Note: I will update this hubpage as new information becomes available.

One of the complaints I have heard from friends and family is that they return from a day of shopping at their local Goodwill thrift store only to learn later that they could have used a coupon or gone a different day to take advantage of that day’s sale (for teachers/seniors/military, etc). In many cases they cannot go back for an adjustment because of the all-sales-are-final store policy. And even if an adjustment can be made, it often isn’t worth the time or gas money to go back.

It seems that part of the problem is that information available in a store is not always listed online and vice versa. Not everything Goodwill has to offer can be accessed in one place, so it’s worth having a game plan before your next trip. Here is a list of specials, coupons, and free services available at the brick and mortars in the Las Vegas (Nevada) Valley. Be sure to check out your local thrift for similar offers:

Free Tax Preparation

I’m listing this first since it is time sensitive, and even if you don’t take advantage of the offer this year, there is a good chance it will be offered again the next. I picked up my coupon for a free tax preparation at a local store. This is an “Earn It, Keep It, Save It” United Way of Southern Nevada Collaborative. Who is eligible? Those individuals who have earned less than $42,000 in 2008 need to present the coupon, a valid ID, their Social Security card (or Individual Identification Number for themselves, their spouse, and dependents), all 2008 W-2 and 1099 forms, daycare records and any other tax documents to qualified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites across southern Nevada. Spouses must both be present if filing jointly. You might be eligible for an EITC refund of up to $4824.

The coupon does not have an expiration date, so you may be able to enjoy free tax preparation past April 15^th if you file an extension. Also, it is a good idea to keep contact information for the tax assistance sites for new offers the following year. To find out more, you can dial 2-1-1.

Monthly Sales Calendar

The monthly sales calendar is available at every store, both English and Spanish versions. The calendar listing all sales for a particular month is available online, but the back side listing of all the retail locations and donation centers is not. Check out my other article “The Goodwill Thrift Store Monthly Sales & Events Calendar Is Packed Full of Information” for complete information.

Tax Free Purchases

Not only can you purchase new and used items at a fraction of their retail price, but you can also enjoy tax free purchases, since Goodwill is a non-profit organization.

Return Policy

As posted in every store, all sales are final with the exception of electronic items, which can be returned within 7 days. You can return items to any location. There are no cash or credit refunds, only store credit. All credits must be redeemed at the store that issues the credit. Store credits are good for 30 days. Don’t forget to bring your receipt and a current photo ID. Make sure the price tag is still attached to the merchandise and that the price matches the price listed on the receipt.

Tax Receipt

Personal tax returns allow for charitable tax deductions, so be sure to ask for a tax receipt the next time you make a donation at your local Goodwill thrift store. A dear friend of mine who I had cared for a few years, recently passed away, leaving a large bag of mens vintage ties. He loved ties, and while he bought new ones, he simply couldn’t part with the old ones even though he hadn’t worn them in some time. They were mainly 50’s 60’s and 70’s neckties. I donated most of them but kept some of the mens narrow and vintage skinny ties for myself which I like to wear with a nice ladies pants suit. This way my friend is always with me.

Suggestion Slips

The local stores don’t always have suggestion slips available, but when they do, take the time to fill one out. This is a perfect opportunity to praise staff members who provide exemplary customer service and to make suggestions as to how they can improve service, pricing (which has bounced up and down sporadically over the last year – and this during a recession no less!), their displays, etc.

Off The Radar

Sometimes it is hard to know all the ways one can benefit by shopping at the local Goodwill. For example, did you know that Goodwill contracts with Target? They purchase large lots of brand new Target items for resale. I can’t say for certain that all the items are cheaper than they once were at Target although many are. Also, Goodwill has various contracts with wholesalers (I presume for the resale of unsold items). This may sound great but you must purchase absolutely everything. No picking and choosing here!

For Goodwill Information Available Online:

Check out my hubpage "Goodwill Thrift Store Online Coupons, Sales Sites & Other Information"

In conclusion, I suggest you check out both the brick and mortar locations as well as online for the most complete information and every promotion that Goodwill has to offer since there is no one place to find it all. You might also glean info about future promotions by talking with sales associates, supervisors and managers. It all helps!

April 2009

Goodwill Industries In-Store Sales Specials, Coupons, Free Services & Information by Strangelittlebird is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.