What Thrifts don't put out-

Sigh. You too Sally?

 

"The E-Commerce Department" quote un-quote. And, clearly, the clothing has been pre-sorted elsewhere.

Debora

 

DIRTBAGS!!!!

 

Why does this bother everyone? They need money too. Now that they have the opportunity to sell on line, why wouldn't they do so? I think it's just another way the internet has changed things and we need to adapt. Part of the fun of the hunt is when they miss things or it's not on that banner and then we're happy.

 

It's almost humorous how everyone these days is trying to squeeze every single drop out of their freebie donated (mostly) junk !
I was looking at the dubious Craigslist yesterday-seems like a raft of Sellers have turned into 1stDibs wannabees.
AI pricing's pushing folks off the deep end.

 

And I'd like to add, those bots that have been roaming our site picking up information on proper identifications, I believe they will muck up the works more than the charities. Everyone can now find out what to buy without doing the work because someone else has done it.

 

Yep, I rest my case.

 

Indeed Ola-the game's afoot and we must sharpen our wits to a molecular edge.How much fun it'll be has a lot to do with our attitudes.
I've (very gently) asked fuming disgruntled pickers if they've considered getting a PT job ?

 

I thought Picking was a part time job. I've never understood how they can make enough to live.

 

Just noticed this yesterday-
'Bill Gates predicts 20 years of turmoil before AI creates 'true abundance' '
https://tech.yahoo.com/ai/articles/bill-gates-predicts-20-years-083701955.html

 

Many of the 'FT' pickers/sellers I run into locally have a spouse that works full-time, or some type of income stream/pension.
I'd think most Ebayers making a true middle class living are selling hundreds or thousands of pieces a week, and it aint a treasure hunt 'lark'.
I'm sure there are exceptions-but I just don't see how one person can still find enough single picks to sustain a decent lifestyle (rent,transport,med insurance,let alone kids).
PS-Like I said, I'm sure you can tell me abt folks making it work ?

 

My issues are, they get their inventory for FREE, and it's supposed to be going to less fortunate ppl. I don't look for items full time, and I know others do, but it just sucks to know ppl in need are still getting bottom of the barrel trash that's been filtered so stuff can go on eBay.

 

Some of what the SA filters are truly luxury goods. (and if they want the Lladro they're more than welcome to it. )

They can't, now, going thrift to thrift. The ones doing it for real have more than one side hustle. They buy out estate houses, entire collections. storage lockers etc. It's one reason I'm glad I bailed. I have a strict weight/carry limit, and repetition isn't wise either.

 

Maybe online has done itself in? I noticed that the thrifts have slightly higher prices than usual, but I'm not complaining. They take my "welcome to my old stuff" for free (keeps a good chunk of stuff out of the landfill) and I get a 10% reduction when I buy bcecause I'm an old biddie. I think that they are welcome to make as much money as possible from their donations. Helps people who need it, gives some people jobs, what's to complain about?

 

I think the folks making the most off the Thrifts right now are the CEO's and the rare 1 in a million YouTuber who's actually getting enough subscriptions to monetize their feed on an ongoing basis.
I remember crowing to my Accountant wife about my 5K Ebay months 20 yrs ago-she'd tell me amortize that over the quarter (add in the other 3 1-2K months)-that set me **** straight.... then we estimated what my hourly wage was !
PS-Incidentally,on rare occasion I still find stuff at Thrifts and get my 'steps in'. Fun exercise and some good chats.

 

Hey, but that leaves jewellery.

 

Though most of the desirable money-making stuff has been filtered out, the stuff in my local SA stores still doesn't look like "bottom of the barrel trash", it mostly looks like decent usable stuff. And judging by the lines of people with full shopping carts at the check-out counters, it is decent usable stuff.
The Salvation Army has long depended on the sale of the majority of donated items to fund its charitable programs, not simply giving the stuff directly to the poor.
However, local SA assistance centers do sometimes give vouchers to people in need so they can shop for clothing/necessities at the stores for free. And sometimes, specific items such as winter coats, children's clothing, interview attire, etc. are given directly to the needy during seasonal drives or emergency relief efforts.
The Walmart coat is just as warm as the high-end designer coat, and the online sale of the high-end designer coat gives a higher return for funding the SA's adult rehab centers, food pantries, shelters, disaster relief, etc. The SA is maximizing its abilities to help the needy by selling the high-end designer coat online and giving the Walmart coat to the homeless person.
As disappointing as it is for us pickers, the SA is better able to provide for the needy by selling the more valuable items on its online retail platform.