The best bargain bins for used fiction at thrift stores are Goodwill outlet and clearance bins that sell unsorted goods by weight. These bins hold books that already failed to sell in regular retail stores, so fiction costs far less than shelf prices. Outlet bins mean large containers of unsorted donated goods sold as-is, usually weighed at checkout. Shoppers sort through frequent rotations to find paperbacks and hardcovers for a home library.
Table of Contents
- How do outlet bins work?
- What will used fiction cost?
- Where can you find bin stores?
- How do you shop bins on a frugal budget?
How do outlet bins work?
Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana reports that its outlet places unsorted goods in large blue bins, rotates bins about hourly, and keeps items on the floor about two hours. All sales are final, so check condition before you pay, according to the Indiana outlet shopping guide.
The same Indiana operation reports that outlet inventory consists of goods that already failed to sell in retail Goodwill stores. It also reports keeping 44 million pounds of usable goods out of landfills in 2024.
What will used fiction cost?
Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana prices most outlet-bin merchandise, including books, at $1.99 per pound and individually prices furniture and items over 15 pounds. At that rate, several paperbacks often cost less than one retail thrift paperback.
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota prices books and media starting at $1.49 and adds fresh book titles daily. It also advertised 25 percent off donated books, CDs, DVDs and media for VIP members for Oct. 26, according to the Minnesota book-month post.
Where can you find bin stores?
Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona operates an active Clearance Center under the banner Shop the Goodwill Bins using by-the-pound bin shopping with a store locator. Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee and Chicago operates active Outlet Stores that display merchandise in large tables or bins with separate outlet pricing and a location finder.
The Salvation Army's Fond du Lac thrift store sells affordable new and gently used donated clothing, furniture and household goods. Its proceeds support community stability, hope and practical-help services.
How do you shop bins on a frugal budget?
Set a weight budget before you go, because by-the-pound pricing rewards thin paperbacks and small lots. Bring a tote, inspect spines, pages, and covers, and leave damaged copies behind since outlet sales are final. Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana reports that outlet purchases fund job training, education, employment and housing programs, so fiction buyers directly support local workforce services, as explained in the Indiana outlet shopping guide.
- Check the locator for outlet or clearance hours before driving
- Sort quickly after each bin rotation for fresh fiction
- Weigh book value against your monthly reading budget
- Donate finished books back to keep costs down
