It was an interesting experience but not entirely positive. I met some lovely people - the manager, other volunteers, neighbouring charity shop workers and most of the customers - but I also encountered a lot of down right shitty-ness. The rudeness of some of the customers was shocking, arguing about the prices mostly. I can understand a bit of haggling, that "if you don't ask, you don't get" stance, but these people were unbelievably tight. One women refused to pay 99p for a book (in pristine condition) and would not take no for answer, and demanded it for 50p despite the fact that the money was going towards a charity. The next form of shitty-ness was the amount of theft. SO many people stole from that place. Finally, I have a massive bone to pick with the people who v.kindly "donate" utter shite, I'm talking actual rubbish - broken toys, dirty gym clothes, shoes with holes in them. Some of the things (and the smells that came out of those bags) we unpacked would put you off your lunch.
The shop I worked at is actually closing down today (thanks to the lease being too much to renew & too much competition, there are 6 other charity shops on the highstreet). I'm not sure I'm ready to volunteer again just yet. Charity shops are a really great thing - good for the charity and good for bagain-hunters - but they deserve more respect from some memebers of the public.
Mini rant over. Hope you're all having lovely Fridays!
That bag is such a great find! I used to volunteer in a charity shop and found it a fabulous way to get first dibs on the best donations. I cannot believe how rude people can be - it's not like 99p is a lot for a book, it's such a bargain!
ReplyDeleteYeah I thought so :) 99p IS a bargain, peoples behaviour was so surprising.
DeleteOhh interesting! That is so sad about people stealing from it though, I mean it's a charity!! Not like a big business making a whole heap of money... I used to volunteer in the hospital visiting old people which was really satisfying! But just don't have the time now I work full time :( xx
ReplyDeleteJasmin Charlotte | UK Lifestyle Blog
I know, the stealing thing is so bad. I just don't understand why people would steal from a charity. I cashed up the till on a few occasions and I know for a fact that they hardly make anything. Hospital volunteering sounds v.rewarding with none of the rudeness attached to people parting with their money x
DeleteI still can't believe people actually haggle in charity shops. Sure 99p is nothing for a book, but when I'm in one of the expensive charity shops and see something I like I either pay up or walk away. And stealing?! Makes me sad to know there's people like that around us every day. At least you got some good bargains though! I think everyone should be made to work in retail or hospitality at some point in their lives, that would stomp out the rudeness in this country ;)
ReplyDeleteThat is a genius idea! Having been a waitress in the past, I know I tend to be more sympathetic in restaurants if there's q problem so now that I've worked in retail I definitely think about things a bit more. I wish it could be enforced!
DeleteWow I never knew people haggled in charity shops, blimey! I know I can be tight with money but that's the one place i'll happy pay the asking price. I remember helping my gran who ran a charity shop back in the day, some of the things people think are okay to donate, just staggering!
ReplyDeleteLove your glass juicer, my mam has one of those and i'm still searching away for a vintage glass one, those plastic modern ones are useless!
Yeah, haggling seems to be a thing, not that I'd ever do it, I'd feel bad doing it in a charity shop. Oh man, some of the "donations" were shocking. Can't beat a glass juicer - good luck on your search!
DeleteThe hat is a little bit like mine after all boo x
ReplyDeleteIt is boo :) x
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