A charity shop worker has shared one of the most common mistakes customers make when thrift shopping for clothes: asking if an item comes in another size. The question, which can annoy staff, was highlighted in a TikTok video by Stacey, known as Queen of Preloved.
Worker's Frustration Goes Viral
In the clip, Stacey wrote: "When a customer asks if you 'have this in another size' and you work in a charity shop." She then walks away, implying the question is ridiculous. The video sparked reactions from fellow workers and shoppers, with many sharing their own experiences.
One person remarked: "My personal favourite is 'excuse me, would you sell these shoes for £2 instead of £7?' No thank you." Another added: "Yes it's so funny, but sometimes we get a donation of new clothes from an outlet so we do have several sizes." A third commented: "Dumb and dumber!" while a fourth said: "Yes, I managed a store for seven years. It was like 'this top is a 14 and I'm an 18, could you do it cheaper?' Eh no, because it won't make it fit any better."
Why Charity Shops Don't Have Multiple Sizes
Charity shops typically don't stock the same garments in multiple sizes because they depend on individual donations, meaning most pieces are unique. Clothes are usually sold in whatever size they were originally manufactured. Exceptions can arise when charities receive surplus stock from major retailers or substantial donations of newer clothing from particular brands, which could mean the same piece is available in a few sizes.
Tips for Successful Thrifting
To improve your thrifting success, try garments on before purchasing, given the possibility of shrinkage or inconsistent sizing. Some shoppers find it more effective to browse specific categories, such as all jackets or all jeans, rather than attempting to find a precise size-and-style combination. Since charity shop stock is always turning over, popping in regularly will greatly improve your chances of finding what you want.
