Goodwill Bins Pricing Explained
Nov 12, 2025
One of the most confusing parts of shopping at the Goodwill Bins is the pricing. Every region sets its own rules, which means what costs $0.79/lb at one Outlet might cost $2.89/lb at another.
This guide explains all pricing types, real examples from across the U.S., and why things vary so much.
If you’re brand new to the Bins, you may also want to start with our Beginner’s Guide to the Goodwill Bins
Why Pricing Varies So Much
Goodwill is divided into regional nonprofit organizations.
Each region sets its own pricing based on:
- Local cost of living
- Warehouse operating costs
- Staff requirements
- The reseller population
- Competition in the area
- Average donation quality
This means no two Bins locations are truly identical.
1. Pricing by the Pound (Most Common)
This is the system most people associate with the Bins. Clothing and soft goods are weighed at checkout.
Common price ranges:
-
$0.69/lb – $1.79/lb
Low-cost regions (Midwest, South) -
$2.29/lb – $2.89/lb
High-cost regions (West Coast, certain cities)
Typically priced by the pound:
- Clothing
- Linens
- Shoes
- Bags
- Fabric
- Soft goods
Some stores weigh everything except electronics.
2. Pricing by the Item
Many outlets use item-based pricing for:
- Books
- Media
- Electronics
- Toys
- Board games
- Small appliances
Examples from real locations:
- Books: $1 each
- Books: 10 for $1
- Hardcovers: $2.79
- Paperbacks: $1.59
- Media: $1 per piece
- Electronics: $5 flat
Some locations price electronics by weight instead, so always check signs at the entrance.
3. Pricing Books by the Inch
Yes, this is real.
Some stores measure the spine width of a book and charge per inch—anything from:
- $0.99 per inch
- $0.49 per inch
- $1.49 per inch
This system often appears in regions with heavy book reseller activity (because weighing books offers too good of a margin).
For more book-specific tips: Books at the Goodwill Bins
4. Mixed Pricing Models
Many stores use a hybrid system:
| Category | Pricing Type |
|---|---|
| Clothing | By the pound |
| Shoes | By the pound |
| Books | Per item or per inch |
| Electronics | Flat price (or by weight) |
| Furniture | Individually priced |
| Media | Per item |
| Glassware | Per pound |
The only way to know your store’s rules is to read the large price board when you enter.
5. Special Categories
Some stores list these separately:
Furniture
- Usually individually priced
- Sometimes priced by weight if small enough
Large Electronics
- Flat rate ($10–$20)
- Or per pound if small
Fragile Goods
Glassware may be priced:
- Per pound
- Per piece
- Or not allowed if damaged
6. Tips to Save Money at the Bins
Check for heavy items
Remember: weight = money
One leather jacket can cost more than a full cart of T-shirts.
Books are hit-or-miss
Depending on the pricing model, they can be:
- The best deal
- Or weirdly expensive
Ask staff about pricing before checkout
Some outlets offer:
- “Electronics flexibility” for heavy devices
- Discounts for broken items
- Category overrides
- Price rounding
Sort items by category at checkout
This speeds up the process and prevents misclassification.
Final Thoughts
Pricing at the Goodwill Bins can feel chaotic, but once you understand your local Outlet’s system, it becomes second nature. Prices vary dramatically across the country, but that’s part of the fun—each Bins trip is a different adventure.