Aussies have been left stunned by the high price of a pair of boots for sale at a charity shop usually known for its bargains.
The secondhand R.M. Williams boots were being sold at a Salvos store for $400, even though a brand-new pair retails for $649.
‘Love a good bargain at a second-hand store. The prices these days are unbelievable,’ a Facebook user posted alongside a photo of the boots.
Many commenters were left disgusted over the high price put on the footwear.
‘That’s disgusting. It’s supposed to be a shop to help people. It’s getting ridiculous,’ one wrote.
‘Daylight robbery. They get everything for free and sell for ridiculous prices. Sometimes it’s cheaper to go to Kmart,’ a second added.
Another commenter said: ‘They are a business now they have forgotten people actually go there to shop because they have little money to spend.’
A fourth wrote: ‘I went to the Salvos with my daughter, she was looking for a dress for a fancy dress party. Goodness me, some of the prices are higher than buying a brand new one.’
Facebook users put the boot into the Salvos for selling a pair of second hand R.M. Williams boots for $400
The Salvos website states: ‘You can find a second-hand or vintage piece at an affordable price while helping raise funds to support our vital work in the community’
One commenter said they had bought R.M. Williams boots at a Salvos store for just $10 a few years ago.
However, others defended the charity shop.
‘Remember, Salvos are there to help the needy. The money raised from these goods goes into charitable programs, and just because they aren’t a bargain to you doesn’t mean that they won’t be a bargain to someone else!’ one person wrote.
One reply to the Facebook post mentioned they had bought R.M. Williams boots at a Salvos store a few years ago for just $10
‘Salvos etc still need to pay rent on the premises, water, most have a truck to do pick-ups and deliveries, it all costs money.
‘Most run on volunteers with maybe one one paid staff member. Then there’s rubbish tip runs to dispose of a lot of donated things that cannot be sold for whatever reason.’
Opshops have a reputation for offering items at bargain prices with the money raised helping those in need.
The Salvation Army states on its website: ‘Our Salvos Stores and opshops specialise in the sale of pre-loved items generously donated by the Australian public.
‘You can find a secondhand or vintage piece at an affordable price while helping raise funds to support our vital work in the community.’
Daily Mail Australia contacted the Salvation Army for comment.
