An Aussie shopper has sparked a debate about the soaring cost-of-living after discovering a pair of pants in an op shop for a steep price.
The fed-up customer was outraged to find a pair of plain-looking red pants at a Brisbane Vinnies store with an asking price of $25.
‘ is in the midst of [a] housing crisis and cost-of-living crisis,’ she wrote on Reddit alongside a photo of the item.
‘More and more families are struggling and in need, yet these so-called ‘charity organisations’ are anything but charitable with their ridiculous price increases.’
A disgruntled customer posted online about finding a pair of pants in a Vinnies charity shop with an asking price of $25
The furious shopper then explained that the stock gets donated for free, while adding that staff are often employed on a volunteer basis.
‘I understand these companies have rent and utilities to pay but the price increases are still too much,’ she said.
‘They are supposed to be charity organisations not private profit-making shops!’
The post elicited differing views online with some agreeing the cost of clothing in op-shops had skyrocketed.
‘I’ve seen clothes from Kmart, Shein, etc, that are being sold for more at Vinnies, used, than they cost brand new,’ one shopper wrote.
It’s ridiculous,’ said another.
‘I know they have to make a profit to help out the lower income folk, and I have no problem with that, but its also not only for that.
‘Like we are all struggling and price gouging like that is kinda taking the p***’
The customer pointed out that ‘families are struggling and in need, yet these so-called ‘charity organisations’ are anything but charitable with their ridiculous price increases,
A spokesperson for St Vincent De Paul said pricing in Vinnies op-shops was determined by affordability for customers as well as the quality of the goods on sale (stock image pictured)
Some however took to the comments section to defend charity stores.
‘When you buy from the op-shop, that is YOU supporting Vinnies and their charitable activities, it’s not THEM supporting YOU and your lifestyle,’ one claimed.
‘They are NOT there to provide you with cheap clothes,’ another stated, while others pointed out that increasing overheads were the reason for rising price tags.
A spokesperson for St Vincent de Paul said that pricing in Vinnies op-shops was determined by affordability for customers as well as the quality of the goods on sale.
‘Our shops use a simple pricing guide based on research on value in the general second hand marketplace and the quality of the garment,’ the spokesperson told Yahoo News.
‘The principal purpose of Vinnies Shops is to raise much-needed funds for the St Vincent de Paul Society’s many services for people experiencing disadvantage’.
‘These include homelessness services, domestic and family violence shelters, health services, disability services, and the work of our members in communities by supplying food, clothes, and everyday essentials to people in need.’