Goodwill Pay by the Pound: Complete Shopper’s Guide (2026)

By Adam Smith | January 2, 2026

Goodwill Pay by the Pound If you love thrift shopping or reselling items online, you must have heard of regular Goodwill stores. But did you know Goodwill also runs Pay by the Pound outlets? These are also called Goodwill by the Pound stores, bin stores, or weigh-and-pay locations. Products that fail to sell in the normal Goodwill stores are shipped here, saving waste and providing shoppers with an opportunity to discover some rare offers in huge bins.

On the last occasion we visited a Pay by the Pound store, we got boots, jeans, sweaters, and pants at a low price.

MAP

What “Pay by the Pound” Means

Goodwill Pay by the Pound pricing refers to items being charged by their weight, rather than being charged on a per unit basis. The heavier an item, the higher its cost. Prices of items will be based on pounds per item, depending on the category, like clothing, books, housewares, or other merchandise.

Goodwill Pay by the Pound shoppers often wear gloves to handle items safely. The shops may turn hectic, and courtesy and tolerance will enhance the shopping experience for all. Be open minded and see what is in store around you.

How to Shop at Goodwill by the Pound

Shopping at a by-the-pound Goodwill shop requires viewing massive blue tubs of donated stuff. The shopping here is like a yard sale:

Find an Outlet

Search online for “Goodwill Pay by the Pound” or “Goodwill Bins.” These outlets are separate from regular stores.

Get Prepared

Dress loosely and put gloves on, as they are not sorted. Individually bring your bags or use carts.

Search the Bins

Large bins rotate throughout the day. You can find clothing, shoes, toys, books, electronics, and household items.

Wait During Bin Changes

Step back while employees change the bins. Do not touch them during the move.

Go to Checkout

The cashier weighs your items, subtracts the cart’s weight, and charges by the per-pound rate.

Pricing at Goodwill Pay by the Pound

Most products are priced by weight, but some items have fixed prices. Common ranges include:

  • Clothing, Shoes, Accessories: $1.50 – $3.00 per pound
  • Textiles: Around $2.00 per pound
  • Glassware & Dishware: Often under $1.00 per pound
  • Books & Media: Per item or by weight
  • Electronics: Per item or per pound
  • Plush Toys: Per pound or per item
Goodwill Pay by the Pound

Tips:

  • Prices vary by location.
  • The greater the weight of an item, the greater the price; hence, check the weight.
  • Some stores offer discounts for bulk purchases.
  • Designer or vintage items may be sold separately.

Rules and Etiquette at By the Pound Goodwill Stores

Goodwill stores have clear guidelines and etiquette that shoppers should follow. Everything is in these guidelines, such as bin changes and cart limits, hence accidents are not experienced, and confusion is reduced. Shopping is fun, but these are rules one has to follow to stay safe and fair:

Key Policies

  • All sales are final. Everything is sold “as-is.”
  • Stand behind marked lines during bin changes.
  • Hold your children carefully and put on gloves.

Shopping Etiquette

  • Respect other shoppers’ space.
  • Don’t take items from another shopper’s cart.
  • Keep things organized and off the floor.

Cart Management

  • Keep your cart within reach.
  • Most stores limit two carts per shopper.
  • Bring reusable bags or boxes.

Prohibited

  • It is not permitted to sell the items on Goodwill property.
  • Eating or drinking in the store is usually not allowed.
Goodwill Pay by the Pound

Tip: Following these rules keeps the experience safe and enjoyable.

Benefits of Shopping at Goodwill by the Pound

Bins or pay-by-the-pound stores, which are a type of Goodwill Outlet store, offer numerous advantages to customers. Products are retailed in bulk, which allows buyers to save. A treasure hunt is an experience many people like.

1

Economic Benefits

  • Low Prices: Items sold by weight keep costs down, especially for multiple purchases.
  • Good for Resellers: Flea market or online sellers can find items with high resale value.
  • Hidden Treasures: Find quality goods, designer items, or vintage pieces.
2

Environmental & Social Benefits

  • Less Waste: Reuses donated items that might otherwise be thrown away.
  • Supports Local Programs: Proceeds finance job training, job placement, and community programs.
  • Circular Economy: Repurposing items helps protect the environment.
3

Financial Benefits

  • Low Prices: It makes shopping affordable as prices are not charged per item.
  • Resale Opportunity: Low prices enable shoppers to find high-quality or antique items that can be resold for a profit.
  • Better Value in Bulk: Some shops offer price cuts on heavier purchases, making bulk shopping cheaper.
4

The Shopping Experience

  • Thrill of the Hunt: Large, constantly changing bins make every visit feel like a treasure hunt.
  • Always Fresh Items: New merchandise is added daily, especially after Sunday nights.
  • Wide Variety: Clothing, shoes, books, toys, housewares, glassware, and small electronics.

Finding a Goodwill Pay by the Pound Store

You can use the Goodwill store locator or the website of your local Goodwill to locate the nearest Pay by the Pound outlets, also known as Blue Bin stores. The location, business hours, and prices of the store are available, and these may differ from those of the regular stores.

  • Goodwill Keystone Area: Outlets in Middletown and Reading, PA.
  • Goodwill : Provides local outlet info and pricing.

MIDDLETOWN GOODWILL

🗺️

Address

805 E Main St
Middletown, MD 21769

📱

Phone

(240) 651-8994

🕒

Hours

Monday – Sunday
8 am – 10 pm

🏬

Store Type

Retail Store
Donation Center

Goodwill Pay by the Pound

Best Times to Shop:

Weekday mornings, especially Mondays, bring fresh donations.

TODAY
FRI
50% Off Special Color Tag
SAT
50% Off Special Color Tag
SUN
Military / Student Day
25% Off with I.D.*
MON
50% Off Special Color Tag
TUE
Senior Day
25% Off with I.D.*
WED
50% Off Special Color Tag
THU
$2 Tag Day*

Preparing for a Successful Goodwill Outlet Visit

To handle a visit to a Goodwill Outlet (pay-by-the-pound), it is necessary to prepare, plan, and think flexibly. Carrying the appropriate materials, being aware of the shop regulations, and being good searchers can make your shopping more enjoyable and effective.

Bring Essentials:

Goodwill Outlets (also referred to as the bins or the pay-by-the-pound) contain large rolling bins of unsorted donations. These products normally precede salvage. Gloves, reusable bags or totes, hand sanitizer or wipes, a small measuring tape, snacks, water, and comfortable clothes and shoes.

Minor objects, such as a measuring tape or a battery to test electronic devices, can come in handy. A large purse is, therefore, hard to carry, unlike a crossbody bag or a fanny pack.

Plan but Stay Flexible:

The bins are a treasure hunt to shop in, and it is better to keep an open mind to do so.

Shop Smart:

  • Arrive early for the freshest donations. Weekdays are usually less crowded.
  • Take the interesting stuff in a hurry and put it through afterwards in a less noisy place.
  • Check each item for stains, holes, missing buttons, or broken parts before buying, as all sales are final.
  • Focus on a niche if reselling, such as high-quality fabrics or specific brands.
  • Check an item’s value using online tools or apps if needed.

Think Creatively:

The objects requiring simple repair or upgrading may turn into rare gems. Aim to recycle items or find creative ways to reuse them.

Etiquette and Safety:

  • Stay polite and respect the personal space of others while shopping.
  • Follow staff instructions, especially during bin rotations.
  • Keep an eye on your cart and personal belongings.
  • Clean and sanitize your purchases at home.

Goodwill Job Fair Highlights

Goodwill organizes job fairs throughout the year to staff a broad range of positions. The opportunities will be in full-time, part-time, and leadership positions in Lubbock, TX, on January 15, 2026. Good remuneration and other benefits like health insurance and holiday allowances are offered to employees.

Goodwill Job Fair

Thursday · January 15, 2026

Date & Time

Thursday, January 15, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location

Virginia Career Works – Fredericksburg Center
10304 Spotsylvania Ave., Suite 100
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Fees / Admission

Free

Build a Career with Goodwill

At Rappahannock Goodwill, we believe in hiring great people and helping them grow. Our upcoming Job Fair is your opportunity to join a mission-driven organization that values professional development, teamwork, and internal advancement.

Retail Associates
Team Leads
Custodial Services
E-Commerce Operations

Shopping That Supports the Community

Pay by the Pound stores are low-priced retailers that contribute to Goodwill financing jobs, training, and local community projects. All the things that you buy contribute to these programs.  

FAQ

Goodwill Pay by the Pound Mondays are the most appropriate day to go shopping at Goodwill. Since it is after the weekend, there are new items that are ready to browse.

Yes, it is possible to wear clothes from Goodwill, provided that you wash them first and check for any damage. Most products are cleaned and ready before sale.

Goodwill is paid for a company’s valuable, non-physical assets, such as a strong reputation, loyal customers, a well-known brand, skilled employees, and proprietary technology.

Goodwill is the price that is paid in excess of the fair value of the assets of a company. It is computed as Purchase price less the Net Asset Value.

Reputation, customer loyalty, and value that draws customers are intangible and make up the goodwill of a business in the UK.

The season of goodwill is the time around Christmas when people show kindness and generosity.

Yes, Goodwill restocks daily. Items are processed and put on shelves as they are donated throughout the day.

The wear code is business attire, which must be neat. The dress code for men is slacks and a collared shirt, and women wear slacks or a skirt with a blouse or sweater.

Final Thought

Goodwill Pay by the Pound Shopping is not only an entertaining and cheap method to discover unique objects, but it also contributes to waste reduction and promotes local initiatives. The low prices, constantly renewed products, and the excitement of discovering hidden treasures make each visit absolutely different. View an example of the local Goodwill Pay by the Pound today!

Adam Smith

Adam Smith

Retail research editor at Bin Store Near Me, specializing in Amazon liquidation stores, discount retail outlets, and local bin store locations across US. Verifies store addresses, pricing schedules, and restock days.