Charity shops are beloved British institutions, offering everything from pre-loved books and vintage clothing to craft supplies and hidden treasures. However, a former charity shop employee has taken to social media to expose a "diabolical" practice she claims is harming these vital community hubs.
The 'Diabolical' Act That Hurts Charity Shops
In a viral TikTok video, a former worker named Meg highlighted a specific behaviour that she says is damaging to charity retail operations. While she has no issue with the growing trend of resellers – people who buy items from charity shops to sell for a profit on platforms like Vinted and eBay – she singled out one particular action that "makes her blood boil".
Meg explained that the problem arises when resellers purchase items, list them online, and then, if the goods fail to sell within the platform's return window, they bring them back to the charity shop for a refund. "It's diabolical for people to buy things from charity shops and then, when it isn't serving them in the way they thought it was going to serve them, bring it back," she stated in the video posted on 14 January 2026.
She also noted that this isn't limited to resellers. Some customers buy items for a single use, such as a photoshoot, and then attempt to return them. For ordinary shoppers making a simple, occasional return, there is no issue. The real damage is done when individuals, particularly resellers, return large quantities of items at once.
How Refunds Impact Charity Shop Targets
Meg provided crucial insight into the operational pressures faced by charity shops, which many shoppers may not consider. She revealed that staff often work towards daily sales targets, and significant refunds can completely derail this.
"Do you know how annoying it is to work in charity shops with stupid targets, and then someone comes in and does like a £50 refund? That's you under for the whole day. You're done," she explained. This practice directly subtracts from the charity's income, which is used to fund its core charitable work.
Public Reaction and Reseller Responses
The revelation sparked strong agreement in the comments section of Meg's post. Many were surprised to learn that charity shops even offered refunds, with several stating they would simply re-donate any unwanted item due to its low original cost.
One commenter wrote: "If I bought something from a charity shop and it didn't fit, I would just donate it back. Who is asking for a refund from a charity shop?" Another added: "I didn't even know charity shops did returns. I would just take the loss and re-donate."
Interestingly, some resellers also condemned the practice. One stated: "Oh my goodness, I can't believe people do this. I'm a reseller, but I have a rule - if it doesn't sell in 12 weeks, I re-donate it to the charity shop." Another shared their ethical approach: "I usually will use the piece to create something else, and if that doesn't sell, I donate the upcycled piece back."
Meg concluded by reiterating that her criticism was not aimed at resellers as a whole, whom she sees as part of the "charity shop cycle of life," but specifically at those who abuse the refund policy for personal gain at the expense of the charity's mission.
