Save the Children Op Shop

“I hadn't been to the Five Dock store before today, and while the staff were welcoming, the prices were far too high to ensure a quick turnaround. The whole point of op shops used to be that goods were donated, mostly volunteers sorted and sold, and the particular charities were able to assist the needy in a very timely manner. I've been op shopping for 40 plus years and that ethos has diminished somewhat. What is the point of sitting on overpriced clothing and then having to dump the excess when everyone benefits from reasonable prices and a quick sale. And forget the "designer" racks, which very rarely are, just simply sell every item of clothing for under ten dollars. Much more money would be acquired that way and would lead to a more interesting shop if the turnover is high. Went to a Lifeline shop in Albury recently, hundreds of people in the shop and all women's and men's clothes $6 each. Not a special day, just their regular pricing.”

“I had a highly unpleasant experience with a volunteer (blonde middle aged woman) at the opportunity shop. This individual displayed terrible bedside manners, chasing customers out of the store, and invading their privacy outside the changing rooms. Moreover, they rushed customers out well before closing time, handling their purchases roughly and shoving them into bags in a hasty manner before practically pushing them out the door. Such behaviour is unacceptable and made for an uncomfortable shopping experience.”

“They are really rude people. I was stopped by their employee on the road at Burwood. I cant remember her name (probably Eveline) but she claimed she is German/Russian. There was another Nepalese guy next to her. I told them from the beginning I am not going to donate. While I was explaining why I am not going to donate, he cut me and said ok good night bye bye. Firstly, you stopped me. I am your customer. You cant behave like that. If you dont have a communication skills like a human, dont work at customer service field!!!”

“Tried to donate clothes and shoes, including some brand new items. The staff rudely dumped everything on the floor and rejected even the brand new shoes. I decided to take everything to another store. Rude staff at Five Dock.”

“I've visited this charity store twice (donated once) and will not be stepping foot in there again. Apart from the items being generally overpriced, the staff (be that volunteers or otherwise) where extremely unprofessional. On both occasions, while I browsed through the store, the ladies (staff) complained loudly to one another about customers that had come through earlier that day/previous days, items that had been donated, conversations they had had with customers. It was really quite off putting, and I just wanted to get out of the store asap.”