Bin Stores vs. Thrift Stores vs. Outlet Stores
Bin stores sell purchased liquidation pallets of returns and overstock at a flat, decreasing price; thrift stores sell donated secondhand goods, usually priced per item; and outlet stores sell a retailer's own overstock or factory seconds at a fixed discount off original retail: three genuinely different sourcing and pricing models that happen to share a discount-shopping reputation.
| Bin store | Thrift store | Outlet store | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inventory source | Purchased liquidation pallets (returns, overstock, shelf-pulls) | Donated secondhand goods | A specific retailer's own overstock or factory seconds |
| Pricing model | Flat price per section, decreasing through the week | Per-item, set by the store | Fixed discount off original retail |
| Condition | New, open-box, and used, mixed together, untested | Used, donated condition | New, but often irregular or out-of-season |
| Ownership | Independent small businesses | Often a nonprofit or charity | Usually operated by the original retailer or brand |
| Returns | Almost always all sales final | Varies, often final sale | Usually the retailer's standard return policy applies |
Why Do People Confuse These Three Store Types?
All three involve digging through discounted goods, and Goodwill's own "Bins" locations (sometimes called Goodwill Outlets) use a bin-based, per-pound model that looks and feels a lot like an Amazon bin store on the surface. The difference that actually matters is where the inventory comes from: donation versus purchased liquidation. That's what drives everything else: pricing model, condition range, and what a "sale" even means at each type of store.
Which Store Type Should You Choose?
If you specifically want returned and overstock retail merchandise, including sealed new items, a bin store is the right format. See what you'll actually find there. If you're after secondhand clothing and household goods at the lowest possible price, a thrift store or Goodwill outlet is usually the better fit. Outlet stores are the right choice when you want a specific brand's products with a normal return policy, just at a discount.
Browse Amazon bin stores in your state to see what's actually available near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, a bin store or a thrift store?
It depends on the item. Bin stores tend to beat thrift stores on newer electronics and sealed goods; thrift stores can beat bin stores on used clothing and household items priced individually rather than by a flat bin rate.
Is a Goodwill Outlet the same as an Amazon bin store?
No, though the "dig through a bin" shopping mechanic is similar. A Goodwill Outlet sells donated secondhand goods, usually by weight; an Amazon bin store sells purchased liquidation pallets of returns and overstock, usually by the item.
Find a Bin Store Near You
Every listing in our directory is checked against its actual state, so you won't find a store from another part of the country showing up in your results.
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