Goodwill Bins in Austin

"I had read the reviews about this place so knew about the cart hoarding and rummaging but I was not prepared for the bum rush to the new bins. It was wild! I was with my 4yo daughter and we just avoided the area where they set out new stuff. They all line up and just run in, grab a bunch of things and then sort them off to the side. No one was rude or pushed us out of the way, but they're definitely on a mission so be conscious of that. If you're not looking for anything in particular, I would say this was a fun experience. Very loosely organized, a lot of broken items to sift through, (be careful of glass!), But we found a lot of great books and brand name clothes. Everyone I interacted with was super friendly, can't wait to go back!"

"This ISN’T your regular Goodwill—one of the “regulars” explained to me it’s like a SUPER store where items are acquired from the smaller stores and sold by the pound(s). Some aren’t glad more individuals have found this place but the store ecosystem seems to run smoothly regardless. As some others have mentioned they do have a cart issue. The “regulars” sit along the side walls hoarding shopping carts or furniture made for sales. As they aggressively rummage through the bins they throw items hence breaking glass, plates or storage items (sterile drawers, hangers, etc.) I would HIGHLY suggest wearing gloves as some items get wet from gels/drinks or unknown materials. I love the glass deal they have as I’m furnishing some dishes on a “love project”. Also, heard from one of the workers (he was talking to some of the upper management I presume) that they get a lot of request for different organizations/companies about supplying ceramics/dishes/bigger appliances for their rage rooms. On the 2 occasions I’ve been here all the workers are polite. Don’t know the cashier name but she’s a short dark skin woman wears glasses—even with the chaos of regulars and some hasty newbies she worn a smile and assisted all gracefully. Some customers are pushy as they go for their “deal” so be cognizant this isn’t for the hesitant/timid!"

"Great place for treasure hunting. If you’re not experienced at Goodwill Outlets…. then do research on other reviews, ask friends, or get an employee to guide you through. You don’t want to get in the way of the land rush when they bring out new bins. Wear gloves and be careful. That said, there’s some treasures here for a very low price (priced by weight). Great people watching. Huge amount of clothes, lots of books."

"This location shows favouritism to resellers. Rather than making sure that all customers have shopping cart availability they allow the resellers to take and fill up shopping carts line them up along a backwall and do nothing about the fac that they have other customers in the building. This should not be allowed. One shopping cart per family is what it should be. There should not Is the shopping cart stacked along a wall full of merchandise. If these people really want the merchandise they should be purchasing it and taking it to their vehicle. By allowing the reseller to keep shopping carts you make them unavailable to others. You then have customers who much carry their items in their arms. This is not fair. The management of this location should stop this immediately. Stop allowing resellers to take over the store. I was highly disappointed in this location. The location in Hillsboro Oregon was way more organized. Books, we're kept separate as we're shoes and clothing. Glassware of handled better as well. Not being able to get a shopping cart was just the icing on the cake. Shame on management for not controlling the store better. Also there was no social distancing. When new bins are brought out the resellers rush them so you end up with 3 or more people at one bin. There should be one person per bin to be able to maintain social distancing. If rules are enforced then shopping is safer for all."

"This place is not for the faint of heart! Or for anyone who gets stressed in a cutthroat environment. It can be dirty so yes, definitely bring gloves. The last time I went, a mouse (rat?) ran right in front of me as soon as I walked through the door. I stay far, far away from the new bins that are brought out because the customers tend to act like animals. I still find plenty of good things. I’ve found great brands like Lululemon, Free People, Athleta, etc. This place is for true thrifters and it’s a fun and exciting treasure hunt. I definitely wouldn’t bring children here if you can help it. The employees are nice—I respect anyone who can deal with crazy customers."

"This store is poorly managed. It is really only a step above dumpster diving. Clothes are thrown in the same bin as broken glass, books, empty trash bags, and heavy appliances. There's no rhyme or reason in the bins. You have to be careful digging through the bins because you can cut your hand on the many pieces of broken glass (or loose knives!). You may find a diamond in the rough, but I wonder how many usable items go to waste because they're just haphazardly thrown in together. This makes me not want to donate to Goodwill anymore. Even just a little organization and respect would go a long way-- all shoes in one bin, all breakable stuff in another."

"I visited this location for the first time. The ladies at the payment counter was kind and helped me understand how everything works. I visited on a Friday and didn't find too much crowd. I was able to get a cart. It works differently than usual goodwill stores. All items are found in bins(except bulky items like furniture, bikes etc), so you have to have a sharp eye to find treasures! Price is by weight. Any item more than 10lbs example bikes, mirrors is priced as $14.99 and furniture have their fixed prices on them. Employees arrange fresh filled bins/carts and people wait while that is done. Once done everybody is allowed to start to shop from new bins. This happens every 30/ 60 mins. I felt they had good clothing collection. They have restrooms and water fountain in the store."

"It was hard to find a cart due to people hoarding them (multiple empty carts covered on top with blankets or towels) by some groups, but I finally got one with a broken wheel. Employees on floor and especially the two at checkout were super nice and helpful for me, a first-time shopper there. Things in bins were relatively clean, but very disorganized, so bring your patience and wear gloves. I got some really great bargains on very good-condition blankets, jackets, and backpacks to hand out to unhoused people when my church visits their camps this weekend!"