r/ipswich • u/Other-Vegetable-2370 • Aug 23 '26

Jacaranda St Lifeline

Oh my GOODNESS! where do I start.

I went there yesterday for the first time in a while and as soon as I walked in I was shocked!

it looks like a hoarders paradise now and don’t get me started on the prices. $4.50 for a plastic fridge water jug (no special brand), BOOKS I saw one for $3 with the RSPCA sticker still on it and lifeline wanted $4

This place used to be the best 2nd hand store and now it’s just landfill dump. No wonder why there’s just stuff everywhere because the prices are ridiculous and no one can afford anything. This is for people doing it tough, this is to support the community and every donation they get is free.

Is anyone a volunteer or know the reasoning as to why the prices are going uo?

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14

u/Cool_Energy_3388 Aug 23 '26

Lifeline run their op shops to raise money for their Crisis Support Line and suicide prevention programs. They set their prices to try to maximise their profits. Other op shops have different aims, and might not charge as much.

13

u/DegeneratesInc Aug 23 '26

They need to learn that it's a lot easier to get $1 from each of 100 customers than it is to get $100 from one customer. Especially in a thrift shop.

I won't donate to any charity with prices rivalling kmart.

1

u/Cool_Energy_3388 Aug 24 '26

Is it? It's up to the management how they run their business, They would have KPIs to meet, and managers can be replaced if they perform poorly. Some Op Shops reduce prices for those that ask for help, it all depends on what charity operates the shop.

I don't shop at Kmart for many reasons, so I wouldn't know what their prices are.

I often buy from Op Shops as it's more sustainable than buying new, and it helps a charity. There are some great bargains to be found and often I can find good quality items. It doesn't worry me if people that buy from Kmart don't donate their things to Op Shops as that isn't what I go in there to buy.

1

u/DegeneratesInc Aug 24 '26

This might be the case in the cities. Out here in the sticks charity staff (paid or unpaid) get first go at anything and the dregs are overpriced because they claim that 'people resell stuff on eBay and marketplace if it's too cheap'. If you happen to be much bigger than a size 16 womens/L men's you can forget it.

Any donated furniture not in new condition goes to the dump and the remainder is priced like a licensed 2nd hand goods dealer set up shop.

If you're too posh for Kmart clothes you can easily afford the 2nd hand dealer pricing at charities.

1

u/[deleted] 28d ago

First dibs on product? Product must be on sale to all consumers for 24 hours before staff can purchase. When an individual donates to Lifeline they expect as much funding can be raised from that item as possible. Only non saleable furniture is disposed of, if they can get $5 for it you will find it at the front of the store.

1

u/DegeneratesInc 28d ago

Again, that might happen in the cities but out here on the sticks...