A charity shop manager has opened up on the declining reputation of charity shops after a customer complained of ‘obnoxious’ staff members and ‘full of tat’ shelves
A charity shop manager has explained why stores are in a ‘saddening state’ (stock)(Image: Maskot/Getty Images)
A charity shop manager has delivered a blunt assessment explaining why numerous second-hand outlets find themselves in such a “saddening state” in 2026.
Her comments followed a customer’s expression of disappointment regarding their local high street – criticising the “unkempt” shop floors and “obnoxious” staff members. “Walked along a local high street today and went into five or six charity shops, some big names and some local charities,” they began in a Reddit post.
“I managed to only come out with two items that took my fancy. The state of them inside, most of them were so unkempt. Rude staff, other people barging around being obnoxious.”
The frustrated shopper proceeded to complain about the shops’ “tat”, noting that many worthwhile donated items typically end up listed on eBay instead of appearing on the shop floor. “Gone are the days of finding something interesting to buy and keep, it’s just all awful DVDs, half-broken kids’ toys, incomplete puzzles and cheap clothes they’re selling for as much as is it at RRP on George, Shein etc,” they continued.
The shopper concluded: “Or, the other side of the coin, shops where they’re selling things for £50, £80, £100+ using Google Lens/eBay listings to put up the first expensive listing price they see. Actually ignoring sold prices and just putting listing prices is mad too.”
In reply, the charity shop manager highlighted that donation quality had “dropped”, with British households choosing to sell items privately amid cost-of-living pressures. “We can only sell what people donate,” she said. “We need to put the higher value items that we do get on eBay to make the most money for the charity that we can.”
She proceeded to outline the additional challenges now confronting charity retailers. “It’s getting harder to attract volunteers, applications at my national chain are seriously down and judging by the ‘Volunteers Wanted’ posters in every charity shop we’re all in the same boat,” the manager explained.
“Without volunteers the lone paid member of staff is pretty screwed. All in all, it’s a tough time for charity retailing for everyone, customers included.”
Fellow Reddit users supported her observations, with one remarking: “Exactly. Instead of instinctively donating to charity shops they check eBay, Vinted etc and sell it there to get some cash back.
“Most of what ends up in charity shops are things that aren’t worth the time to sell. If a DVD is worth £5 on eBay, put it on at £4 plus delivery. If it’s worth 50p, donate to charity shop who’ll make whatever.”
They continued: “Regarding staff, every shop, not just charity shops have good workers but also people who are there for money and don’t care about the job and/or customers.”
A second user offered an entirely contrasting viewpoint: “The people that can afford not to sell it just throw it out. Walked past a skip the other day outside a house where the owners were clearly moving. Loads of stuff in there and good toys. There was a big Sylvanian Families dolls house with a ton of accessories and figures. That s***’s expensive.”
However, a third Reddit user claimed she had encountered the opposite problem. “This is so frustrating,” she admitted. “I was turned away from a charity shop today, I had three Joules dresses and a pair of Zara jeans – all in great condition.
“I’m moving and don’t have time to mess around with Vinted etc. And I truly believe in the charity I tried to donate to. However, they weren’t accepting donations today.”
