What To Look For When Shopping on an Online Thrift Store


Did you know you can shop online with Goodwill? At Goodwill’s online thrift store, you can browse a wide selection of unique finds just as you would when you shop in our stores. With so much to look at, you could get lost in all the interesting items that have made their way to Goodwill. If you’re new to online thrift shopping or looking for some tips on how to get the best deal, you’re in luck!

An online thrift store is a different kind of shopping experience. You still have a large inventory to choose from, and you’ll still be able to browse, but you won’t be able to touch and see the condition of the available items. There are some best practices and things to look for when shopping on an online thrift store, including:

  • Always read the description 
  • Check the condition of the item (Used, Good, Like New, etc.) 
  • Make note of any disclaimers 
  • Look for the dimensions 
  • Don’t forget about shipping and handling costs

When shopping on an online thrift store, you’ll likely discover unique items just as you would see in a store. When you shop at Goodwill’s online thrift store, keep your eye out for things like:

  • Vintage Books 
  • Designer Handbags 
  • Southwest Turquoise Jewelry 
  • Gold Jewelry 
  • Limited-Edition Toys  
  • Collectible Baseball Cards 
  • Vinyl Records 
  • Religious Items 
  • Native American Pottery 
  • Musical Instruments

Browsing an online thrift store isn’t like browsing in-store. Clicking through a large inventory could take hours. Instead, use sorting features to help you find things that might interest you. If you’re looking for something specific, choose that category or enter a search term to narrow down your options. If you’re browsing, choose a category that interests you, like home, art, jewelry, sports, etc. You may also choose to shop the items that are newly listed

Items listed on an online thrift store, like Goodwill’s, may have a bidding feature. This means that you can enter your bid for a chance to purchase the item. When the bidding time is up, if you have the highest bid, then you get the item. There may also be a ‘buy now’ option, which means you can buy the item without bidding. 

Shopping at any thrift store requires a creative spirit and an open mind. Discovering unexpected treasures takes patience. You may need to do a little cleaning or polishing to bring an old item back to life. In the end, when you have a unique item that you love, it’s worth the hunt. 

Whether you’re shopping online or at your nearest store, you never know what you could find at Goodwill. Happy shopping!

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Amazing things are always happening at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona! Whether you are looking for a daily special or want to participate in one of our job training events, we have something for you.


*Daily deals are valid at select Metro Phoenix, Prescott, and Yuma locations. Please check with your neighborhood Goodwill for details. Dollar Day pricing adjustment goes into effect on Jan. 5, 2023.

Discount valid on used merchandise only. Not valid on food or drink, new goods, seasonal or holiday items. Not valid at Goodwill Clearance Center.