Sunday 23 January 2011

Op Shopping Goes Digital - Salvos Test Op Shop Online

Salvos are testing an online op shopping service.


Things have come a long way since there was a different lady behind the counter each day, you got to know which lady gave 1970s prices, and you hid things in a corner behind the suitcase of winter clothes to retrieve and buy when that lady was serving (I've heard that used to happen anyway ;) )

http://salvosstores.salvos.org.au/shop/

12 comments:

Nelly said...

Too much like ebay or like other online shopping to me nothing like the thrill of the hunt dont you think?

Bejewelled Dresser said...

That's pretty cool! Though I do agree with what Nelly said - takes away the thrill of the chase!

Jac said...

Also pretty expensive... narrows the chances of finding a good bargain. On the plus side, I'm sure this means the Salvos get way more money to actually use for their causes! :)

Lyndel said...

there are actually quite a few OpShops with their own eBay IDs, but this takes it to another level altogether.. .. not my style, I like the 'rummage'♥

Jac said...

They're offering free shipping until 19 April! I just scored some make up for $4.50 a piece!

Gina E. said...

Hmm. Well, good luck to them, but like you all said here, I prefer to fossick and find the unexpected, rather than go looking for something in particular which I'd be looking for at regular retail shops. I was a bit shocked at the prices on some of those clothes; are they serious????

Anonymous said...

yes i totally agree with all of the above, it takes the thrill out of old school op shopping , i really like to rummage through everything too !

Anonymous said...

One of the things that makes op-shopping enjoyable is the thrill of the chase or that quirky find for a few dollars.
I find the whole trend of the Salvos a little bit daunting.
I was in a salvos store a few weeks ago and the prices on cruddy well worn polyester dresses from Target were $19.99.
I think they are starting to get it all a bit wrong, and this takes it to another level.
Sure, if you have things donated that are valuable then ask a fair price to raise money for the other work they are doing in the community, but the rest of it???

I rarely goto a Salvos stores now mainly because the prices are stupid. There are no bargains anymore, infact some things are priced more expensively than what you would buy new in a retail store.

lucindajane said...

They are definitely getting it wrong - at the same time that their prices are going up, the availability of mass-produced cheap fashion from places like China is only increasing. Places like Cotton On, Target and Supre have brand new, current-season dresses that retail for the 20 - 30 dollar mark.

Some of these op-shops are kidding themselves!

Fourth Daughter said...

Agree with you all. I just got a shock when I went online and had a look, some of the prices are insane. And I don't get how they are doing it, are the staff at each store going through and nominating their best/most retro things to put up online rather than trying to sell in store? Because after each piece it says "found at Salvos in XX". I think they can raise prices now because as far as I know most op shops have some sort of vouchers which people who genuinely need their stuff are given by community workers. So those in need don't pay, maybe, but the rest of us who just like to find a bargain do!! And yes, so crazy when you see crappy secondhand stuff selling for more than you could pay at one of the big chain stores.

Scavenger Bird said...

I have sent an email into the Salvos head office expressing my thoughts on this new initiative. The email expresses my dismay.

Maybe those who have commented to this post could do the same?

I very rarely go into a Salvos store these days because the retail experience is not what I know as opportunity shopping.

I choose to do my opportunity shopping where I get a bargain combined with a rummaging and ragpicking experience.

Similarly why would I shop at Salvos on-line if there is no such experience.

Gina E. said...

Good thinking Scav.Bird. It will be interesting to see if you get a response to your email.