A second-hand reseller has revealed why he has stopped visiting charity shops, citing steep price increases that he claims undermine the purpose of thrifting. Jordan Lee, known as @thecarbootguy on social media, said in an Instagram post that he rarely enters charity shops now due to cost hikes.
‘I honestly don't go into charity shops as much anymore - especially the big, well-known chains - simply because of the prices,’ Lee stated. He argued that on platforms like Vinted, shoppers can find identical brands in superb condition for less than in charity shops, adding: ‘I've even seen things priced higher than they would be brand new in the actual high street store!’
While Lee acknowledged that charities need to raise funds, he questioned whether pricing out customers is the right approach. Some supporters agreed, noting that they used to buy frequently from charity shops but now rarely do. However, others defended the shops, suggesting they have simply caught on to resellers and adjusted prices to benefit the charity and those in genuine need.
One commenter said: ‘I will never get mad at the price of something in a charity shop. If it's not in my budget I simply just don't buy it.’ Another noted that a £24 jacket for a hospice cause was acceptable. The debate highlights the tension between bargain hunters and the charitable mission of these stores.
