They get stuff for free then mark it up close to the original retail value. I thought is was supposed to be for ppl that cant afford much. Also I thought it was none profit, 800million in a year does not sound lime none profit to me! read more

Great stock relative to the Falg Ship Good Will off Ranier Ave South Seattle. Also Ballard Goods are readily available and the International China Town Good Will id Closed. Bedlam at Ballard, good will! read more

I have found a few winning pieces here that have kept me coming back, but their prices have become insanely high. A metal serving dish for $19.99? A ceramic napkin holder for $12.99? C'mon Goodwill, the average person shopping here can't afford or isn't willing to pay prices like that. These items are 100% donated and supposed to be for people shopping on a budget. If we wanted to pay $20 for a dish, we wouldn't be shopping at Goodwill... read more

My second time at this location, but my first time shopping for clothing. I don't know why I never shop at goodwill before. Since adulting and feeling the need to step up my clothing game, i've been thrifting.. Not only I find range of style that I won't expect at Nordstrom Rack/ Macys, the prices are so affordable as well. I can mix and match more, express my fashion sense while being myself. I prefer shopping thrift now because i feel no pressure from any SA to buy anything super expensive. Particularly in this location, I am loving the diversity of people that I saw. It made me feel good that they are creating jobs for those in needs or otherwise unable to find other job. Also I am surprised that they have 7 day exchange policy! What?! I did not expect that from a secondhand store...I will be back for sure. read more

I'm starting to see a over pricing trend at Goodwill, this store is on the list. When used t-shirts start going for $10 on the regular rack not the Fashion over priced stuff I have been leaving. read more

I had an experience in Ballard Goodwill today. That everybody were so helpful, especially the manager of donation department, who's name is Patrick. Thank you so much to all of you. Much appreciated! Lisa. read more

I came one hour before donation close on Sunday, but cones were already up turning cars away. This always happens or they are full on weekends towards end of donation hours. Go up to Shoreline location on 145th for a better run donation site. read more

I cannot believe how easy it was for me to drop off a bunch of crap... I mean 'useful, clean gently used items' here this morning. Here's what you do: 1.) drive up 2.) unload 3.) take receipt 4.) drive away Better than the dump and it's free. FYI: I unloaded some really good sh*t-- I mean stuff here this am... You should get on over to 8th and 65th and check it out for yourself. read more

Terrible customer service. Poor communication by donation workers. Unclear driving instructions. Will not return.

Wow, I never thought the day would come where I would write a negative review about a charity, but Goodwill in Ballard definitely deserves one. We had two working, high-quality items to donate: a 50" flat-screen TV and a two-year-old, five-piece dining room set. We're gadget geeks, so we recently purchased a new TV with the latest and greatest bells and whistles, and we've recently downsized, so the dining set doesn't fit in our new place. Goodwill and their network of thrift stores naturally came to mind when we wanted to donate these items to a charity that would benefit from selling them. We rented a cargo van and carefully loaded and secured the items aboard for the trip to Goodwill. Pulling into the parking lot, the donation lanes were well-marked and easy enough to find, but finding human help was an entirely different matter. As we pulled up and began to unload items, not one of the four Goodwill representatives that we saw could be bothered to tell us where we should place our items. As this Goodwill is also a Washington e-cycling site, we saw a pile of old TV sets with wood grain panels on the sides soaking in the rain, but surely this isn't where we would put our perfectly great TV, completely with remote, original receipt, and manuals, right? We finally managed to flag someone down to ask where it should be unloaded. The exact answer that we received: "Dump it on the ground over there." We were absolutely dumbfounded. Next we proceeded to unload our dining room set. A Goodwill representative kept running up to us, murmuring something unintelligible, then scurrying away. This repeated no less than three times until we finally understood that he was telling us to move our van forward to the entrance of the store. Once we did so, another representative helped us with the table and the last remaining chair of the four to be unloaded, nonchalantly placing it in the front of the store entrance to be destroyed in the pouring rain. We were then handed a blank receipt for tax purposes and sent on our way. We both left utterly disappointed by our donation experience. Both of the items that we donated were in perfect working order, perfectly presentable, and would have been easily resold by Goodwill for their benefit--that is, if someone there could have taken the time to treat our donations with care. For extra credit, a "thank you" would also have been appreciated. Frankly, I've received a warmer welcome and more gratitude from the booth attendant at the landfill. Based on this experience, Goodwill certainly won't be receiving any donations from us in the future. We hope to find alternate charities in the Seattle area that would be more gracious for and get better use out of what we donate. read more

Jeanny is right, the parking is whack! Still, I like it here, but not as much as some other locations. I also find that while the overall prices are higher than most thrift stores- $14.99+ for a Forever 21 dress? Seriously?- there are some steals to be found now and again. read more

I'm pretty loyal to Goodwill as a thrift store because they still keep their prices cheap. I've found great stuff there, lamps that work, name brand clothing and shoes in great condition (BCBG, Noat shoes, Ann Taylor, Hydraulic). I've grabbed some killer deals on nice furniture, too. My favorite thing about this place is the employees, they are funny, friendly, and always seem to be having a great time. I think they should be Yelpers, maybe they are! This is also a super great place to donate your stuff that no longer fits in your life and it gets you a tax deduction! Remember to get your receipt so you can prove it. I'll keep going back to Goodwill time and time again. Especially the Ballard one. read more

Until the recent remodel, this was my favorite place for stereo components, computer parts, a random iPod here, other weird electronic amusements there, and TONS of cables and connectors for cheap. The selection of household supplies -- from bulbs and fixtures to tools and hardware -- was well-stocked and full of useful stuff. Sadly, this summer all the "guy stuff" and "geek stuff" was crammed in the back of the store, so that the fashion-focus crap could takes its place. (Who wants to pay full retail or more for "T-wares" that came from Target's clearance rack anyway? It's become easy to find Goodwill prices that exceed original retail labels on clothing & housewares. Sad.) The computer & electronic section is now a dumping ground where the previous 4-5 aisles of stuff is crammed in 2 shorter aisles in the very back corner of the store. They emptied all the fragile items (mp3 players, motherboards & DIMMs, anything with multiple parts) from the glass case up front into piles and bins in back, so they're often destroyed in short order. Stuff falls off the stuffed racks, and litters the floor constantly. To top it off, the new aisles are too narrow to safely let a cart thru if anyone else is in the aisle. Feh. No thanks. Those who planned the remodel ought to be fired or transferred back to cashier duty where they can do less damage. Until they clean up the back half of the store, the fashion trolls can have it; this place has lost its appeal. read more

Holy Good Will! How have I never been into this location before, except to drop off loads of my own old clothing? It's like the mecca of all thrift stores. Everything is so neat and tidy, you'd think you'd just walked into Nordstrom, or at least a very respectable Target. And everything was arranged in color order and other such logicalness, which I love. I'm surprised I didn't purchase my own wardrobe back, just because they looked so much better on the rack there. As it was, I didn't actually buy anything when I was there on Saturday, since I was hunting for something very specific. But you can bet I'll be back. I love me some reusable goods. read more

This location of Goodwill has the WORST parking lot EVER. First, you have people backed-up who want to drop off donation at one entrance and second if you use the other entrance, cars are coming from both directions looking for parking. Just confusion. But, next to the one on Dearborn, this was the BEST shopping! There was just something about it. At first glance, it seems really small, but the items they had when we were there, were just better. Men's tshirts and women's suits (I bought a suit! For $15!), and we were able to find some dvd SETS and books for real cheap. The dressing room line took FOREVER though. They really should put a limit of 6 items or something! Definitely happy with the selection here, just need to figure out a time when everyone else isn't here. read more

There are two things I look for in a thrift store. Used books selection and women's clothing/shoes. Unfortunately their book collection is a little bit lacking. They still have the favorites of Harry Potter and the million of different Tom Clancy paperbacks. But not a great place if you are looking for a wide selection. What I love about this goodwill though is their clothing and shoe collection. They are have tons of amazing finds. Both if you are looking for name brand items or more of an eclectic vibe. I love it here, I could spend hours. Their fitting rooms can take a while, but that could be said for a lot of thrift stores. read more

What a wonderful business model Goodwill has. People bring them stuff to sell for free and are grateful to do so. Along those lines, I've only poked my head in the store once and mostly used the dropoff line here. The workers in the line are efficient, friendly and non-judgemental. There's always been the nagging fear that I'll be mocked for dropping off a box full of mesh-sleeved t-shirts ("IT WAS A PHASE!"). Plus they've never rejected anything, not even my alarm clock that starts a grease fire when it goes off. I mean, I've even dropped off things that were so outlandish that they were refused admittance to the Island of Misfit Toys. Goodwill took them without a question. So I can't give a grand comment about what you can buy here, although judging from what I've dropped off, they probably have a fine selection of plaid pants, Swatch guards and bottle cap collections. Oh, and an alarm clock that starts grease fires. Give it a good home. read more

I love thrift stores and Goodwill is no exception. The problem is, this Goodwill pretty much sucks. 99% of the time I go in this store, I come away with nothing. The shelves are insanely unorganized and the quality of the items is pretty low. They have TONS of furniture (in fact, more than most Goodwill stores I've ever been to), but the majority is in really terrible shape. And if it's not in terrible shape, it costs an arm and a leg. I don't often find anything I want to try on when perusing through the clothing, but when I do, the price is super high. On the plus side, when I've actually found anything worth buying at this store, it's been pretty phenomenal. Example: practically new TV stand for my 27" hugeass television for $9.99. read more

Nicely organized and somewhat clean. Just hard to believe these prices. Saw a bike for 150$ and some designer mens shirts for 40$. I thought this was Goodwill but then again Ballard has changed. read more

Until very recently (as in, last week) I had a big problem with buying used clothes. It just sounded anti-hygienic, uncool, something that one shouldn't subject herself to do unless she's poor and really needs it. My mother shopped in places like Salvation Army when she visited last year, and I was embarrassed for her. Having that said, I couldn't help but notice how Seattleites like used clothes. They make it sound fancy and desirable by dropping key words/phrases like "vintage", "one of a kind", "they don't make those anymore", "sustainable", etc. Seattle talks about used like it's hip and cool, and considering how broke I am currently, I let myself buy into that talk. I'm giving used a chance. So I went to Goodwill in Ballard. I was surprised at how fun a shopping experience it was! It was very large, organized (!) clean, there was tons of stuff my size (14). I've tried on loads of stuff, and bought some. Great shoes and bags too. Their book collection is ginormous, most books in good or great condition. Tons and tons of board games (my inner 10-year old squealed!) and toys. Tons of sports-related stuff (if only I could rollerblade or ski!). DVD players. Old electronics of all kinds. I would never buy used kitchenware, God forbid, but there's tons of that too. What most disturbed me was unexpected: I kept looking at knick-knacks and wondering if they had belonged to someone who died. (One mug written "World's Best Grandpa" probably did... [gulp]) The parking lot wasn't bad, I don't see why someone complained. Another word about the organization: you won't find a big mess everywhere, a la Ross, with stuff tossed on the floor, sizes badly mixed, making you feel like running away to go shopping in a nicer place. Not here. Clothes are neatly organized in their proper racks, separated by size and then color. Shoes, too. It really shows that they make it a priority to keep the place clean and neat, and it's easy to find what you want that way. So I'll definitely go back there, and more importantly, the experience was so positive that I no longer feel the same way about buying used. I've already started exploring other used/consignment stores, and you can see by my other reviews, I'm so glad I have! :-) read more

If you're a woman bigger than a size 8-10, this is not the store for you! This particular location has an obvious bias against sizes larger than 8-10 or Medium. There's next to nothing bigger than that, and if you ask any questions the managers are beyond rude about it and often times will flat out lie and say, "oh well we just don't have any in right now". As an experiment, some friends and I went in every 2 days or so for a month shopping for "plus size" (apparently they consider anything bigger than a 10 to be plus size) clothing. Anything bigger than a large is isolated from the rest of the clothing section, and often times the clothes in it are severely Mis-sized (you'll find size 6 clothing marked as 18 or XXL). If it wasn't bad enough that they've isolated "bigger" women, they're also quite brash if you ask if there's more of a selection that isn't out. I would NOT recommend this place to ANYONE. Value village is only a few blocks away and it's 110% better. read more

My favorite Goodwill! It's clean, organized, and I never leave empty-handed. They have a great selection of dresses, shoes (always organized by size), picture frames, books and jewelry. I was hesitant to write this review... don't go take all the good stuff before I get there! read more

This place can really be depressing. Crowded, dirty, UNORGANISED, and, well, it's a thrift store. HOWEVER, that being said, it has its good days! Great book and VHS movie selection, I can always come out with a towering pile of crappy fiction to read. Funky glassware etc, lots of old dead electronics that can be fixed with all the extra parts and cords there, pick up a phone for $2 and get calling! Clothes mostly Eeeew, but sometimes I get lucky here if I have time to wade through poorly organised racks. Never buy anything 'personal' here...shoes are dubious. Staff are okay, I have experienced everything from rude, vapid, and oblivious, to attentive, nice, and over the top helpful (that was only once, tho). Watch out...one item that smells like mothballs will ruin the whole rack! read more

A trip to this store is cheaper than a movie, and most certainly more entertaining. I've been consistently impressed with the organization and quality of the merchandise there (very infrequently do you encounter those "gross items" that should have been destroyed long before they arrived at the thrift store). Great clothes, amazing selection, reasonable prices. The only drawback is the floor staff, who I think, quite possibly, is on drugs. But really, they are so rude, it's almost entertaining. I've come to laugh when I see them either banging on a dressing room screaming at the top of their lungs, "LADY - YOU HAVE TOO MUCH!" or rolling their eyes directly to your face when you very politely ask if they could please, please let you into a room. The sighs of disgust that they release when you pass by are like refreshing breezes on a warm day. Seriously - it's hysterical, especially when you realize it's not personal. They hate everyone, and possibly eachother as well. read more

I've never dropped stuff off here, but recently had so much fun buying "recycled" stuff. Seriously, I had to cut myself off. Really awesome, blue polka dot old lady chair for 10 dollars? Yep. Lots of character. Super comfy. Cats have taken it over, but it looks great in our living room. Also found a new kitty play tent thing for cheap, that was a pleasant surprise. In practically new condition. We did however break a child's heart on the way out the door. We saw an over sized Stitch stuffed animal that was in awesome condition, and would've cost 50 bucks anywhere else, for 2.99. Stitch, you're coming home with us! Our living room is now happier, and so is my wallet. This location is seriously the best one I have been to. Stop being a snob and go. Now. read more

My friend and I rolled out of bed on a Friday morning. We both had the day off, and we had just moved into a new place and were severely lacking in necessities (like dishes.) Also, we're both pretty broke. What to do but go to Goodwill? I knew vaguely where it was, but couldn't remember exactly so we just drove around Ballard for a while before stumbling across it. An hour later... 1 floor lamp 1 lamp shade 5 dinner plates 5 smaller plates 7 bowls 1 serving plate jumble of utensils 1 set of salt and pepper shakers 1 potato peeler 5 wine glasses 1 colander 1 silverware organizer 1 casserole dish 1 throw pillow 1 framed poster of a lion 1 piece of wall art Total: $58. Can you do better? Oh, you can? Where? What was that? Oh you don't actually know anywhere, you just think that maybe you can? Yeah that's what I thought. read more

This is one of the best goodwills I've ever been to! I usually have a hard time finding stuff that fits my ample behind at thrift stores, because yes I am a plus sized lady! This goodwill was like a treasure trove of awesomeness for me! They actually have a separate plus size section, which instantly made me feel hopeful about what I would find. I left with 2 pairs of practically brand new Levis 515 jeans that fit me perfect for $8 each, plust some brand new thermal shirts for $5 each a $4 file cabinet painted in a bitchin yellow color, and the greatest find of them all, an ankle length Black cashmere coat that fits like it was custom made for me that cost $20! Exquisite cashmere coat for $20? That's like winnig the Goodwill lottery! Hell yes, I'll be back!!! read more

Look, I have to be honest, thrift stores are a double edged sword for me: They are a wonderfully cheap form of retail therapy, but they can also attract a really weird crowd of people, who knows, maybe I'm one of them but I don't think so, and today it was really crowded with that freaky vibe of a desperate pack of scavenging wolves looking for the next Antiques Roadshow hidden treasure, not me of course, I'm cool and collected, no desperate frantic looks from left to right hoping to see the overlooked Stradivarius or Potato Ricer before someone else grabs it... (why didn't I grab the ricer last time I was here... gone now, someone else's treasure). So, I was on my way out of the store, slightly overwhelmed by the frenzied energy and the constant farting of someone who either has a sick sense of humor, an actual sickness, or is from a culture where farting on your fellow shoppers is a-ok.. fortunately the odors hadn't made it over near the movies section and I hit a little gold mine for some DVD's that I wanted in my collection on DVD (only a few VHS tapes left in the house now): 1. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory 2. Scarface: Two-Disc Anniversary Edition 3. Snatch: Deluxe 2-disc Edition 4. There's Something About Mary 5. Pump Up the Volume 6. Sleepy Hollow 7. Memento (to replace the copy Paula keeps stealing for her house!) ;-) read more

The managers are not friendly at all. I spent several hundreds of dollars on my trip and they started tripping on one shirt I had that was without a tag. They wanted to charge me 3 times what I paid for my other same brand shirts. I never understand why you don't try to make the customer happy instead of trying to make sure a customer won't come back and I won't. There are friendlier places out there with better prices.. Find them read more

Ample parking, organized and a great variety of everything! My husband was looking for a "green jacket" like worn at the Masters Tournament and found a perfect look alike in the women's section for $9.99... what's even better was he scored and had one of the ticketed items that was going for 50% off! I didn't leave empty handed either. I found what would have been an $80 Nordy's top for $10!! Happy Goodwill hunting ;) read more

Out of all the Goodwill/thrift stores I've been to, this one is my fav. The clothes are in super good shape and...they don't smell! I got a Guess sweater for $14 and scored on a couple jeans, which is rare for me to find. The prices are way better than the Goodwill stores in CA. And so is the quality! read more

I am an avid thrift store shopper. From all the thrift shops that I've been to, I'd rank it as my 3rd favorite. I've gotten so many great things here for a good price. It might be on the higher end of thrift store prices but it is still fair. I've gotten paintings, furniture, clothes, bags, and vases here. I highly recommend buying your furniture here. We got a second hand dinning table that originally cost more than $300. Of course, it had some scuff marks on the table but it still looks really nice. We got it at a fraction of the price. I've also gotten a Coach jacket here for about $40 - brand new. Don't ever buy retail, just get your stuff here! read more

Best Goodwill in the area. Super organized, super spiffy, super well-lit, and super good stuff. While not as big as the uber-warehouse Goodwill in the ID, this one is a nice, leisurely experience. Also, it doesn't have the "pro" Goodwill crowd that swoops in everytime a new batch of items is put out. read more

You should listen to me because I've worked in the women's department there for two months and I'm honest! Anyway, this should be your first stop for clothing or housewares shopping. You have to invest time there, and you won't find everything you're looking for, but you'll save so much money on what you do find. Sample prices: Drink glasses: 75 cents with tax Silver ware: 22 cents per piece with tax Men's T-shirts: $1.08 with tax I wouldn't recommend buying most electronics there because you can't return them and it's often hard to tell if the batteries are dead or if they don't work before you buy them. The Ballard store is known for having higher quality merch compared with other Goodwills, I think maybe because of all the affluent neighborhoods around. We have an entire "trendy jeans" rack that usually includes brands around the Gap range or more expensive for $10 or less a pair. Sometimes we even get jeans from Citizens for Humanity or Seven. The main negative is the level of customer service corresponds with the prices. Also, when it comes to clothing, selection is much better in the smaller sizes. read more

This is my favorite goodwill! They have a large collection and are always clean with very helpful staff. I even bought my wedding dress here! And some very fancy shoes. So adorable. Also have a great selection of furniture. read more

How it comes that Goodwill is selling stuff for such crazy prices? I see more often used/scratched items in Goodwill stores that you can easily find brand new for only +20-30$ retail price. So what now? Donation became an easy way to make money? Nice! It is not affordable place anymore. Now details: Today we found and wanted to buy PolkAudio subwoofer, which is in stock at BestBuy/Fry's for 100$ and Goodwill has two the same subwoofers at 69,99$ and 79,99$. No need to say this is ridiculous because if it was an open box in BestBuy or Fry's the price would be around 60-70$ but it would be brand new, just opened once.. So why are you selling used, scratched subwoofer with broken grill for an open box brand new price?!! Goodwill manager wasn't helpful at all, he told the prices are totally normal and they wanted to know how valuable these items are. Seriously? You can take a look at a market prices. It's easy. Their value is 100$ brand new in other stores. Stop making money on not wealthy people. There is a reason why it is called "Goodwill" and why prices are usually low.. read more

This is the Four Seasons of Goodwill stores. Did I just burn 3 hours of my vacation here?

WHOOOAAA NELLY! This goodwill is amazing. It's huge! And actually organized! Like... all shoes are diligently lined by size, power cables are mating with power cables, and even a designated section for mice (of the technical sort of course)!!! Must. Go. Back. read more

I much prefer this location than the jumbo GW on Dearborn. In this case, it's about quality, not quantity when it comes to frugality. I always find treasure at this place. Always. Not only efficient at their drop off station, I find this place to be excellently stocked with stuff that I can rummage through to my heart's content. I've even found designer stuff at this location (i.e. a super cute Michael Kors purse = score!). I'm never grouchy when entering this store, even with the sometimes long lines at both the changing rooms and check-out counters. I'm not even grouchy to spend 3+ hours searching through racks of clothes and rows of household goods because I seriously find junk to take home every single time. Which brings me to my thought that perhaps I shouldn't rank this place so high because then you might steal my goodies... read more

its a massive pain to donate stuff. just take it to the dump or leave it on the curb. you can wait an hr in line and watch them reject things for arbitrary reasons. considering donations are the only reason this business exists, they have very little respect for the people who support them. read more