In the 1990s, going to garage sales was a popular form of entertainment for many people. The great stuff you found kept you busy all week. One of the best things about garage sales was the variety of books people could purchase and take home to read.
It is unfortunate that people do not read nearly as much as they used to. Smartphones, tablets, computers, iPads, and Kindles might still be popular, but real books where you turn the pages are becoming a thing of the past. Home libraries no longer take up wall space and have been replaced by 80-inch flat screens, surround sound, and comfortable home theaters.
Lately, another problem has become apparent. Those individuals who do read are complaining about the lack of second-hand book stores, and how much local thrift stores charge for second-hand books. Overpricing is not just with the books; it extends to the general pricing throughout many thrift shops.
Prescott and Prescott Valley have a variety of thrift stores where buyers can enjoy finding that something special that completely makes their day. Most shops are dedicated to taking donated merchandise, selling it in their store, and donating the proceeds to the nonprofit they represent
These higher prices are not a way to keep up with inflation. It is because selected thrift stores have management that resent the fact that many of their shoppers are looking for ‘treasures’ that they can resell on sites such as Etsy and Ebay. A number of individuals have online shops to earn a little extra money and have fun. Nearly any day of the week people can be seen taking pictures with cell phones to see what something special might be worth. However, with the high prices at thrift shops, and the high costs of fees, shipping, and listing for independent storefronts online, it becomes impossible to make a few extra dollars, and many small stores on these sites are beginning to lose money.
According to Morese, Elliott, and Palermo (2024, Jan) altruism relies on an individual’s capacity for empathy, compassion, and the ability to recognize the needs of others (para 2). Altruistic behaviors are often driven by a desire to promote the wellbeing of the broader community. Nonprofit groups who operate thrift stores rely on donations which are freely given to them by individuals who share and have compassion for the mission of the nonprofit, and where their donations are being distributed. The most important thing a nonprofit shop can do is keep an emotional connection with their donors and shoppers
When managers become obsessed with the individuals who are finding a deal and can resell online, they are taking away from the purpose of empathy and compassion. It is not about just receiving free donations from donors who share the mission, but the people who shop are doing so because they believe in the mission as well. Not everyone wants to pay far more than they should because of disgruntled managers who take the time to look up treasures that are given to the shop for free and mark them up because someone might be selling on Etsy or Ebay. This is not empathy. This is punishment.
When the psychology behind empathy and compassion becomes greedy with anger, the whole purpose of the mission is lost. When shoppers, whether they need to shop to save money or just want to find a fun deal, cannot enjoy the process, word gets out. One needs to be grateful to the donors who clean out closets and provide free merchandise, where everyone can enjoy finding a deal. Nonprofit thrift stores are not there to punish those they feel are reselling. They are there to sell what the donors have provided and give back to the mission at hand.
Reference
Morese, R. Elliott, E. & Palermo, S. (2024, Jan) Editorial: The charitable brain: The neuroscience of philanthropy and giving. National Library of Medicine.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10794476/
List of some thrift shops in the Prescott and Prescott Valley area.
Disabled American Veterans Thrift Shop, 730 N. 5th St. Prescott
Goodwill, 620 E State Rt 69, Prescott Valley
Goodwill, 3155 Lakeview Plz Ln, Prescott
Noah Thrift Store. 603 S. Granite, Prescott
Stepping Stones Thrift Shop, 2651 N. Industrial Way, Prescott Valley
United Animal Friends, 45 N Montezuma St, Prescott
Yavapai Humane Society Thrift Store, 1601 W Iron Springs Rd ,Prescott
