Goodwill Store & Donation Center - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Allen B

I would like to share my recent donation experience, and the management of the Goodwill of Alabama Organization treatment I received.
I moved about 3 years ago and had a approximately 80 boxes of items that had never been unpacked, no clothes, mostly tools, toys, kitchen items from dishes to appliances, collectibles and really a little bit of most anything you can think of. I planned to have a large garage sale at my church and donate a large portion to missions. My grandson and I loaded it all on a trailer.
I anticipated selling somewhere in the $2500-$3,000 range based on what we had.
We had it loaded and were fixing to head to the church, when I stepped off of the trailer and severely twisted my ankle. Being in severe pain I decided quickly that I wouldn't be able to manage the sale, so made a decision to donate it all to the Goodwill. I told my grandson before heading there, that there was a microwave, brand new in the box that I planned to take off when we got to the store. When we got there I was in such pain I completely forgot about it. When I got home realized what just happened, I tried calling the store and couldn't get through, so the next morning I called and spoke to the manager "Sandra". I explained the situation and asked if it would be possible to pick up the only box that was unopened. I told her that I flip houses and have rentals, so I had kept it for that reason and that I accidently left it due to being in such pain, and basically just forgot it. This item was only about $250 new, but I felt certain they would gladly return it given my circumstances. Unfortunately I was wrong, they flatly refused to even discuss it, she said that it was just their policy. I get policy, and when I called I was still in major pain and had my ankle on ice trying to get the swelling down.
I think management should have made an exception given I obviously was in tremendous pain and wasn't thinking clearly, and that I had just donated close to $3,000 in garage sale dollars, probably double that amount in their store. This has really put a bad taste in my mouth, their lack of sympathy and being willing to do the right thing by making an exception. I read their mission statement tonight and on page 8 it reads as follow"

( A TEST OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT
Page 8 of 10
In any situation you are confronted with while performing your job, you should be able to
answer “Yes” to the following questions:
1. Am I following the law? (yes)
2. Am I treating others the way I would like to be treated? (No)
3. Am I setting a good example to others? (No)
4. Will I feel good about my actions tomorrow? (No)
5. Would my actions look good in Team Talk, in the newspaper or on the TV news? (No)
If I were in their shoes I would honestly have to answer "NO" to 4 of 5 of these questions.

I've been in business for almost 30 years in this town, I have paid for things like this where there was even a question raised concerning morals and ethics, or someone just feeling they were possibly treated unfairly, or if I felt I had misinformed someone , just to do the right thing.
Policy is a guide to keep everything on a level playing field and to keep guidelines for conducting business, but when there are extenuating circumstances there's always room for compromise and doing the right thing, especially when you're the organization making your own policy.
I feel their conduct, and their decision was morally and ethically just wrong!

Angela Barger

It is insane how hot the store is. Probably the worst experience I've ever had in a store. I walked in and was hit with a heat of wave that was atrocious. It's hotter inside that building than it is outside! And especially in the Alabama summer. Unacceptable.

Madi

The store is clean and they have a good selection of household items and clothes. There are several fitting rooms available that are spacious and nice. The employees were nice and the overall vibe of the store is welcoming and laid back. Good job Goodwill 🙂

David Friedeberg

Always had an excellent experience but today while shopping the sales items 50% of blue went to the register and was told clear. How does a clear plastic show up on a blue 50% price announcement . Clerk choose to argue about this it versus showing me the clear tag. Won't shop or drop items off anymore. Will donate them to the Thrift Store on Skyland. Goodwill just lost a repeat customer. BYE

Johnny B

Great place to find good deals on anything. I purchased a nice cast iron piece for $1.99. It’s worth about $200 or so. I recommend this place!

David Friedeberg

Visited this store frequently. Last two times the newer employees have a I don't care attitude. Went in today and the sign at the door had 50% of blue tags. Went to purchase items both blue and other color tags and was told it was only clear tags. Called the store and was advised white and clear. In the past when white tags are on sale it clearly show white. Won't shop here nor donate here anymore. Will donate to the Thrift store on Skyland. BYE Goodwill.

Went back and The employees were helpful this time especially Brandon. Great deals

Robert Long

A great store!! I purchased a goblet last week that somehow I left there. I called the next day to ask have they seen it at the register . A Young lady who worked in the office part checked and said no it wasn't there. Yesterday, I went there to shop and I thought about the goblet again. I described the goblet to a young lady at the register. She took time out to help me by e looking in front and back of the store. She came back and said she couldn't fine it and apologized for the incident.
I thanked her, and went back to shopping. I say about 10 minutes later, she returned with the goblet in her hand asking me if this was it and it was! She said a guy was about to purchase it again, and She remembered that I've had already bought and was trying to find it. The customer who had the goblet was very and shook my hand. I know my post is a lil long and unbelievable, but it really happened. The manager , the young lady, the customer was very kind to me.
The atmosphere there is always great and I appreciate it. I always donate there and shop while I'm there. Again I wa nt to thank the staff on 12/18/23 evening shift.

Lady LeBlanc13

This review is nothing against employees. They are amazing and helpful. This store recently raised the prices so much that you can almost buy new. $5 for used kids t-shirt, $7 for shien tank tops, $5 for used bikini bottoms from Walmart?!? You literally get this inventory for free and pay your staff below a living wage. Do better.