An Australian mother has expressed her frustration at the incredibly high prices of second-hand items at a convenience store.
Mother-of-six Nicole Preece had no problem calling out the exorbitant prices recently discovered at her local Salvation Army store in Melbourne.
Ms. Preece claimed that not only were almost all of the items on sale unaffordable, but several of them were also dirty, including a “very stained” pair of $12 sneakers that “stinked like the family cat.” I had just urinated in them.”
Other “deals” included $280 rugs filled with “dog or cat hair,” $28 jeans with a “crisp crotch,” while a used karaoke machine would have cost $299.
It didn’t come with a microphone, but it did come with a set of drumsticks, until Preece realized they were sold separately for $15.
The passionate trade buyer criticized the Salvation Army for high prices and claimed he would “be there for the less fortunate who need them most”.
An Australian mother (pictured) was shocked by the prices at her local Salvation Army after finding a second-hand rug for $280 and a karaoke machine (pictured) for $299.
He posted a four-minute video on TikTok, which has since attracted almost a million views and thousands of comments.
Australians were equally furious about exorbitant prices at second-hand stores aimed at helping those struggling.
“I’ve literally seen charity shops charge double the price for a new Anko Kmart,” one viewer commented.
Another added: “I think they’ve out-priced people on lower incomes.”
A third wrote: ‘I donate a lot of good quality clothes (and) I never see anything this good in these stores.
One viewer said he had noticed anti-theft labels on items in charity shops.
“If people have to steal from a trading store, it’s proof that it’s too expensive,” they wrote.
Another suggested that shoppers ask staff if an item is vintage and would be told that “if it is, they will gladly lower the price.”
The Salvation Army’s website says shoppers can find “antique or second-hand pieces at an affordable price” in its stores nationwide.
“For those who are having a hard time, used furniture, clothing and items donated to our stores are distributed free of charge to those in need through The Salvation Army’s community programs,” the website reads.
The charity adds that all profits made from sales at the store go towards its community programmes.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Australian Salvation Army for comment.
