and chairs, car parts, paint and other chemicals, kerosene/gas heaters, cars and other large automobiles, and anything that has been recalled.
8. Is Goodwill a non-profit?
Yes, Goodwill is a non-profit organization.
9. Is Goodwill affiliated with a religion?
No, Goodwill is not religiously affiliated.
10. How was Goodwill started?
Great question. Goodwill was founded in 1902 by a Methodist minister named Rev. Edgar J. Helms who would collect items from the wealthier neighborhoods in Boston to resell. Rev. Helms started the organization to give employment to those who were underemployed or those who could not be easily employed. Read the whole story here.
niftythriftygoodwill 
Great history & info, thank you! latest “jewel” from GW is an ivory leather Cole Haan Handbag; on their website it sells for $346.00 – my score was $79.99! & an older GW is being remodeled and re-opened more near our home than others I go to ALOT!
WOW what a find. And that’s awesome that it’s being remodeled! I’m finding more and more that GWs are becoming cleaner, better organized, and well, prettier! Let me know if you find anything else great.
I had a friend who worked at Goodwill and they do wash the clothes. The reason you hardly ever did clothes with stains is because they wash everything in huge washers, then inspect them, and then it goes on the floor.
Just so you know! :)
That’s good to know! Thanks for your input :)
Not all Goodwills wash the clothes. the one i work at does not. but we dont accept anything that smells like smoke or anything.
also good to know!
Which goodwill you work to.It hard for me to find a job.
Goodwill operates not as one huge company but as many smaller ones for many complicated reasons, some being the state and local regulations of their locations. They have divided into regional organizations (e.g. Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois) and depending the laws, budget, and capabilities they make decisions about how to handle different items, unless there is a specific mandate from the parent company. They also often have decided within each regional organization to change policies from store to store. Hence you can have 2 stores treat their items differently even within the same region. Hence the real answer to “Do they wash the clothes?” is Ask the specific store you are buying from.
I have just started shopping at Goodwill. I think it is the greatest experience ever. I purchased Coldwater Creek blazers and brand new Clarkes shoes for nearly nothing. Also the cashier said the employees cannot but anything at their own store which I think makes it fair for everybody.
but they sure can tell their family and friends :)
50% off every 1st week of Saturday can’t get enough leather nice jackets for a half price.
I think not All GWS comply to a certain standard & that all of their merchandise is not hyneneticaly friendly
It is my understanding Goodwill is no longer a non profit organization.
I’ve wondered a few times, if it was ever possible to actually wear the clothing you buy, out of the store… Might be good for the occasional mess… Go into the store, pick up something good to replace it, and not cost a lot!
If you are a non-profit organization with no Christian affiliation, then where do the profits go,and where can I see that for my local store
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Great write-up. Seems as though alot of time and effort went into this.
Thank You
I just want to know if the white tag items are donated.
I feel that the goodwill store over price’s used items. Some things are under priced and a family trying to find items for their children and can’t afford a jacket for 13.50 .you can buy a new one in a store for 25.00 new. What’s wrong with ripping off the poor and needy
Having sorted product from thrift stores it’s the employees that pick threw and put out the best donations people who donate donate a lot of disgusting stuff from snot rags condoms and underwear covered in poop and menstrual blood .
Props to all sorters who have to dig threw and put there health at risk for a 6 dollar pair of pants
Does Goodwill use a check verification system?