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 >

PCC reprimanded for leaking confidential data

9 Jan 2026

Top rise for council tax?

7 Jan 2026

Tears nears new home cheers

7 Jan 2026

Company’s care for community

7 Jan 2026

Hearings on solar farm appeals

7 Jan 2026

Road closure is a ‘nail in coffin’

7 Jan 2026