Bargain Box FAQ

Bargain Box - FAQ - Grant Guidelines

Q. IF YOUR MERCHANDISE IS DONATED, WHY AREN'T YOUR PRICES AS LOW AS GARAGE SALES?
A. Yes, our merchandise if donated, but it is still necessary to cover our operating expenses plus funding the grants and outreach programs. When compared across the state and the country, our prices compare very favorable to other thrift and antique stores. We also put much more work and effort into preparing out items for sale (sizing, tagging, steaming, identifying problems, etc.) than most thrift stores do.

Q. WHY MIGHT THERE BE ITEMS ON DISPLAY THAT I CANNOT PURCHASE?
A. Some are old, unique or need research before they can be priced appropriately. Some items lend themselves particularly well to display or creating a pleasant atmosphere. We cannot purchase items for display as other retailers do so we must use donated items. Some items were donated on the condition that we keep them to use in the store and some are just on loan.

Q. DO YOU NEED PLASTIC AND PAPER BAGS?
A. Most definitely! These ealsiy recycled items help us lower our expenses. We can use only clean bags, and it helps if they are folded flat. Thanks!

Q. WHAT HAPPENS TO ALL DONATIONS THAT ARE NOT PUT OUT FOR SALE, AND THOSE THAT DO NOT SELL?
A. Extremely dirty, worn out, un-repairable or undesirable items must be discarded. But we try to find uses for as many donated items as we can. If clothing is stained for example, we cut off the buttons and bag the fabric to be sold as rags. The Bargain Box has a "Free Bin" that gets filled every day with usable clothing. Clothing that we can't use but is still usable gets donated to other areas in need. For example, horse trailer loads are taken regularly to the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana

Q. DO YOU WASH OR CLEAN ALL CLOTHING BEFORE SELLING?
A. We don't have facilities to do this with large quantities of clothing. However, we do wash high quality items too soiled to sell.

Q. WHY WON'T YOU PRICE AN ITEM FOR ME THAT IS NOT YET PRICED?
A. Items are available for purchase ONLY after being evaluated, processed and placed on the floor for sale. This policy is necessary in order to establish and maintain fairness for ALL customers. Forcing us to price an item for you is definitely not to your benefit since the result is often a higher price than under normal pricing conditions. We are unable to tell you when an item will be priced for sale. Some items need extra time for consideration and evaluation; and some items need to be tested to see if they work.

Q. CAN I BECOME A BARGAIN BOX VOLUNTEER?
A. Yes! Persons wishing to volunteer are always welcome to ask about our needs and requirements in the way of commitment. Being part of the team is hard work, but there is a wide variety of physical and not-so-physical processing to be done. Working together as a community has created a friendly environment for volunteers and employees.