10 Secrets Only Goodwill Employees Know (Revealed by Insiders)
If you’ve ever wondered how some shoppers always find the best deals at Goodwill, it’s because they know what insiders know — the secrets only Goodwill employees are familiar with. From hidden discount hacks to restocking schedules and what happens to donations behind the scenes, there’s a lot more going on than most people realize. In this guide, we’ll reveal the top 10 Goodwill employee secrets that can help you shop smarter, find hidden gems, and save big on your next thrift run.
1. New Items Hit the Floor Daily (and Early)
Most Goodwill stores restock shelves every day, usually early in the morning. Employees bring out fresh donations throughout the day, but mornings offer the best chance to grab new arrivals before others do.
2. Color Tag Sales Are on a Weekly Cycle
Goodwill uses colored price tags, and each week a different color is on sale. That color could mean 25% off, 50% off, or even a flat 99¢! Employees know the schedule, and you can too — it’s often posted at the front of the store.
3. You Can Ask Staff to Hold Items — But Not Always
Some stores don’t allow holds, while others will let you set an item aside for 30 minutes to an hour. Employees can’t hold stuff for themselves either — it’s against policy — but if you ask nicely, they may help you out with info on when restocks happen.
4. High-End Items Go to Special Racks (or Online)
Employees are trained to spot designer labels and sometimes pull them for special sections, like a “boutique rack” or Goodwill’s online store, ShopGoodwill.com. If you’re hunting for name brands, check these areas first.
5. Not All Donations Make It to the Floor
Every item goes through a sorting process. If something’s stained, broken, or heavily worn, it gets discarded or sent to Goodwill Outlet stores (aka “the bins”). If you’re curious how that system really works, here’s how the Goodwill Outlet process works from donation to the bins — so you know exactly what gets filtered out and why.
6. Weekends Are Busy — But Not Always the Best Time
More shoppers visit on weekends, but that doesn’t always mean better items. Tuesday through Thursday mornings tend to be quieter, with plenty of new stock and fewer crowds — and employees prefer those days too! You can get even more tips in our full guide on the best days and times to shop at Goodwill Outlet Stores.
7. Most Items Are Not Cleaned Before Selling
Goodwill doesn’t wash or clean donated items. Employees sort and inspect for damage, but clothing, toys, and kitchenware often hit the floor as-is. Always wash or sanitize your finds at home.
8. Security Cameras Catch More Than You Think
Yes, Goodwill stores have cameras everywhere — not just for theft, but to monitor unsafe behavior or rule-breaking. Some shoppers try to switch tags or hide items, but employees are trained to spot these tricks quickly.
9. Some Employees Are Also Resellers
While it’s against policy to shop during work hours, some staff shop off the clock and flip items online. They know the good stuff — and how fast it moves. That’s why timing matters!
10. Asking Questions Pays Off
Employees don’t mind when you ask about restocks, tag colors, or if they’ve seen certain items. In fact, building a friendly connection with staff may help you get better tips and info in the future.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know these 10 secrets only Goodwill employees know, you can shop smarter, save more, and maybe even beat the resellers to the best stuff. From learning the color tag schedule to spotting hidden designer racks, these insider tricks give you a serious advantage.
Next time you walk into a Goodwill store, remember: there’s more going on than you think — and now you know the inside scoop!
