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Step 1
Understand how the Seattle Goodwill Outlet works. It's a huge warehouse with large plastic rolling carts piled high with clothing, textiles, shoes, toys, books, and all manner of other items. While the items are sorted in broad categories – shoes, clothing and textiles, books, toys, and bric-a-brac – items aren't sorted by condition, size, subject, age range, etc. Some of the items are clearance items from the regular Goodwill store, others have been donated without first being inventoried and priced at the regular Goodwill. It's not clear why some donations end up at the outlet and others are individually priced at the regular store. You'll find incredibly dirty, stained, mangled items as well as brand new items and gently used brand name items in these bins. There are many treasures to be had by rifling through the bins. Some examples of my favorite finds include Hollister Jeans, Uggs boots, and an Abercrombie jacket, all in excellent condition.
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Step 2
Leave very young kids at home, if possible. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, competition for items at the Seattle Goodwill Outlet can sometimes be intense. While people stop short of actually fighting over things, you'll want to be free to get your hands dirty and spend your time actually looking through the bins, instead of chasing after little kids.
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Step 3
If you have allergies, prepare ahead. During very busy times, a lot of dust and other particles get kicked into the air, aggravating respiratory allergies. Some people even go so far as to use rubber gloves and a face mask when shopping at the Seattle Goodwill Outlet. If you're not bothered by the dust, this isn't necessary. If you take allergy meds, it's a good idea to take them before you go.
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Step 4
Grab first, inspect later. When there are a lot of people competing for items, don't take the time to inspect the items as you go. Toss them in the cart, and review all of the items for rips, stains, and other flaws later when there's a lull in the activity.
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Step 5
If you find an item that's stained, think about whether you might be able to get it out with chlorine or oxygen bleach. Likewise, you might be able to make small repairs for a particularly nice item.
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Step 6
When you find an item in the size range you are looking for, pay special attention to that section of the bin. For example, say you are shopping for girls' size 3T clothes at the Seattle Goodwill Outlet. When you find a nice item in one spot, dig quickly through that bin and nearby bins – you're likely to find more of the same.
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Step 7
Don't overlook the shoe bins. I once found a pair of Uggs for my teenage daughter at the Seattle Goodwill Outlet for $2!
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Step 8
You'll find that sometimes you're on a roll, with several great finds. Other times you won't find much at all. The selection varies quite a bit. Don't let that deter you from coming back the next time.
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Step 9
When you find brand name items in good condition, consider grabbing them even if they don't fit anyone in your family right now. You can sell these items on ebay or at a local consignment shop. If you sell on consignment, you can often use store credit to buy clothes there too, or take the cash for more great finds at the outlet. Used Hollister and Abercrombie items are popular on ebay, and Gap Kids clothes sell well on consignment too.
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Step 10
Take a big dose of patience with you. It takes time to sort through the bins, inspect your items, and find just that perfect treasure. But, you can keep your family clothed dirt cheap and in style at the Seattle Goodwill Outlet, since at the time of this writing, clothing and textiles cost just $1.39 per pound.
