Goodwill Outlet Bin Stores Where You Pay By The Pound

I had heard there was a new type of Goodwill store where you pay by the pound. They are called Goodwill Outlet Stores and set up exactly like a bin store. But I never actually visited one until after a friend showed me some of the items she had recently gotten at one that gave me the urge to go.

These Levi’s jeans have clearance stickers from JCPenney’s meaning they are JCPenney liquidation. There was also Kohl’s liquidation clothing that had Kohl’s clearance stickers on them. These would be great items for me to sell at our liquidation boutique.

Contents

Goodwill Outlet Store Review
Goodwill Outlet Store Locations
Goodwill Outlet Store Tips
Final Thoughts

Goodwill Outlet Store Review

Please note that this is my personal review. It’s important to note that my experiences may not mirror yours. Each Goodwill Outlet store can be vastly different, governed by factors such as location, donation quality, and store management. Just as thrifting in general, it can be hit or miss, and requires patience and a keen eye for spotting potential treasures amidst the chaos.

There nearest Goodwill Outlet store to me was located in Omaha, Nebraska. The exact address is 4115 S 72nd St, Omaha, NE 68127. Since we were in Omaha for a medical appointment, I decided to check it out.

I first scoped out to find how much it charged per pound. Above is the sign showing $1.47 per lb. except as listed: All books 50¢ each or 3 for $1. Individually priced items include:

Bicycles
Rugs
Glassware
Electronics
Furniture
Pictures
Dishes/Dish Sets
Televisions
Exercise Equipment
Lawn & Garden Equipment

All merchandise is sold as is. All sales are final.

I took the only available shopping cart and started to walk down the aisles checking out the merchandise in the bins. I then noticed was that no one else was pushing shopping carts around. They were all parked along the wall with people walking things back and forth from the bins to put items in their carts. I wish I would’ve gotten a photo of them. I soon wondered if it was okay for me to be pushing one! I continued to push mine (because I like having my purse sit in the baby seat), but stayed away from other people so I didn’t block where they were rummaging through stuff.

I saw quite a few brand-new nice looking name brand shoes, but there was only one of them to be seen, not a pair! I saw a few of the shopping carts had one shoe sitting in the baby seat of their cart – I presume they were hoping to find the shoe’s match.

All in all, I was not impressed. The bins were full of used items that were obviously discarded for a reason plus there was a lot of trash in them. And when I say trash, I mean actually garbage like used fast food containers.

I never saw any clothing available whatsoever, not even used clothing, so maybe this location doesn’t carry clothing. If my friend got those Levi’s for $1.49/lb at a different location, one pair weighs around one pound, so $1.49 for a pair of brand new Levi’s would be a steal for someone to to resell via Poshmark.

I also came to the conclusion that other Goodwill Outlet Stores may have different pricing structures as I saw

I didn’t bother asking the cashier about what days they restocked.

Goodwill Outlet Store Locations

I thought about adding all of the Goodwill Outlet Store locations to our map of liquidation stores, but after my visit, I would classify them more as a thrift store than a liquidation store or even a salvage store. And even though they are considered a bin store, they are not anything like an Amazon bin store.

Therefore, I recommend you visit GWOutletStoreLocator.com to find a location near you.

Goodwill Outlet Store Tips

Once you find a store near you, here are a few tips to ensure your trip to a Goodwill Outlet store is both successful and enjoyable.

Go in with an Open Mind – You never know what you may find, so keep an open mind and be willing to explore the store. Look for items that are unique or can be repurposed into something new.
Be Prepared – Wear comfortable clothes and shoes since you’ll likely be rummaging through bins of items. You may want to wear gloves to safely sort through bins.
BYOB – Bring your own bags or totes as they do not supply shopping bags when you check out.
Have a Budget – Determine how much you are willing to spend before you go, but also be aware of the price per pound so that you don’t overspend on heavier items.
Inspect Items Carefully – Goodwill Outlet stores can be a great place to find unique items, but it’s important to check them carefully for defects or damage or that all pieces are included.
Watch for Thieves – Unfortunately, there may be some sneaky competitors who snatch stuff from your cart when you’re not watching. Some folks suggest bringing a sheet or blanket to cover your cart so people can’t see all your goodies.
Shop Strategically – Visit the store at least once a week as the inventory is constantly changing. You may want to ask the clerk or cashier on what day(s) of the week they restock so you can shop on the first day it’s restocked.
Don’t Forget Your Phone – Use Google Image Search to research the value of items online to see if they are worth buying.
Have Fun – Last but not least, the most important tip is to have fun! Goodwill Outlet stores can be an exciting place to explore and you may find some amazing treasures during your search.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, shopping at Goodwill Outlet stores presents a unique and thrilling opportunity for treasure hunting. It’s a place where patience, open-mindedness, and strategic planning pay off in the form of valuable items at bargain prices. Despite the challenges, such as potential damage to items and the need to vigilantly watch over your finds, the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of scoring great deals make the experience worthwhile. Remember to stay within your budget, inspect items thoroughly, and above all, enjoy the process! As with any treasure hunt, the journey can be as rewarding as the find itself.