Horrible experience with these people. I spent over two hundred dollars buying several things at their auction. This was my first time purchasing anything from them and it will definitely be my last. I showed up to pick up my items and was given cursory information about where in the warehouse things were stored. It was "self service" which could have been doable with more patience on the part of the charming girl behind the desk. I am being ironic. I was told I couldn't carry the bag I had brought for my purchases but had to use a shopping cart. As the cart bounced up and down over the uneven floors, one of the antique platters I had just put in the cart fell on the floor and shattered. No one came to help or apologize, rather the gentleman who seemed to be the nominal boss yelled at me that it was my fault and they weren't responsible for the breakage before I had even thought to inquire. Also the loud sound of a broken dish only elicited laughter from the charming girl. I should mention that I am a senior citizen. I will never return and I hope to discourage others. read more

Avoid this auction house. They do not respond to emails or phone calls about listings. Items are not properly stored to avoid damage. They pile the stuff up in their small warehouse and damage occurs post-auction.I watched this with my own eyes. They do not employ staff to move inventory around for pick ups and the "ladies" who work there are not capable. Most auction houses employ in-house staff to manage the inventory - typically young guys that can handle heavier items. I agree with other reviewers that found the staff curt - the head "lady" was rude when I asked a simple question. I made the mistake of purchasing an expensive Thomas O'Brien rug. Once I got it home and unrolled it I found clods of mud and leaves rolled up in the rug and bright pink stain on the back that had bled through to the front - this stain was not noted in the listing or visible in any photos so it must have happened while in the auctioneer's hands. read more

I just discovered The Benefit Shop in Bedford Hills/Mt. Kisco. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the deals and great pieces there. Today I picked up an amazing mahony antique dining table. Carved legs, lots of details work... $20!!! Needs a little TLC, but not much for what the its worth. Also found a 3 other great pieces quality pieces. The store is jam packed with all kinds of used donated furniture, collectibles, nick nacks, books, you name it, you'll find it there. It's my new GO-TO place for filling in the gaps in my 1777 Chappaqua Quaker home. The owner Pam Stone is a gem as well, making my treasure seeking experience there even more fab. Thank you Pam for adding this great business to our Westchester community. Sincerely, Lisandra McGrath LisandraBeFit / Lisandr Be Fit Personal Tainer and Antiques Dealer read more

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD Following a poor experience with the Benefit Shop Foundation involving their sale and handling of a misrepresented item to me, I elected to verify the claims that their proceeds go to some of the local organizations listed on their website, including the Northern Westchester Hospital as referenced in the Wall Street Journal. I sent an enquiry to a sampling of five organizations asking if they received donations from the Benefit Shop and the results were two confirmations, two non-responses and one very disappointing response from the President of an organization I understood to be a major recipient. I would never have spent over $500 to buy something from this auction house had I known then what I know now. I encourage all to do their due diligence before donating to any organization, 501(c)3 or otherwise. read more

Just bid on some items recently and won The owner Pam was there when I was in to pay and pick up and I must say she was very warm and knowledgeable about the business and I was very happy with my items. I would bid with them again as long as I see something online that I like. Something which I find interesting is that a prior comment by Ramona bashing the Benefit Shop is actually a former worker there. I actually was in a few times and she helped me. I guess she is an x employee of the shop. How unprofessional is she!! read more

I have been a client of the Benefit Shop (as a bidder) for almost two years. To state that the company is unique is an understatement. First, they are a not-for-profit corporation and donate their proceeds to various local charities. (You can read more details on their website that provides comprehensive information about bidding, consigning, shipping, etc.) I do not know of any other auction house that utilizes this business model. If only for donating their their profits to help others, they should be applauded. Second, the founder of the company, Pam Stone, has cultivated relationships w/some very upscale consignors who donate hi-end items to be auctioned. That is not to say that you won't find a pine dining table for around $5, but it does mean that the diverse offerings are priced for the budget conscious as well as serious designers, collectors and folks w/big money. Third, there are very few reserves and virtually EVERY item has a starting bid of $1.00. (Not a typo.) How often do you see that in an auction? Fourth, their descriptions of auction items are more comprehensive than those of other auctions houses. They are also unusually accurate and accompany a collection of good photos (often focusing on flaws in the items, so you know what may dissuade you from bidding). I consider that rare honesty. Fifth, and I really love this feature, the staff updates the online catalogue, AT LEAST 4 time prior to the date of the auction. In other words, just when you think you've seen it all, you haven't. You'd be surprised how few employees keep this business operating and all of them are affable and generous w/information; and have helped me enormously in making my bidding choices. I suspect there are some clients to whom they are not affable: non-payers, people w/unrealistic expectations and demands, and those who expect items to be in new, pristine condition. If you want brand-new items, visit Tiffany & Co. or Neiman-Marcus, or Christofle showrooms. Some people, I am told, have complained that there is no one available to help them move their wins. Here's what I suggest to them: Arrange for your chauffeur and butler to drive your Rolls to the Benefit Shop and have them pack, move and deliver your items to your manse. Or contact one of their recommended shippers, such as UPS, and see how much it will cost you to have them pick-up, professionally pack and ship your stuff. Giving credit: my thanks to Leslie, Gail, Leo, Anna, Steven, and, of course, Pam. For the record, I have no financial interest or other affiliation w/this company. I simply think that, along w/many others that they are a true find; and my home thanks them as well. read more

Owner is pretentious and the elderly people "assisting" her in the store are right out of the TV show the Millers. The husband / father is a good hearted bloke with several cards short of a full deck and the wife / mother is an over zealous car salesman with little to no training or background in what she is selling and what the pieces in the store are .. Considering the owner and the help .. You wouldn't catch me buying anything in there again.. read more

Owner uses store to pay off personal bills, for a non-profit store, a lot of cash sure gets pocketed

I used to love the Benefit shop, but as I became a frequent shopper I noticed how the prices were determined by the mood of the "volunteers" and whether they liked you or not. The owner and her friends, especially her BFF do alot of eye rolling and snide remarks regarding the patrons. It is like an eight grade sleep over. I also noticed it was like a swap meet, they combed over all the donated items first, their personal items are also sold there. They are the only ones benefiting. read more

I love this place. Not fancy antique shop, it's hit or miss, but loads of interesting stuff and those who work there are kind, considerate and the shop is a charitable one. read more

I bought items from this shop, and they shipped them horribly damaged, beyond repair. Worse than that, the woman who answers the phone, Patty, was incredibly rude and threatening on the phone. I asked to speak to the owner, and Patty refused but said the owner "might" call me back. She never did. I saw another reviewer on here that had a similar experience with the people in the shop saying rude things about their customers and changing prices at whim. I tried to find the names of their Board of Trustees to complain, but oddly enough, you can't find that anywhere online. And why do they keep referring to the owner if it is a not for profit? I would advise giving your donations to somewhere more reputable and spending your charity dollars elsewhere. read more

My home was perfect. And then I walked into the benefit shop three years ago. I've basically replaced my dining room and kitchen table and chairs, bought three new sets of china, artwork, an oriental carpet for my den and furnished two guest bedrooms. ThE quality is spectacular. The prices are ridiculously fair. The people who work there are fun and lively and it's my Saturday morning addiction. And I know a charity who they have funded. How great is that! read more

The new Benefit Shop in Bedford Hills, located right next to the bagel store is a phenomenal thrift store. Full of great items and very inexpensive. All proceeds go to charity. Every day, there are new items to browse. read more

I am not sure why Jim A and Marc R have made such cruel and unwarranted comments. The Benefit shop is a well run significant charitable effort - you can confirm this with their beneficiaries and read about the owner's selfless efforts in the WSJ and other publications. One smart and strong policy the owner has is to make good use of the [rented] floor space with quality re-sellable merchandise to ensure her charitable donations are maximized. Many times people attempt to drop off their "junk" and become insulted when they are turned away - perhaps this was Jim and Marc's experience. I cannot understand why anyone would taunt senior citizen volunteers but I guess that is just a sad reality. I would encourage you to both support and shop at the Benefit Shop. The owner has great connections with estate sale and downsizing consultants from many upscale towns - there a lot of unique bargains to be found, all the while helping others. This shop is a blessing for many. read more

The lady with the dirty horse boots is horrible. I don't know her name but she is rude, curt, nasty and unpleasant. Avoid this place. I've been twice and both times were not good experiences. It does have a lot of stuff but you get the impression that something isn't right. The first time I visited I met the owner who seemed to be making a side deal with a customer. When I politely interrupted she said "I'll be right with you," and turned her back. 10 minutes later, I approached the dirty boot lady (all I wanted was a price), who was annoyed that I asked her a question! I gave up and left. Went back recently to give it another chance. This time the dirty boot lady was having an argument on the phone ( with a customer I think) when I walked in. I walked past her 3 times and she didn't even say hello. She is ugly on the inside and out. I also saw her take money out of the register and hand it to another worker to buy lunch. Seriously! Terrible energy. I'm never going back. I agree with the previous poster that this is not a non-profit. It's a scam. Awful. Avoid. read more

Like all thrift stores this one can be FABULOUS or just Great - depending on the day. The stock moves quickly at times, so it's always worth stopping by to see what they have. The prices are pretty good, and sometimes they can be negotiated - so it's always worth it to ask. I was surprised by the negative comments left on this board, which makes me think that maybe those reviewers just had a bad experience, or maybe they have a personal issue against the place - who knows. I have spoken to the different staff during my visits, and they are as helpful as they can be. It helps to remember that they are volunteers - not paid employees, and they choose to spend their time at this non-profit store. The "elderly TV folks" are the parents of the owner. I think it's just nice to see the whole family pitches in to help with the volunteer work. The only way you will know if this store is right for you is just to stop by for a visit and judge for yourself, it's worth the trip. read more