ShopGoodwill review

ShopGoodwill ranks ninth because its auction format asks more of buyers, but it is the closest online match to digging through a thrift store. ShopGoodwill.com describes itself as the first e-commerce auction site created, owned and operated by a nonprofit, and it is run by Goodwill of Orange County, California. More than 130 Goodwill organizations in the US and Canada list donated items there, including art, antiques, collectibles, apparel, jewelry and electronics, and revenue supports Goodwill's job placement and training programs. Browsing tools include Hot 50 and Newly Listed pages, saved searches, favorites and a Personal Shopper list, plus a pickup schedule for local pickup orders. The downsides are time and consistency: you have to bid and wait for auctions to close, and because each Goodwill organization lists its own items, handling can vary. We could not verify shipping fees for this list. We compared documented features, not hands-on orders.

Who it is for

bargain hunters who enjoy bidding on donated goods

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• More than 130 Goodwill organizations list and auction items
• Categories include art, antiques, collectibles, apparel, jewelry and electronics
• Hot 50 and Newly Listed pages for browsing
• Saved searches, favorites and a Personal Shopper list
• Pickup schedule for local pickup orders

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Purchases fund Goodwill job and training programs
• Strength: Auction format can produce low prices on vintage and collectible items
• Strength: Wide mix of donated goods beyond clothing
• Weakness: Bidding takes more time than a fixed-price checkout
• Weakness: Each Goodwill organization handles its own items
• Weakness: Shipping and fees were not verified for this list

Key facts

• Format: Online auction
• Sellers: 130+ Goodwill organizations
• Owner: Goodwill of Orange County, CA
• Regions: United States and Canada
• Categories: Art, antiques, collectibles, apparel, jewelry, electronics

Where it ranks

ShopGoodwill is No. 9 in our Best Online Thrift Stores verdict.