ReStore is a retail outlet operated by Habitat for Humanity that sells new and used home improvement items, furniture, appliances, home accessories and building materials at a fraction of the retail price. The inventory at ReStore comes from donations by corporations, contractors and individuals in the community. All proceeds from sales at ReStore go towards funding Habitat for Humanity projects and helping families in need of decent, affordable housing.
Many customers wonder if you can negotiate prices and get a lower price on items at ReStore. This is an important question for shoppers looking to get the best deals possible on home goods and building materials. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide a detailed overview of ReStore’s pricing policies and answer the key question – are prices negotiable at ReStore?
How Are Prices Set at ReStore?
ReStore sets prices on donated inventory with careful consideration based on factors like brand, condition, demand and comparable retail value. Pricing is set at the store level at each individual ReStore location. ReStore staff price items based on their quality, brand notoriety, product defects, age and condition. Higher end brands in excellent condition will be priced higher, while damaged or defective items will be discounted.
Some key points on ReStore’s pricing practices:
- Items are priced at 30-90% below regular retail price on average.
- ReStore aims to offer prices affordable for everyone in the community.
- Prices are comparable to thrift stores and discount outlets.
- Prices vary between items and between ReStore locations.
- New items with tags from big box stores are usually priced at 50-75% off retail.
- Used items are priced even lower based on condition.
The localized pricing model allows each ReStore location to tailor prices based on their unique inventory mix, local market dynamics and the needs of their community. It also incentivizes donations by allowing stores to price more competitively.
Are Prices Negotiable?
The short answer is no – ReStore has a strict no haggling policy. Prices on items at ReStore are not negotiable. The pricing is final as marked on each item. Shoppers are expected to pay the listed price without negotiations or requests for discounts.
ReStore outlines on their website and at the register that bargaining is not allowed. Signage in stores indicates fixed pricing. Cashiers do not have discretion to negotiate lower prices with customers. Asking for a discount is futile and only frustrates staff paid to follow pricing guidelines.
The no negotiations policy applies to all shoppers equally and helps streamline operations. It allows ReStore to maximize revenue for Habitat for Humanity’s mission through fair and consistent pricing. Flexible pricing would undermine their pricing strategy and make inventory management challenging. It could also open the door to discrimination if some shoppers got better deals than others.
Why You Can’t Negotiate Prices at ReStore
There are several key reasons why negotiating prices at ReStore is strictly prohibited:
- Pricing is already discounted: Items are priced at a fraction of normal retail, so there is limited room for additional discounts.
- ReStore is a nonprofit: Revenue supports Habitat for Humanity’s housing assistance programs.
- No profit margin: As a nonprofit, ReStore operates on very thin profit margins.
- Consistency: Fixed pricing creates fairness and prevents discrimination.
- Inventory challenges: Negotiations would make managing thousands of unique items difficult.
- Streamlined operations: No haggling speeds up checkout and reduces staff workload.
- Discourages resellers: Negotiations could incentivize resellers rather than everyday buyers.
The bottom line is that negotiating goes against ReStore’s pricing philosophy and operational procedures. The fixed pricing model is carefully designed to balance affordability for shoppers with revenue to support Habitat for Humanity.
Tips for Getting the Best Deals at ReStore
While you can’t negotiate, there are still plenty of ways to get great deals shopping at ReStore:
- Shop end-of-month sales: ReStore often discounts select items up to 75% off at month end to move inventory.
- Ask about item discounts: Politely ask staff if an item is eligible for any current promotions or discounts due to condition.
- Shop scratch and dent: Visit the clearance area for marked down scratch and dent appliances and building materials.
- Browse the aisles: You may find hidden gems that are underpriced or unlabeled.
- Search for bargains: Sort through storage racks, bins and piles to uncover buried treasures.
- Follow sales calendars: ReStore posts calendars listing monthly and holiday sales promotions.
- Time your visit: Weekday mornings tend to have the newest inventory and least crowds.
- Buy in bulk: Buying large quantities can offer per unit savings.
- Get member discounts: Join the ReStore email list for exclusive member-only coupon offers.
Being strategic in when and how you shop at ReStore allows you to maximize savings while respecting their set pricing policies.
Does ReStore Offer Any Price Adjustments?
ReStore does not allow negotiating initial prices, but in some cases they may offer price adjustments:
- If an item is found to be damaged or defective upon purchase, ReStore will reduce the price or offer an exchange.
- If an item rings up at the wrong price, they will honor the lower advertised price.
- If an item goes on sale shortly after purchase, they may offer a price adjustment with proof of original receipt.
- Special discounts may be offered for large bulk purchases or charities.
- Pricing supervisors have some discretion to mark down overpriced items.
However, these situations are exceptions and not the rule. Shoppers should not expect to negotiate an adjustment on most purchases. ReStore staff will Verify any exceptions.
Other Ways to Save at ReStore
Aside from negotiating, there are alternative ways to reduce your total cost when shopping at ReStore:
- Use coupons: ReStore emails coupon codes for % off or $ off purchases. You can also find coupons online and in direct mailers.
- Shop with rewards: The ReStore Member Rewards program offers a $5 coupon for every $100 spent.
- Ask about discounts: Kindly inquire with staff about any current senior, military, student, teacher, first responder or other special discounts.
- Buy Habitat ReStore gift cards at a discount from third party gift card resellers.
- Donate and earn vouchers: For each donation, you get a voucher for % off future purchases.
- Volunteer for credit: Volunteers earn store credit equal to minimum wage for hours worked.
Leveraging these savings opportunities allows smart savers to maximize value at ReStore without negotiating on price.
Policies for Returns and Exchanges
ReStore allows returns and exchanges within 7 days of purchase with the original receipt under these conditions:
- Items must be in original condition with original packaging.
- Returns are refunded in the original payment form.
- Exchanges are for equal or greater value – no refunds on exchanges.
- No returns or exchanges on used mattresses or box springs.
- Returns and exchanges offered as a courtesy to shoppers.
ReStore staff inspects returned items to check for damage prior to accepting a return. Returns and exchanges are subject to manager approval. Customers should avoid excessive returns as a courtesy to Habitat for Humanity’s mission.
As a nonprofit, ReStore aims to minimize returns and exchanges that reduce donated contributions. But they allow them on occasion to provide reasonable customer service.
Alternative Places to Shop for Price Negotiations
Since negotiating at ReStore is off the table, here are some alternative retailers where pricing is more flexible:
- Yard, garage and estate sales – Haggling is common and expected.
- Auctions – The bidding process allows you to set your price.
- Antique stores – Negotiating prices on collectibles is standard practice.
- Independent thrift stores – More room for bartering than larger chains.
- Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace – You can negotiate prices with sellers.
- Pawn shops – Willing to make deals to move merchandise.
- Flea markets and swap meets – Vendors expect customers to bargain.
If negotiating is important, these secondary resale markets offer more pricing flexibility than major retailers like ReStore.
The Bottom Line
ReStore has a strict no haggling policy designed to streamline operations and provide affordable prices to support Habitat for Humanity. While you can’t negotiate prices, you can still get amazing deals by shopping sales, discounts and clearance items. ReStore offsets its firm pricing by passing on incredible savings versus traditional retail. The best approach is to respect their set prices while using savvy shopping strategies to maximize your savings.