As a neighborhood, Ballard has a lot to offer -- including one of the city's largest Goodwill stores. Shopping here is a bit like the store itself: consistently chaotic, occasionally full of hidden gems, and always changing. As a result, every visit feels a bit different, which is exactly why I look forward to coming back every time. It's a dated location without the bells and whistles of the more modern ones with an abundant parking lot with tight spaces, and what feels like a never-ending line to donate via car. It was so significant that there is someone designated to help direct traffic. The store is massive. There are dedicated sections for electronics, art, books, home decor, furniture and what feels like endless aisles for accessories, clothes, and a limited selection of shoes. There are also bathrooms, but it was closed during my last visit (#1). Don't expect rock bottom prices as this isn't the cheapest Goodwill around. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The staff isn't overly attentive, but they're efficient, especially when it comes to keeping the checkout line moving.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Fortunately there are plenty of employees on hand, which is absolutely necessary given how hectic the donation area can get.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] __________ (#1) No, I don't want to imagine why. read more

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The donation system is so broken. I waited in line for 25 minutes and when it was my turn they just wouldn't wheel out a bin for me to fill. I waited (while dozens of cars waited behind me, engines running, exhaust spewing) for ten minutes and then gave up and left. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's bizarre.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

What are they thinking with their new layout? I can't even go in there anymore. It's so convoluted: narrow aisles that you have to squish against somebody to get past, shitty selection, The locations of things are ridiculous. sad read more

This is location holds the unique distinction of being the most useless thrift store in the county. Its selection is useless, its donation center always unable to take your donation (though they'll make you wait, trapped in line for 20 minutes to inform you of this). On top of all that, their convoluted parking lot is so absolutely kafkaesque that it snarls neighborhood traffic for blocks in every direction as frustrated "customers" try to find their way out of a cruel science experiment that feels intentionally cruel and unusual. AVOID THIS LOCATION AT ALL COSTS--DO NOT BE A FOOL! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This used to be an incredible store, but no more.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I was told the donations aren't sold locally anymore, they're brought to a central sorting place then distributed around the region. The quality of the merchandise has dropped dramatically. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is a bit disorganized, but I still left with good finds![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I like the mason jar section, a lot of glasses can be fixed up with a lil love. I was able to find 8 mason jars with clean lids on them, but most come without lids so you'll have to mix and match. I recommend wearing gloves when looking through some of the items because some have weird residue/oils on them. I also saw multiple plastic ziplock bags of knives with just masking tape over the sharp parts so be careful, because I was not expecting to see those! The clothing section isn't great here but I like coming here for my miscellaneous kitchen and household items. read more

P this is a pretty large Goodwill if you're around the Ballard area. The service is great and there's a large parking lot but [[HIGHLIGHT]]every time I visit here I honestly feel like it's been completely combed over and there's nothing good really left[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. I've been to a few of the other about Goodwill locations around the larger Seattle area and I feel like it's easier to find good deals there. Specifically, I feel like the Redmond Goodwill has a lot of inventory. Definitely still worth stopping by if you're around the area and there are a few other shops very close by but be prepared to battle out with a bunch of other thrifters read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This Goodwill is pretty good.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's the closest one to my house so I come here often. I think it's overpriced but I usually find a few things each time I go. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]I had to grab my own bags from behind the counter, bag all my own items and they got mad when I took too long doing THEIR job LOLLL...the security guard is an asshole. snaps his fingers at you and makes sarcastic comments.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]followed me around the whole store the whole time I was in there.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]worry about the crackheads loitering, not me I should have just stolen my items like them![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

This Goodwill store is not the best I've seen. It looks like it's been here some time and not kept in top shape. I even briefly talked to a security guard who was doubling as a staff to help move furniture. He lamented how slammed they get with customers but lack the staffing. This was just a regular weekday too. So, it really looks like it's understaffed both in store and for handling donations. When I came for do a simple drop off of donations, there were loads of people, dropping off loads of stuff I could hardly believe it. To be fair, I'm sure the guys had their hands full and then some. I saw at least 4 people, 2 guys per car helping unload things the other 2 running carts of stuff. Still though in store I found lots of items with no prices or missing stickers. Lots of overpriced things that were pretty banged up, and some areas like the shoe section completely disorganized. It didn't even look like a customer's doing, it looked like shoes where stocked but without care of the size or type. On my latest visit I saw a half-burned candle, priced at $4. C'mon really?? Many of the items are fully packaged items that look like they came from another store, maybe wholesale or a place that closed down and needed to be liquidated. It doesn't even look like they're selling it at a discount, so that's lame. So, with Narrow aisles, lots of non-priced items, missing stickers Disorganized items shipped from closed stores/businesses and struggles to contain drop off donation area, this is one of worse off Goodwills I've been to. It is convenient and because of that if I need something thrifted, I'll come here out of necessity and hopefully during that time it will improve some. read more

Ballard Goodwill - Toy aisle - Thrift Stores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

[[HIGHLIGHT]]They only have one person, and he stands there while I have to get out of my car and hand him the bag or box.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I used to donate at Value village until they moved, and they always had at least two, sometime three people. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I just sat in the car while they got things out. It was fast and easy[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is SLOOOOWWW and awkward.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I can easily wait an hour in line.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I hate to drive another couple of miles to donate somewhere else, but I really dislike these people.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's like they dislike their job and their customers.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Plus, they don't give a discount for donation.s read more

Generally a very good selection of furniture if that's what you're looking for! Clothes wise, it's generally all pretty picked over (though not as bad as the other Goodwills in city limits) and overpriced :( read more

I visited this Goodwill looking for a computer monitor - when I told my friend I was looking for one, he recommended that I check out a big Goodwill (not the small ones like the one in SLU). I happened to reside about a mile away so I decided to visit and it made quite an interesting experience. They made the monitor shopping process so easy. I was surprised to see an entire upper shelf dedicated to 20+ monitors, all for $20. On top of that, they set up many outlets within the shelf so that customers can plug in the monitors and double check to see if the monitors work properly. I want to give kudos for someone who designed the monitor section so well. Thankfully I was able to snag a perfectly functional monitor for a reasonable price. The Goodwill also has a pretty sizable furniture section. They let you put a hold for a few hours if you don't pay immediately. If you pay, you can put a hold on the furniture for about two days to arrange pickup. You can also obviously donate your stuff, but seems like they allow donations on the weekends - maybe it's just for big stuff though. read more

I tried to donate today. I walked there because I live close and I was told I could not donate as a "walk in" only a drive up. And the line for the drive up was into the street. This place is seriously absurd. The staff are rude and their system to accept donations is ridiculous. I'll never return as a donator or a customer. read more

Brought a donation bag in and was told by the young security guard to bring it outside yet every time I do I am told to bring it inside because I am a "walk up" so that's what I told him and when I left he FOLLOWED me to my vehicle to confront me and say "he saw my face and knew I was mad" and TOOK A PHOTO OF MY VEHICLE as I was leaving. I decided to stand up for myself and went back in to ask him if there was a reason he did this and he denied it. Never ever returning here ever for literal fear of my safety as a young woman who used to love shopping there alone *[[HIGHLIGHT]]Editing to add I did call the store and spoke to the manager Michelle who was very kind and apologized and said they would handle it so fingers crossed that it's taken seriously[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Very nice store; alot of selection and nice clerks It is BIG if you have mobility issues; changing room opposite end is a long ways Happy SHopping! read more

I wrote an email to an address on file. Lets see if they respond. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Went in yesterday, and the attendant at the fitting rooms did not speak english.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] they sent me in to a fitting room that was out of order- it said out of order, but he said go there. I went there- the door handle did not work. so I started yelling asking someone to let me out. I got claustrophobic . such a hassle. had to call my boyfriend and ask him to come back in the store. it was a mess. they took the guy away to go cashier. horrible service. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I felt really sick to my stomach and nobody cared.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]DO BETTER GOODWILL. teach your people basic english skills to understand what people need.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] DO BETTER read more

Drop Off is so slow. They have one lane, and allow only one car at a time to unload. read more

Really disappointing location, pretty poorly run. It's a very popular location, so you have to really make an effort to wait and donate. Their entrance is a mess, disorganized and rarely is there someone to direct you as to what to do. I tried donating 4 times, every time it was a crap show. Once I was told I cannot donate unless I get in the very long line which I didn't realize was the ONLY line for donations. They won't allow you to walk up and donate, or if they aren't ready they will ask you to wait instead of showing you to a general donation drop off area, which is definitely missing. The staff is not helpful and seems overwhelmed most of the time. I do not recommend. It shouldn't be this difficult to donate stuff for others. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Whoever the hell "laura" is-- she needs to learn how to speak to customers.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My father and I found a very nice suit jacket with no tag, we were told we were not allowed to hold it and that it had to be priced and set out tomorrow. [[HIGHLIGHT]]My father double checked with the lady at the next register, who immediately raised her voice and brought her tone to an inappropriate level, telling us "NO, our manager is upset about that and we have to price items per policy"[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]And my father calmly said "Alright, watch the tone, I'm still a customer."[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]And this woman said "I had several other customers ask me the same question."[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We are N O T those customers. We were customers who happened to have the same question, and she inappropriately took her attitude out on us.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I will be back in tomorrow to look for the suit jacket, since they refused to put it on hold. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I understand it can be frustrating hearing the same question constantly-- But I am N O T the same person asking the same question, I am a brand new customer with a legitimate question.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I will be attempting to speak with a manager about Laura's rude behavior to me and my father.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Honestly, after I check for the jacket and speak with a manager, I do NOT think I will be back.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Your employee threw your manager under the BUS. How do you think that reflects your business?[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Prices are obscenely high, in part to ensure that the CEO gets paid more than $600,000. Some of the used items are more expensive than new items would be in a retail store. Low-income people can no longer afford to shop there. The shop is dirty, crowded, disorganized and full of crappy clothing. Goodwill creams off the best stuff to sell online. The donation system is horrendous. I no longer donate anything there because it can take up to 90 minutes to drop anything off. Dozens of cars driven by pissed-off drivers jam the bicycle lanes on 8th Ave. NW and block access to local businesses. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The donation station is very understaffed and the attendants are rude and unhelpful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Goodwill does not allow people without cars to drop off donations. I used to shop there frequently but no longer. This place is a nuisance and should be shut down. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Easy drop off.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Friendly collectors.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] A good place to recycle stuff you don't need anymore. read more

DO NOT GO HERE. Donation waits are at 90+ minutes due to a ridiculous one lane, one car at a time drop-off system and understaffing. Traffic from the donation line is backing up day after day very far down the street. It's a hazard on a public street. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Most of the drop-off staff are fine and a couple are very nice, but there's an aggressive young man working the donation lane who repeatedly shouted at me extremely angrily because I pulled up too far.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] So unacceptable, would not recommend women to come here--you'll be treated like trash while you try to donate to their organization. read more

The worst donation process in the state of Washington. I can't believe they haven't figured it out. Don't even get me started on how prejudice the drop off "car only" process is. I could drive to Bellevue and back by the time you are allowed to get out of your car and give them a box. Should be shut down. Awful store. -1 review if I could. read more

Goodwill is a fantastic place for the thrill of the hunt, for a thrifter/vintage lover like myself. This place definitely delivered. It is spacious, and I came across tons of cool finds when I visited. Of course there's some sifting through a bunch of stuff, but the racks were well-organized and not overly packed, which is a pet peeve of mine when browsing. A few notable items I came across was a vintage Nordstrom silk blouse, and a mysteriously silky top sporting a mystery designer brand and a material called "chamoni nylon". Such are the gems and history that make up of the fun of thrifting at a well-executed Goodwill :) On top of that, they were having a sale. In addition to some fantastic, high quality vintage finds that I left with for mere dollars, I had been looking for a simple DVD player and left with a Bluray disc player for $1.49! On another note: I haven't donated here before, but on MLK day the donation drop-off had a huge line of cars. My suggestion is to try donating at a Goodwill with a larger parking lot or fewer people, if you want to avoid crowds on holiday hours. read more

I'd give the people that work there 10 stars if I could!!! But, the neighborhood is now so bad we quit shopping there. Two times we were chased by homeless people - one on a bike. The next time there was a woman clearly shop lifting and had to watch the poor worker bee confront her. Then a guy walked out with his cart and kept going. Lastly, a guy filled a cart and ran out the side emergency door. My folks and relatives all grew up in Ballard. My first job in the mid 70's was in Ballard and it was a sweet, sleepy neighborhood filled with true hard working home owners. Now it's a pit and only homeless people are happy. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Horrible place to donate what a disaster![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There has got to be a better way to run the donation line.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]What a waste of time! Do better, Goodwill.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]I had a nice bag of designer clothes and they told me I had to go into the car line down the street.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I just threw them on the garbage. Shame on you goodwill. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Impossible to drop off donations to them. 75% of the time I've attempted to donate items, it is either insanely long lines or cones up preventing access to drop off donations.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I've never seen this at any other Goodwill locations. If they are closing their donation area they should update to include donation hours on their website or Google page, this seems like a common occurrence. read more

Good will, bad return policy. I don't feel at ease buying from here anymore. I tried to return a monitor I bought that didn't work with my computer, but I lost the receipt amid my move to Seattle. The employee wouldn't budge on the return without the receipt, even though he was the exact employee who checked me out when I purchased the monitor - and he said he remembered me. I offered every possible proof, including my credit card statement, but he wouldn't accept it. My girlfriend and I have also bought tons of stuff there -- not anymore for me. I'd have to carry around 50 receipts with all the business we give them. It's almost 2022, and they still require this outdated proof of purchase. Easy way to lose a shopper's confidence. read more

Dirty, smelly and nothing good here. For some reason this is the only Goodwill that has an hour wait on weekends to drop off merchandise. They cannot seem to figure out how to move the line faster like other goodwill locations. They also won't let you drop off on foot either which is strangely prejudiced to people who live in the neighborhood and want to walk and make a donation. Go to other locations. read more

We drove to this good will to donate some furnitures. After waiting in the donation receiving line for 20 minutes and it was finally our turn, an African American employee stopped us and led a truck cut in the line to unload. We asked very politely if we can go first since it would be really quick for us to drop the items. But that guy said he doesn't care how long we had waited there and whether we wanted to donate or not. He said if we don't want to wait we should just get out of the way. I have never ever met someone this rude in the greater Seattle area. I didn't want to specify his race but that's the only way for me to describe him. I hope the Goodwill management team could do a better training on their employees so that they could show basic respect to the customers. read more

This location is my favorite. The employees are awesome, specifically Danny who helped me out immensely. Thank you Danny!

Amazingly worse. Don't even think about it. Go to "shopgoodwill.com" and skip the stores as stripped by corporate to online. The lady that managed this store in 2008 kept a great quality inventory. Now, everything she threw out is now the standard inventory. :( read more

This is in regards to the donation line (which is a core component to the Goodwill business and mission). Donating items at the Ballard Goodwill is a nightmare. It's poorly run: 1) cars inevitably block the driveways and streets b/c effectively there's no way not to. It's not laid out to support a chain of cars waiting to get in; 2) once you get into the Goodwill drive-through, it's "one car at a time" even though there's literally two lines; and 3) the whole operation stops when the attendant leaves for 3-4 minutes to shuffle bins around. It's a time suck: regardless on the weekends or weekday, expect to wait in line 20-30 min. How is this possible you ask when it takes 30-60 seconds to drop off? Because it's so poorly run, and can only take one car's goods at a time. Plus the transaction costs of cars having to pull up, park, get out, etc. It's beyond me that the city of Seattle allows the operation to run and impact the city streets as it does. This is an absolute cluster after fighting to do three drop offs over this past week, I've decided from now on I'll likely just throw things in the trash: it's too painful to try to deal with the drop off. read more

A pretty good Goodwill, hence the 4/5 stars... As you walk in the front doors you will have a broad view of the entire store. Jewelry and collectibles are laid out on the right, clothing in the middle, check out line on the left, furniture in the back right. The clothing was sorted well, mostly by color and appropriate sizes. Really not much out of place which is surprising for a store this size. I was in on a Monday and pretty much only had my eye on the pink $1.79 tags but most items seemed to be reasonably priced. I've been to a few goodwills that had way too high of prices for what the item was worth. (example: $14 children's shoes from target for $12.99 :/ ) I browsed the art/frames selection and was less than impressed. A small inventory with mostly poorly taken care of pieces. The parking lot is just OK. Not super huge and the spaces are long and narrow. Overall I would recommend giving this location a try if you're in the area. read more

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I often tell myself that I am a thrift store connoisseur to make my simple obsession justified. From my "connoisseur-y" views on second stores, this one is a goody! I was excited at the large amount of treasures to search through just by my entrance into Goodwill. Overall initial impression of this place..... ahhhhhhhhhhh, yayeeeeeee! Most second hand stores have sections that stand out more than the others but this one offers a ton of clothes, home goods, electronics, shoes, and the glory, the Great Wall of Purses. I would say the only area they are lighter on is men's clothing. If you are looking for a one of a kind piece of furniture, their furniture section is the MAC DADDY OF THEM ALL! Bring a truck! To close out my fun morning at Goodwill, I found a three hundred dollar purse for $15.00 (I study my buys), a leather tote, and a pair of leather shoes for $7.00. I win! I will say prices are higher than my normal thirfties I frequent but that is probably due to being in Seattle. I still felt like I found some great treats and I probably could have found more but nothing was below $7.00/$10.00 which is steep for a thrift store, not matter the location. Everyone was so friendly and helpful but the bathroom and dressing rooms were a mess. No matter, I suggest getting here early in the morning if you can. I left around 10:00 am on a Friday and the isles and dressing rooms started to fill quickly. Note: They have new items here as well. read more

Ballard Goodwill - Furniture haven! - Thrift Stores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I come here pretty often, and while there are positives, it's rarely a pleasant experience. The good: - Staff are friendly! I've always received great service. They have dedicated door staff to ensure capacity restrictions are met. - There's enough traffic that the turnover of store items is constant. You could stop twice in a day and find completely different stuff. - Like any thrift store, you can find some great deals! The not-so-good: - The pricing strategy is totally wild. I suspect this has more to do with Goodwill Corporate's pricing strategy than specific stores, but wow. Many, many used items are priced equal to or higher than what they'd be at another store. - Even at limited capacity, this place is a zoo. While I know staff are doing their best and it's not easy to enforce, there are a lot of lax mask wearers. I don't feel super comfortable from a pandemic standpoint, particularly with the store being small-ish. - The dropoff experience is awful. If you have an afternoon to kill and like hanging out in your car in line you might like it, but go to any other thrift store to donate if not. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]the management here has the worst Karen vibes[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], the prices are insane ($24 for a men's button down from walmart, $35 for a pair of jeans), they don't update their store hours for holidays on their website or google - don't go here - just don't. read more

As others have mentioned, this location makes it SO hard for you to donate & actually help others. The drive-through is poorly run, so expect to be in line for 30-60 minutes even when they have plenty of staff available. They no longer accept walk-up donations "because it's unfair to those waiting in line." In other words - they won't accept donations that you've brought TO them and put in the bins yourself (aka 0 effort on their part) because of arbitrary rules. Find literally anywhere else to donate your items. read more