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In what was once a society as secret as Fight Club, the incredible finds of Goodwill Outlet blue bin bargain shopping are now popping up on social media sites from Reddit to TikTok. We’re going to break Rule #1 and talk about it so you know how to score these unbelievable deals.

What is Goodwill Outlet? 

goodwill outlet bins

Credit: YouTube/Goodwill Of the Heartland


The Goodwill Outlet store is where items that either can’t be sold or didn’t sell in the regular Goodwill store go for one last chance to be sold. Items sold here might have imperfections, missing parts, slight tears—or if you’re lucky, nothing wrong at all.
The store looks more like a working warehouse than a retail shop because it’s filled with tons of oversized bins that contain items for you to sort through. Newbies might think they’re in the wrong place. They’re not, it’s just a whole different way to thrift shop.

What’s the difference between Goodwill Outlet and regular Goodwill stores?

Goodwill store

Credit: Pexels


A regular Goodwill store is very much a store. The items are lined up on racks or shelves by size and subdivided by color. The jewelry is displayed in a traditional case, much like you’d see at a department store. You can meander through the aisles, taking as much or as little time as you’d like. Each item comes with a price tag.
A Goodwill Outlet is different from regular Goodwill stores in many ways:

  • There are oversized blue bins filled with merchandise piled on top.
  • The shopping area resembles more of a warehouse.
  • Each bin is loaded with all types of items like clothing, home goods, and bedding.
  • There are no hangers.
  • Items are not organized by categories.
  • You don’t pay by the item, you pay by the pound. This varies from store to store, but averages between $1 – $2 per pound.

How do you shop at Goodwill Outlets?

goodwill outlet scale

Credit: YouTube/Goodwill Of the Heartland


There are similarities in how the outlet shopping process is done in stores across the country, but each store has its own way of doing things. Start with searching for your store online and you might be surprised to find a how-to-shop video custom-tailored to your city.
Here is some general guidance on how to get started shopping at Goodwill Outlets:

  1. Giant bins filled with merchandise are lined up on the sales floor inside yellow lines.
  2. You cannot start shopping until a worker gives you the okay.
  3. Workers will announce when a new bin is coming in, then give shoppers permission to start shopping.
  4. Shoppers can rummage through the bins and fill their carts with items they want (gloves may be required).
  5. Your items will then be weighed and you will pay per pound (around $1-2 per pound).
  6. Merchandise is sold as-is, and sales are final.

Some stores rotate the bins every 30 minutes, while others close up shop for an hour or two midday to replace all the bins. Check with your local store.
 

@julianajaasma Here’s some tips if you’re going thrifting at the goodwill outlet!! #thrifting #goodwill #bins #depop #vintage #fashion #pinterest #y2k #thrifttips ♬ 4cimone – Cimone

What can you find at Goodwill Outlets?

goodwill shoes

Credit: YouTube/Amazing Goodwill


There’s a little bit of everything waiting to be found at a Goodwill Outlet.

  • Popular designer treasures
  • Plenty of wearables, like clothing and shoes of all kinds
  • Accessories like purses and jewelry
  • Household items like plates, cups, bowls, pots pans and utensils
  • Books, DVDs and CDs
  • Furniture (if you don’t see the furniture right away, ask an associate where it is)

Some outlet centers make it even more competitive by offering auctions. This is when blue bins filled to the brim are auctioned off to the highest bidder. Much like the show Storage Wars, you aren’t 100% sure what you’re getting with the bid. Not all locations offer this, so ask ahead of time.

What To Know Before Shopping at Goodwill Outlet

Let’s get your head in the game. Each Goodwill outlet is slightly different. The variables include:

1. Expect a Crowd

Crowds can form at different times depending on location. First thing in the morning is a popular time for lines to form. If a store closes for a few hours to replace the bins, there could be another line as well.

2. Learn the Bin System

When new bins arrive, people flock to just outside the yellow lines and wait. Find out what time the bins are replaced at your location. Sometimes it’s every 30 minutes, other times it’s twice a day. Some locations just change out a few bins at a time, others make you wait until all bins are restocked.

3. Know the Best Time to Shop

Know the hours of the store and if they close during the day to replenish. Going at the end of the day will yield the lowest results on items that had already been picked over.

4. Be Courteous and Follow the Rules

If you are visiting for the first time, prepare to compete with crowds of people who make a living thrifting. They have bonded. They know the best sides of the bins and they don’t take kindly to people who push or shove. Get to know the nicest person you can find and see what the rules of engagement are at your location. It’s going to take a few trips to get into the groove.

5. Go and Observe

One suggestion would be to go to the Goodwill Outlet near you and just observe. Stand back in the store and see how the process works. Saddle up to a worker and ask them how the process works at that particular store. It’s not a one-size-fits-all process at each store.
You can also look on social media for experienced shoppers giving their inside tips.

@canyoncouture GOODWILL OUTLET NEED TO KNOWS! #thrifttip #thriftaddict #thriftingtips #thrifthack #girlboss #thrifttok ♬ UCKERS – Shygirl

Safety Tips While Shopping

  • Bring gloves, either latex or gardening gloves, to avoid touching dirty or sharp-edged items with bare hands.
  • Bring hand sanitizer if you choose to not use gloves. However, some stores may require the use of gloves to shop.
  • Wear a mask, not just for COVID concerns, but to prevent breathing in the overpowering smell of detergents and disinfectants, not to mention dust and dirt.
  • Bring a crossbody purse or use a fanny pack, as large purses can get in the way.

How do I find the nearest Goodwill Outlet?

goodwill outlet search

Credit: Slickdeals


The best option is to search from Goodwill’s main site and search your zip code. On the Filter tab, only check the Outlet box.  The stores are all listed by geography. They will be listed as an Outlet.

Tips for Finding Great Deals at Goodwill Outlets

Goodwill Outlet shopping isn’t for everyone. You need a steel disposition, plenty of patience and a keen eye for great goods.

  • Arrive Early: There might be a line up to an hour before the store opens.
  • Take Your Time: Be prepared to spend a couple of hours there, or plan to come back several times throughout the day for new merchandise as it changes often.
  • Bring a Friend: It is good to have another set of scouring eyes and hands, especially to unload all the goodies you stock up on during the trip.
  • Cart Chaos: Carts go quickly, so bring one of your own if you can. Bring a blanket to cover it so others don’t try to pilfer your stash when you aren’t looking.
  • Don’t Be Picky: It’s okay to put “maybes” in the cart and decide later.
  • Respect the Crowd:  You don’t want to go throwing clothing in the face of someone next to you or reaching over someone’s face to grab an item.
  • Enjoy the Hunt: Have fun searching for treasures and look for items that could get good resale value online.
  • Quality Control: Once you’ve searched the bins and have your cart full, then you can take the time to check for rips, tears, missing parts, or broken glass.

Are the items at Goodwill Outlets in good condition?

They can be, but don’t bank on it. The items that do make it through to the outlet have been through so many hands they are clearly durable, so that’s a good sign.
For items like clothing, check all seams, buttons and fasteners to see if they’re in working order. Test all the zippers. Several expert thrifters commented on how many jeans have holes in the crotch, so definitely check that.

Does Goodwill Outlets have a return policy?

Most items sold at Goodwill Outlets have a strict Final Sale policy. Check with your local store to confirm. Also, most outlet centers don’t accept donations either. You’ll have to go to a regular Goodwill store to drop off a donation.

What is the best day to go to Goodwill outlet?

The answer will really depend on the store. Ask a store employee, as the process might be different from store to store. In general, Mondays are the best as there is less of a crowd and fresh bins of stuff.

What To Do After Shopping at Goodwill Outlet

When you leave, put all your items in a plastic bag and immediately wash them when you get home with a good germ-killing detergent. So many hands have touched those items, and sometimes they’ve come from someone else’s trash pile. Enjoy your thrift stash and have fun flipping, wearing, or presenting your fresh finds!

SS

Slickdeals Staff

We cover every deal possible as long as we think it will be relevant to our community and readers.