Dorcas Thrift Shop (Part of the NeighborUp Network) — Local services in Cary

EDIT: I've downgraded my initial 2-star review to ONE star for two reasons. First - the response I got from Dorca's management to my initial review was unapologetic and didn't address the issues that I brought up. Instead, it insinuated that I had "formed perceptions" in error and sought to glaze over the issues at hand by listing off all of the good that Dorcas does in the community. That's all wonderful, but slapping someone in the face is not undone by handing someone else a bouquet of roses. Take some responsibility.

Second, I got home today to discover that a pair of boots I had purchased was badly damaged. Now, normally this would be my own fault. However, the boot that was damaged was kept behind the counter. The other boot, which was absolutely fine, was the one out on the sales floor. It was marked up, quite a bit pricier than other shoes in the store. The damaged boot was kept hidden behind the counter and slipped into a box as I checked out, so that I couldn't possibly have noticed the damage before agreeing to the purchase. One more example of the shady practices this store is engaging in in order to take our hard-earned money. Or is this simply another of my misbegotten and faulty "perceptions"?

---ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW---

I REALLY want to give this store more stars - the prices tend to be fair for the most part (although glass and the vintage section can be out of control) and in general it's a well-stocked and organized thrift. Unfortunately, I've run into a number of very deceptive practices lately that put a sour taste in my mouth. On several occasions I have purchased items that were sealed up with tape and labeled as "Complete" that were, in fact, missing parts or pieces. I've even noticed that the store is using their own shrink-wrap machine to seal items, making them appear to be brand new, when in fact they are used. More than once, I've gotten home to find that a "sealed" item wasn't even the correct product in the box. I know that this is Dorca's doing because, upon closer inspection, the Dorca's price tag was stuck on the item INSIDE the heat-sealed shrink wrap. NOT OKAY. Heat-shrinking used merchandise so that it looks new so you can put a higher price tag on it is fraudulent, in my opinion. I will amend my review if and when I feel that this store is no longer using deceptive packaging and labeling practices to fool...

Disappointed with the Manager’s Treatment

I’ve been a loyal customer of this thrift store, visiting at least once a week and spending a good amount of money here. I appreciate the store’s punch card system, which offers a 50% discount after a certain number of purchases. However, my most recent experience was very disappointing, and I feel compelled to share it.

During my previous visit, a staff member told me that with just one punch left on my card, my next purchase would qualify for 50% off. Today, I spent a significant amount of time selecting items, expecting to receive the discount. I had my three-year-old daughter with me, and we were there for hours, missing her lunch, as I worked carefully to choose items. However, when I reached the register, Hailey Goodall, the manager on duty, informed me that I needed to complete the punch card first and that the 50% discount would only apply to a future visit.

This policy was not explained on the card itself, nor was it mentioned during previous visits. I explained the situation to Ms. Goodall, including how misleading the lack of clear instructions was, but she was resistant to accommodating me. Despite the circumstances, including my restless child, she insisted I make another full-price purchase to qualify for the discount on a future visit.

Eventually, after some back and forth, I managed to negotiate a 20% discount for today’s purchase and was told I could come back for the 50% discount on my next trip. While this compromise was appreciated, the overall experience left a bad impression. Ms. Goodall’s attitude felt dismissive, and I was disappointed by the lack of understanding or empathy, especially considering the nature of the store’s mission to give back to the community.

I hope the management takes this feedback seriously. Clear instructions on the punch card and improved customer service would make a huge difference. Unfortunately, this experience has made me question whether I’ll continue shopping here as frequently as I have...

It’s funny because they have a specific section of priced out items behind glass cases, with a gate and a waitlist. This is obviously a high end section of collectible or vintage items, nothing super expensive, with prices pretty close to eBay. Pretty obvious, and I saw something I genuinely liked. The ladies behind the glass cases were very nice and gracious. The front counter lady at the very left(white late 60s, skinny) was very rude however. “$30 for this that’s quite a lot?” -Oh it’s vintage, it’ll look great after I clean it up(the item was visibly dirty) “You must know a lot about this item, I bet it’s worth more money online” -It’s probably worth about the same amount ma’am I’m buying it cause it like it. The cashier then SLAMMED the item against the table and scrapped it into the most crinkled Walmart bag you’ve ever seen. This whole encounter made me feel dirty. I later looked up the item, it was pretty much worth $25 online plus some shipping, so yeah maybe I saved $2 dollars. Really disgusting to hear comments like this from a thrift store as If I am trying to go in there to rip them off when I’m not. It’s fairly obvious someone is pricing these items out, and maybe they can tell the cashier lady what it’s worth instead of her inquiring with a customer. I came in to spend money on a charitable organization, not do a free appraisal for a RUDE cashier's approval. They call this a Christian thrift store? I shouldn’t feel guilty and get interrogated over something that ALREADY had a price tag and I paid...