‘I don’t even know if this is a real Louis Vuitton’: Florida man goes to Goodwill. Then he sees a Louis Vuitton purse—and can’t believe the price
Thrift shopping used to be a fun quest to find reasonably priced secondhand items in the sea of shelves and bins. Those days feel long gone and have been replaced with good old price gouging. Goodwill is all too familiar with this practice who has faced these accusations for years.
Once you think the prices couldn’t get out even more of hand, they always seem to top themselves. Not even hand-me-down luxurious bags and foot massagers are exempt as one man discovered.
Adventure Through Goodwill
“Let’s go inside of the Claremont Goodwill and check the prices to see if Goodwill has any good willing is going on,” fellow thrifter John (@trendyjohnsunscreen) says, taking over 2,000 viewers with him inside.
First up is Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami Cherry Speedy Soft Bandouliere. “I don’t even know if this is a real Louis Vuitton. It’s $399,” he says. The ‘LV’ stitched on the canvas is upside down, indicating it’s a counterfeit.
Next, he moves on to “Goethe’s Faust” hardcover book. At the corner of the bag is a $39.99 tag. “Again, they have this book. It’s $39.99,” he reveals, followed by a Gucci Dionysus shoulder bag hanging on the wall for $199.
Afterward, the content creator unveils a faded electric white and cream Singer sewing machine on the shelf. “You can get this sewing machine for $24.99,” he says.
Foot Massagers?
Then, John stumbles across a round Snailax Shiatsu Foot Massager on the floor.
“These are everyone’s favorite, the used foot massagers and this one is $59.99,” he says. On another rack is a white cylinder Zadro Towel Warmer for $74.99. But wait, there’s more.
“Well, here is the granddaddy version of the foot massager,” he shares, unveiling a Cozzia foot massage chair. “And this one is $74.99.” Beside this one is a The Best Choice Products Heated Shiatsu Foot Massager. “Foot massager season is in and this one is $34.99.”
Moving on from the foot massagers is a white Profile Ice Maker sitting on a top shelf. “They have this Profile Ice Maker and it is $99.99,” John says. Lastly, is a black and silver Primo Water Filter System. “This Primo Water System for $29.99.
Viewers Are Repulsed
Many were horrified by both the products and prices attached to them.
“Good grief! Those prices are more like ill will,” one viewer remarked.
“[Those] prices are absolutely criminal! Goodwill needs to just go bye-bye because there’s no good willing going on there.. charities as a whole are a joke,” a second commented.
“no used [foot] products evvverrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!” a third stated.
“The towel warmer—criminal! Straight to prison,” a fourth stated.
“Might as well get it brand new at those prices,” a fifth said.
What The Heck Is Going On At Goodwill?
Consumers have witnessed the non-profit increase costs in real time. In 2023, Yahoo reported that the company’s prices were comparable to or more than those of major retailers like Target and Walmart. Fast forward to this year, where The Mary Sue covered a customer who noticed Goodwill charging more for the same product than eBay. So, why is donated merchandise more expensive than newer ones?
For starters, organizations are competing with online reselling sites, such as Poshmark, Depop, and eBay. Resellers on the sites place a value on their donated goods, driving up the costs. Consequently, Goodwill matched them in a bid to keep up, according to The U.S. Sun. Moreover, the thrift shop is burdened by the same financial labor cost strain as traditional stores. As prices across every establishment jump, so will theirs.
@trendyjohnsunscreen Foot Massagers ? #feet #louisvuitton #water #massage #florida ♬ original sound – Trendy John
The Mary Sue reached out to John via email and TikTok comment as well as Goodwill North America via press email.
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