For years, millions of people have loved shopping at Goodwill — the thrill of finding a designer coat for $10, a vintage table for a few bucks, or even a rare collectible hiding in plain sight. We’ve all heard the stories of lucky treasure hunters who scored big at their local thrift shop.
But recently, one longtime Goodwill employee came forward with a shocking confession that has left many loyal shoppers questioning everything they thought they knew.
“It’s Not What You Think Happens Behind the Scenes…”
The anonymous employee, who worked in a Goodwill sorting center for several years, decided to share what really happens to the items you donate — and what you see (or don’t see) in the store.
According to their account, not every donated item actually makes it to the store shelves. In fact, many of the best or most valuable donations never even make it to the sales floor.
“They tell the public that everything goes out for sale at fair prices,” the employee said. “But behind the scenes, it’s totally different. Items that are deemed valuable — like brand-name clothes, collectibles, or electronics — are pulled aside before customers ever get the chance to buy them.”
The Secret Auction System
What happens to these “special” items? The employee revealed that they’re often sent to Goodwill’s online auction site, known as ShopGoodwill.com.
“People think they’re donating to help the less fortunate,” they explained, “but a lot of those donations end up being auctioned online to the highest bidder. It’s not uncommon for an item donated for charity to sell for hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars on the internet.”
And here’s the kicker — not all of that money necessarily goes to charity.
According to the employee, the majority of profits are used to cover operating costs, salaries, and expenses. “The company promotes itself as a nonprofit, but the truth is, most of the money doesn’t go where people think it does.”
The Pricing Problem
Shoppers have also noticed a change in pricing. What used to be an affordable place for low-income families has, in many areas, turned into a reseller’s paradise — with prices sometimes rivaling retail stores.
The former employee confirmed this:
“Managers are told to look up the resale value of items online before pricing them. So that $5 toaster might suddenly cost $25 because someone saw it listed for that much on eBay. It’s all about maximizing profit.”
Donations That Don’t Make It
Even more troubling, the whistleblower said that not everything that doesn’t sell gets donated elsewhere.
“People assume that unsold items are passed on to shelters or needy families,” they said. “But most of it ends up being baled and sold by the pound to bulk buyers — or worse, tossed away completely.”
It’s a harsh reality for donors who thought their contributions were going directly to help the community.
A Business More Than a Charity
To be fair, Goodwill does provide jobs and training programs for people in need — but many were shocked to learn how much of the operation is driven by profit.
“It’s run like a business,” the employee admitted. “There’s pressure to hit numbers, increase sales, and keep the donations flowing in. But the heart of it — the charity side — has faded over time.”
The Internet Reacts
After the confession went viral, thousands of shoppers shared their own experiences. Some said they had already stopped shopping there due to rising prices, while others were heartbroken to learn that their donations might not have been used as they believed.
“I always thought I was helping families in need,” one commenter wrote. “Now it just feels like another corporate game.”
So, What Can You Do Instead?
If you still want to help others directly, the former employee suggests donating to local shelters, churches, or community centers — places where you know your contribution will go straight into someone’s hands.
“Your items can make a difference,” they said, “but you have to know where they’re really going.”
Final Thoughts
Goodwill has done incredible things for communities — but this revelation serves as a reminder to always look deeper. The next time you plan to donate or shop secondhand, do your research.
Because sometimes, what seems like charity… might just be another business in disguise.
