A former charity shop worker said there is one 'diabolical' thing some customers and resellers do with the things they buy, and it could end up hurting the charity shop
13:47, 14 Jan 2026
Charity shops draw in a diverse range of shoppers. Whether you're on the hunt for some inexpensive books to bulk out your bookshelves, shopping for supplies for a craft project, or simply seeking some clothing bargains, charity shops can be a goldmine of goodies for you to peruse.
Thrift shopping is a pastime many can enjoy, but as one former charity shop worker has highlighted on social media, there are some rules you should adhere to help keep the ecosystem flourishing. The woman, named Meg, posted a video on TikTok in which she said there's one thing some customers do that is "diabolical" - and it can even harm your local charity shop.
Meg's video was primarily targeted at resellers, who are individuals who purchase items from charity shops in order to sell them for a profit on sites like Vinted and eBay. While she believes there is nothing wrong with resellers in general, there is a common practice they do that makes her blood boil.
She stated: "I don't have any qualms with resellers. I don't care about resellers being in the charity shop. All of my favourite regulars at my old job were resellers. I've spoken about this before, but I think resellers serve an important purpose in the charity shop cycle of life.
"But, there are some cheeky f***ers out there. There are resellers who will buy things from charity shops or the thrift, they will put them up on their Vinted, and then if they haven't sold within the return time, they take it off their Vinted, and they f***ing bring it back for a refund."
"It's diabolical for people to buy things from charity shops and then, when it isn't serving them in the way they thought it was going to serve them, bring it back. There are people who will buy things, use them for a photoshoot or something, and then bring them back. There are people who will try to resell things, and when it doesn't sell, they bring it back."
WARNING: Video contains strong language.
Meg clarified that for typical shoppers who might return a single top because it doesn't fit, or take back one book because it isn't what their child wanted, returning items poses no issue whatsoever. However, when resellers turn up with a large bag of items all at once, it can seriously damage the charity shop.
Discussing the pressure of sales targets, she explained: "Do you know how annoying it is to work in charity shops with stupid targets, and then someone comes in and does like a £50 refund? That's you under for the whole day. You're done."
Commenters on the post were largely in agreement with Meg. Many expressed surprise at the idea of charity shops offering refunds, stating that, given the low cost of items, they would simply re-donate any unwanted purchases rather than ask for their money back.
One individual commented: "If I bought something from a charity shop and it didn't fit, I would just donate it back. Who is asking for a refund from a charity shop?"
Another echoed this sentiment, adding: "I didn't even know charity shops did returns. I would just take the loss and re-donate."
A reseller also supported Meg's views, exclaiming: "Oh my goodness, I can't believe people do this. I'm a reseller, but I have a rule - if it doesn't sell in 12 weeks, I re-donate it to the charity shop."
Another reseller shared a similar approach: "I'm a reseller, and I don't think I've ever returned an item. I usually will use the piece to create something else, and if that doesn't sell, I donate the upcycled piece back to the charity shop."