Why Donated Clothes Can Still Be Expensive

Why can donated clothes still be expensive? You give a jacket away for free. Someone else finds it in a thrift store—and puts it back after checking the price. What happened in between? This video explores how thrift stores make money by following the decisions behind that price tag. From sorting donations and handling unsold stock to choosing between a local clothing rack and an online auction, every step changes the economics of secondhand clothing. We look at Goodwill’s nonprofit network, the for-profit business behind Savers Value Village, and why some donated items reach buyers through ShopGoodwill instead of a neighborhood store. You’ll see how processing costs, buyer demand, and different sales channels can shape thrift store prices—and why a high selling price doesn’t tell you how much profit remains. There are still bargains to be found. The interesting question is why the same donation system can produce both a great deal and a price that makes you walk away. OVERCHARGED explains the hidden business models behind everyday purchases. What thrift-store item made you double-check the price—and did you buy it? CHAPTERS 00:00 Why a donated jacket can still be expensive 01:07 The hidden cost of processing donations 02:34 How unsold items affect the price 03:58 Goodwill vs. Savers: different business models 05:59 How buyers influence thrift store prices 07:24 Why some donations are sold online 09:17 How authentication can affect value 10:11 Discounts and clothing sold by the pound 11:43 Why donated stock isn’t pure profit 13:27 What the price tag really tells you ABOUT OVERCHARGED OVERCHARGED explains the hidden economics and business models behind everyday things you already spend money on. Familiar products, surprising prices, and a clear explanation of where the money goes. What’s the most surprising price you’ve seen in a thrift store? Share the item and price in the comments. SOURCES [Goodwill of Orange County — Donation and resale FAQ](https://www.ocgoodwill.org/faq/) [Goodwill — About the organization](https://www.goodwill.org/about/) [Savers Value Village — Investor overview](https://ir.savers.com/overview/defaul...) [Goodwill — Online shopping](https://www.goodwill.org/shoppers/sho...) [Goodwill Houston — Outlet pricing](https://www.goodwillhouston.org/outlets/) Research prepared September 2026. Illustrative calculations explain the mechanisms; they are not reported store results. Local policies and prices vary. #ThriftStores #BusinessExplained #OVERCHARGED