I read about the experience online and will let you do your own research. But, I'll also share my experience. I was not comfortable and if asked last night, would have likely responded that I wouldn't go back. This morning, I realize that even though I'd read about it, I wasn't ready. First, I was dressed for work. Do not go to the goodwill outlet in nice clothes. Second, I did not have gloves. I saw two people get cut in the bins on broken stuff. My research said I should do both of these, but I went straight from the office without the necessary trip home.
It's just open bins of crap. And, my overwhelming thought as I wandered the aisles was bugs...fleas...lice...bedbugs. And, dirt. Remember, this is the stuff that didn't sell at Goodwill. For most of it, there's a reason. But, there are real bargains sitting there waiting to be discovered by someone that knows what they're looking at.
Everything at this outlet is sold by the pound. There's little to no furniture, but mostly clothes, linens and housewares. I got 3 twin size sheets and three full size sheets, a "milkhouse" electric heater, and a table top ironing board. The weight was 13 pounds and it cost me $18. Now, one of the articles I read said a lady got 48 pounds of stuff for $25, so my Goodwill might be more expensive than most. In Austin, Goodwill is a way of life and there are a LOT of regular shoppers and we don't get the bargains that so many other bloggers seem to get.
My only valid complaint about the place was electric. I wanted to plug the heater in and see if it came on. But, they don't let you do that at outlet. It's sold asis, no returns, no testing. Didn't care for that.
Anyway, I would likely wear jeans, long sleeves and workboots and leather garden gloves and go back one day to look for shirts. I've never been able to do any of the breaking down shirts because around here, Goodwill store shirts are $5-$6 each. But, I saw things at the outlet that would likely have made great quilt fabric, but I wouldn't dig for it yesterday. Later will be plenty soon enough. When I'm dressed for the digging.
Take care. Sydney's shirt is ready to hem and I took apart my really big shirt and have re-cut it and it's almost back together. I'm going to remake one for Rob and then, maybe I can make new things...and only have to make them once.
Have a great Saturday. Lane
