Australians have been left stunned by the high price of a pair of boots on sale at a charity shop known for its bargains.
Second-hand RM Williams boots were selling at a Salvos store for $400, although a new pair sells for $649.
“I love a good deal at thrift stores. The prices these days are amazing,” one Facebook user posted alongside a photo of the boots.
Many commentators were upset by the high price of the shoes.
“This is disgusting. This is supposed to be a store to help people. It’s getting ridiculous,” one wrote.
“Robberies in broad daylight. They get everything for free and sell it for ridiculous prices. Sometimes it’s cheaper to go to Kmart,” added another.
Another commenter said: “They are a business and now they have forgotten that people go there to shop because they have little money to spend.”
A fourth person wrote: “I went to Salvos with my daughter, she was looking for a dress for a costume party. OMG some prices are higher than buying a new one!”
Facebook users have slammed Salvo for selling a second-hand pair of RM Williams boots for $400
The Salvos website states: ‘You can find a second-hand or vintage piece at an affordable price whilst helping to raise funds to support our vital work in the community.’
An Australian man said he had bought RM Williams boots from a Salvos store a few years ago for just $10.
However, others defended the charity shop.
“Remember, Salvos items are there to help those in need. The money raised from these products goes to charitable programs, and just because they’re not a bargain for you doesn’t mean they aren’t a bargain for someone else.”
One reply to the Facebook post mentioned that they had purchased RM Williams boots at a Salvos store a few years ago for just $10.
‘Except for others, they still have to pay rent for the premises, water, most have a truck to do pick-ups and deliveries, everything costs money.’
“Most of them are run by volunteers and maybe one paid staff member. Then you have to go to landfills to get rid of a lot of donated stuff that can’t be sold for whatever reason.”
Thrift stores have a reputation for offering items at affordable prices to help those in need, especially during the current cost of living crisis.
The Salvation Army states on its website: ‘Our Salvation stores and second-hand shops specialise in selling used items generously donated by the Australian public.’
‘You can find a second-hand or vintage piece at an affordable price and at the same time help raise funds to support our vital work in the community.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Salvation Army for comment.