Goodwill — Local services in Scotts Valley

EDITED May 13,2023:

WOW things are really turning around at this store! Maybe with the change of seasons they have more staff? There is a new manager who is super calm and kind, I've seen his interactions with staff and I'm very impressed. Thrift stores are challenging places to work. The inventory is getting a noticeable makeover and I witnessed the intake guy actually refusing some slightly dinged-up furniture.

I've been popping in almost daily and finding good, useful items. In discussions with other community members, I learned that they get a lot of new clothes with tags and stickers still on. So I'm scanning the clothes again ( I gave up due to the popularity of strong, sickening laundry soaps)

There are still dollar store items jacked up 200-500%, but also good deals and staff are constantly bringing in inventory. Quality furniture is running $30 and up, but newer flimsy stuff is often around $10. Giving just three stars because this store has gone downhill overall. I would, however, be willing to chalk up their shortcomings to high volume and (I'm guessing) high employee turnover? Goodwill accepts EVERYTHiNG. Little to no screening at their donation sites, except for their fundraisers which they milk for maximum sellable items.(I'm referencing the fill-a-truck fundraisers) In addition to accepting just about any donation, it seems that they will also hire anyone at least to give them a shot at learning how to work in a retail environment. This store receives some great stuff and the best way to snag it is to check in frequently but be VERY CAREFUL in your choices because they regularly put broken or extremely dirty items out for sale. Also be patient as some employees have never worked anywhere and haven't figured out their skill sets yet. Don't take it personally if you ask a question and the worker stares with their jaw agape. They will either be fired or leave...

Went there on a Saturday and it didn't even look open! Not really my point. The woman working there (maybe the owner?) tried to rip off my friend by just looking at the 4 items she picked out and said, "Oh.. lets just call it $5." When there are clearly signs next to all the items she picked out saying everything was either 99 to 89 cents. I know it's only a dollar and some change difference, but that's the whole point of going to a Goodwill. It's cheap, good deals! However, when I asked her about it she flipped out and said, "OH MY GOD" and argued with me and had THE worst attitude! I wouldn't be surprised if that woman does it all the time just to pocket extra cash under the table. Never going...

This is a brand new large store in the main local shopping center. I go there every time I go grocery shopping just to browse and sometimes buy. I like the large footwear and men's clothing departments especially. Some of the electronics is overpriced in my opinion, but much of it isn't. For purchases such as those, you have 3 days to test them out - you can return unsatisfactory items for full store credit, no cash refunds. While the selection is good, I believe that in many cases the pricing is too steep, which is disappointing. I've come across used items that could be bought in a regular store or Amazon new for just a little more. I'd spend more $$$ there if I knew the deals...