A charity shop enthusiast has sparked debate after claiming that some stores are losing money by pricing items too high to deter resellers. In a viral TikTok video, user Hello Wednesday shared her conversation with a shop manager who admitted to setting prices deliberately high to keep resellers away.
Wednesday argued that resellers are often the most consistent buyers, spending hundreds of pounds weekly. She suggested that lowering prices or making resellers feel more welcome could help clear stock and generate more revenue for charitable causes.
The video has drawn hundreds of comments, with opinions divided. One commenter supported resellers, saying they help reuse and recycle items. Another charity shop manager said they keep prices low and do not mind who buys. However, some shoppers criticised resellers for driving up prices and making it harder for low-income buyers to afford second-hand goods.
Industry observers note that rising overheads, increased demand for thrifting, and more sophisticated valuation methods have pushed up charity shop prices. While the goal remains to raise funds for charity, some believe the shift towards commercial pricing may be undermining the original purpose of these shops.
