LETTERS – Why are charity shops overpriced?

Charity shops dominate every British town.

My understanding is they do not pay business rates and many of their staff are volunteers – no wages to pay.

Even the stuff they sell is donated at no cost.

So why do charity shops price their goods so high?

The shops supporting local charities tend not to over-price.

The big names (national charities) do price their goods at a level I think is far too high.

It is a fact I can buy from Primark, brand new clothing, much cheaper than charged in charity shops. T-shirts are priced at £5 pounds or more in charity shops!

I have tried to haggle… “Will you take £3 for this belt?” Always I am told: “No, it’s £5, that is our price”.

I understand the free market philosophy but many of you over-charge.

Well done to the people who work for charities, you do a good job.

Please encourage haggling: “£6, oh, will you take £4?” Reply: “Yes sir/madam £4 is fine”
Everyone wins!

PS: Don’t stack CDs on their edge, stack them flat, this way people can read the titles. Most people stop looking when they see hundreds of CDs on their edge.

Name and address supplied

more >

Solar farm plan heads to next stage

16 Apr 2026

Hopes for sale to save jobs

15 Apr 2026

Jack’s new hope for tumour rehab

15 Apr 2026

Royal reception for inspirational prison officer

15 Apr 2026

Untidy sites policy is ‘hollow’

15 Apr 2026

1,000-year-old find has ring to it

15 Apr 2026