ReStore is a retail outlet operated by Habitat for Humanity that sells new and used building materials, furniture, appliances, home accessories and more at a fraction of regular retail pricing. As a nonprofit home improvement store, ReStore aims to provide affordable home goods to the community while raising funds for Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable housing for those in need.
Quick Answers
Yes, you can negotiate prices at ReStore. As a nonprofit store, ReStore has some flexibility to negotiate prices with customers within reason. However, the ability to get a lower price depends on several factors:
- Item condition – New or lightly used items have less room for negotiation
- Inventory levels – High stock levels allow more discounting
- Original retail price – Items already priced low due to condition have less wiggle room
- Time in store – Items that have been on the floor longer can be discounted to move them
- Staff discretion – Individual stores and managers have varying policies
While there are no guarantees, it does not hurt to politely ask a sales associate if the price on an item is flexible or if an additional discount can be offered. The worst they can say is no. Being friendly and flexible on what discount you are seeking can help.
What is ReStore?
ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that is operated by Habitat for Humanity. There are nearly 1,000 ReStore locations across the United States and Canada. The stores sell new and gently used furniture, home accessories, building materials, appliances, home goods, and more.
ReStore accepts donations of used and excess building materials and home goods from contractors, businesses, and individuals in the community. They then resell these items at a heavily discounted price compared to traditional retail. Typical ReStore merchandise includes:
- Furniture – couches, chairs, tables, dressers, beds
- Home decor – lamps, artwork, rugs, curtains
- Building supplies – windows, doors, flooring, hardware, tools
- Appliances – refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves
- Kitchenware – dishes, utensils, cookware
- Garden supplies – outdoor furniture, planters, irrigation
Prices at ReStore are generally 50-90% below what you would pay at a conventional home goods retail store. The discounted prices allow community members on a budget to afford home upgrades and furnish their living spaces at a reasonable cost.
Why Are Prices So Low at ReStore?
There are a few key reasons why prices can be so low at ReStore compared to other home goods retailers:
- Donated inventory – Since most merchandise at ReStore is donated rather than purchased at wholesale, there are no acquisition costs factored into the pricing.
- Minimal processing – The donated items are minimally processed before going directly onto the sales floor.
- Lower overhead – As a nonprofit, ReStore has lower operating costs than traditional retailers.
- Supporting a cause – The mission-driven nature of the stores means less focus on aggressive profit margins.
- Volume sales – The high inventory turnover allows ReStore to keep prices low across the board.
Essentially, because ReStore obtains inventory at no cost and focuses less on profitability, it can pass dramatic savings on to customers rather than aiming to maximize sales margins like other retailers.
Can You Negotiate Prices at ReStore?
Yes, it is often possible to negotiate and get a lower price on items at ReStore through some friendly bargaining. However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:
- Success will depend on that particular store’s pricing policies and the discretion of the sales staff.
- New or like-new merchandise often has little to no room for discounts.
- Discounts will depend on how long an item has been on the sales floor without selling.
- Be reasonable with discounted prices requested and willing to compromise.
- Higher volume purchases have a better chance of getting a price break.
- Bringing up other flaws or damages in an item may assist in bargaining.
- Being polite and friendly goes a long way in negotiations.
While ReStore aims to maintain excellent value pricing across all merchandise, staff understands that customers operate on varied budgets. Reasonable discounts can move aging stock or items with slight cosmetic flaws while still upholding Habitat for Humanity’s mission.
Tips for Haggling at ReStore
Here are some helpful tips to improve your chances of getting the best deal possible when negotiating prices at ReStore:
- Ask politely. Calmly ask the sales associate if there is any flexibility or room to negotiate on the price. A kind approach goes a long way.
- Point out flaws. Note any scratches, dents, stains, or other damage that may decrease the desirability of the item.
- Reference inventory age. If you notice an item has been sitting unsold for a while, point that out.
- Offer concessions. Say you would be willing to purchase immediately at a lower price.
- Bundle items. Propose a bulk discount if buying multiple pieces of furniture or accessories.
- Consider timing. Ask if discounts are offered seasonally or during sales events.
- Suggest a reasonable price. Recommend a discounted but fair price instead of expecting the salesperson to offer.
- Be flexible. If your initial request is denied, ask what price would be possible or offer alternatives.
The key is to always remain polite and flexible. Don’t make unreasonable demands or you are less likely to get a deal. Take your time examining merchandise closely for any condition issues prior to negotiating. With some friendly bargaining, you can potentially save even more at ReStore.
Factors That Impact Negotiated Prices
When approaching a sales associate to negotiate a lower price at ReStore, there are several key factors that will impact their decision and how much of a discount they can offer:
Item Condition
The condition of the item will be paramount in determining room for negotiation. Items that are brand new in box or barely used have much less room for discounting than items that show more visible wear and tear. Drawing attention to scratches, dents, stains or other cosmetic damage on used merchandise you want to buy can justify a lower price.
Existing Price Point
How the original price point compares to standard retail pricing also impacts discount potential. If an item has already been significantly marked down, there is less ability to negotiate much lower. High demand items tend to have lower markdowns. Check online and at other stores to gauge fair pricing.
Stock Level
ReStore staff are more empowered to offer discounts on excess merchandise or items that have been taking up space for a while not selling. If an item seems overstocked on the sales floor, point that out to support your request for a lower price to help them clear inventory.
Time of Year
Negotiation success can vary by season. For example, haggling on holiday decor right after Christmas often yields better deals. ReStore is also more likely to offer deep discounts during annual sales like Black Friday to drive foot traffic.
Staff Discretion
Individual ReStore locations and managers have some leeway to make judgment calls on offering case-by-case discounts. Building rapport with sales staff and remaining polite when inquiring about wiggle room on a price can boost your chances of savings.
Does ReStore Offer Sales or Promotions?
While ReStore prides itself on everyday low pricing across the board, most locations will occasionally offer sales and promotions to drive traffic and turn over inventory. This can be an especially good time to negotiate extras discounts.
Some examples of ReStore sales and promotions include:
- Holiday sales – Discounts offered on themed merchandise like Christmas decor after the holiday passes.
- Seasonal sales – Spring cleaning and back-to-school sales to boost foot traffic.
- Special savings days – Some locations have monthly or weekly dedicated discount days.
- Clearance sections – Floor space designated for significant markdowns to move old inventory.
- Bundle offers – Discounts when multiple items are purchased together.
- Loyalty discounts – Savings for frequent shoppers who join membership programs.
Following local ReStore social media pages or signing up for email newsletters can help you stay aware of any upcoming promotions. The best discounts will often require a little luck and perfect timing!
Buyer Beware: Inspect Merchandise Closely
The adage “buyer beware” comes into play when shopping at ReStore more than other retailers. Since much of the merchandise is used, you will want to inspect items very closely for flaws, defects, or signs of wear and tear before purchasing. A few tips:
- Test electrical appliances and mechanical items to ensure they are functional.
- Check furniture frames and joints to make sure they are intact, stable and not broken.
- Inspect cabinets, shelves, and other items for scratches, gouges, or dents.
- If an item is missing hardware like screws or bolts, ask about options to have those included or deducted from the price.
- Evaluate any upholstered items for ripped seams, fabric runs or stained cushions.
Be sure to point out any damage or defects you find to the sales associates and use it to politely advocate for a further discount. Paying close attention before purchasing can help you score quality goods at the best possible resale value.
Is There a Price Matching Policy?
ReStore does not offer any formal price matching guarantees. As a nonprofit with a unique inventory model, it would be difficult for them to match retail prices from standard outlets. However, you may be able to reference prices you have seen for similar new or used items elsewhere when negotiating with sales staff.
For example, if you spot a bookshelf on the showroom floor that looks identical to one you saw recently priced at $100 new in a store, mention that to politely ask if ReStore could come closer to that price. While staff will likely not be able to match prices directly, that context can be helpful in setting reasonable expectations on pricing.
Alternative Ways to Save at ReStore
In addition to negotiating on price, there are a few other potential ways to save money and maximize value when shopping at ReStore:
- Ask about any discounts for military members, seniors, students, teachers, or other groups.
- Sign up for email newsletters to receive coupons and alerts on sales.
- Shop on the sales floor as soon as new donation deliveries are rolled out when selection is best.
- Follow the store’s social media for flash discounts or limited promotions.
- Purchase floor models or display items to save up to 25% or more.
- Buy bundles of smaller items to build your own discount bundle.
- Check clearance racks and sections for the deepest discounts.
With some creativity and persistence, you can potentially stack savings by combining various coupons, discounts, and clearance prices.
Will ReStore Negotiate Bulk or Large Purchases?
One of the best ways to save at ReStore is to negotiate discounts when making larger bulk purchases. The store is often willing to offer a price break when multiple items are purchased together in a single transaction. This incentivizes moving more merchandise efficiently.
Examples of bulk buy situations where negotiating makes sense include:
- Furnishing an entire room with multiple furniture pieces
- Outfitting a full kitchen with dishes, appliances, cookware
- Remodeling or building projects that require buying in volume
- Purchasing matching sets of lights, cabinets, flooring
When preparing to make a larger purchase, bundle together everything you plan to buy and present it as a package deal. Be sure to ask if there is a bulk pricing discount or if they can negotiate a percentage price reduction on the total purchase.
The more you plan to spend in one transaction, the more bargaining power you have. ReStore also may be willing to offer discounts on delivery fees if you require multiple heavy or large items to be transported to your home after purchase.
Will ReStore Hold or Reserve Items?
One downside to shopping at ReStore compared to normal retailers is that there are no holds on items or ability to reserve merchandise in advance. Items are sold on a first come, first served basis.
Because inventory comes from random donations, the stores do not have an ordering system or any way to store sold items. Once something hits the sales floor, it is fair game. Frequent shoppers recommend visiting early in the morning right after new stock comes in to access the best selection.
If you want to ensure you actually get an item you have your eye on, your only option is to purchase it immediately. There is no guarantee something will still be available later if you want time to think about it or evaluate other options.
Is Negotiating Prices at ReStore Worth the Effort?
Ultimately, the choice of whether to negotiate prices comes down to a personal decision based on your comfort level and how much additional savings means to your budget.
Here are some pros and cons to weigh when deciding if it makes sense to bargain shop at ReStore:
Potential Benefits
- Can result in substantial savings off already low prices
- Good way to stay within budget constraints
- Haggling can be fun and rewarding when successful
- May enable you to afford better quality items
Drawbacks
- No guarantee of getting a lower price
- Requires time investment browsing and asking
- May feel awkward or undignified for some
- Items often sell quickly regardless of price
Being willing to negotiate respectfully can unlock dramatic savings in many cases at ReStore. However, the incremental discounts require an extra time commitment some buyers may find not worth the effort.
Conclusion
ReStore provides access to quality home goods and materials at bargain prices, primarily thanks to its donated inventory model. While merchandise is already discounted 50-90% off regular retail, you can often negotiate even lower prices by interacting directly with sales staff.
Success depends on several factors – the item’s current condition and price, existing inventory levels, and the discretion of management. Willingness to compromise and bundle multiple purchases together can improve results. Inspect merchandise closely and point out any flaws to help justify a price reduction.
Considering ReStore’s nonprofit mission, aggressive demands are unlikely to get very far. Maintain reasonable expectations and be polite. With some courteous haggling, you can potentially unlock some tremendous deals and savings. Just be prepared to shop early and act decisively, as prime goods won’t sit around waiting for later.
