Thrift Stores Charging Walmart's Prices

I recently went to a Salvation Army store. Since I lost my job things have been tight and they are the store to go to when you're down and out. Well, that's what I thought.

I went to the Salvation Army in search of a computer desk. Nothing fancy. Just something to sit my computer on. The particle board desk I had (since college - 198X) had seen better days and needed to be retired.

After doing some comparison shopping, I realized I couldn't even afford the lease expensive desk sold at Wal-Mart. It was just $65 and came with a book shelf. But, the lint in my pockets let me know I had to go lower than that. I was willing to get something and turn it into a desk and I had $20 to make it happen.

I had gotten so many good deals from the Salvation Army in the past, they were the first store to come to mind. I went to their large store off of Harry Hines in Dallas. Wow, call it my inner Fred Sanford, but there is something special about buying someone else's trash. That's what all of this stuff was. Something someone threw out. Or rather, donated for the good of someone less fortunate.

As I walked through the mélange of clothes, accessories and trinkets; I finally spied a desk from across the room. Heck, it was the EXACT one I had seen in Wal-Mart. This one didn't have a bookshelf, but I thought "Eureka!" I was going to get the little desk I needed and wouldn't have to pay retail.

It was in perfect condition. One little problem. It was priced at $95!!!!!

I took off my glasses. Cleaned them. Put them back on. I turned the price tag upside down; knowing I wasn't seeing this correctly. Then I started laughing hysterically. I knew it had to be a mistake.

I found a person who was working there and asked if the price was correct. "That's what's on there" was her response.

I was floored. An outrageous price and a stank attitude to go with it. It was like a Whiskey and Strawberry milk cocktail. Yuck!

I asked to speak with a manager. Not because of her attitude. I just said a silent prayer for her - minimum wage will make you mad and despondent. I wanted to see the manager because I just knew that price had to be wrong.