I had a good experience at this thrift shop. The employees all seemed to be hustling both in the back sorting and on the floor getting product on shelves. Honestly, for a thrift place, things were remarkably well organized and not in too bad of disarray-- I've seen A LOT worse, lol. It was also pretty big, so I was there awhile scrounging the aisles. You will find a fair amount more clothing and footwear that's female-coded than male-coded in this store (I use those terms simply because I don't think clothing is restricted to gender-- I'm a guy who wears both "men's" and "women's" stuff). The ratio is skewed in that direction though, just to let you know. There's also plenty of children's stuff. And knick-knacks galore. Furniture, electronics, kitchenware. Just lots and lots of your typical thrift shop stuff. It was hopping inside. Possibly because it was Tuesday, which is Senior Discount Day (20% off), but yeah, people were enjoying looking around. I'm always glad to see people thrifting and reusing stuff that still has life in it. I personally came out of the shop with some nearly-new winter shoes for under twenty dollars, plus some very affordable thank you cards + envelopes! I was pretty happy. read more

Unique - Shopping carts - Thrift Stores Near Me - Burnsville, Minnesota

See all

Stopped here on a Saturday afternoon and it was a busy place! We found lots of great things here and didn't even get a chance to look everywhere as we had limited time that day but we will definitely be back! read more

I love Savers, so Unique was an easy choice! The store itself is super clean & well organized; prices were mostly on par with your average thrift store, but I definitely passed on a few items because they were tagged for more than I was willing to pay. My friend and I spent a good couple of hours here, browsing through their entire selection, & we ended up with a good cart full! For my items, I think I paid less than $50, so that was a score. I love the self checkout, too; there is typically someone around to help if you need it, but this is so much faster than waiting for a cashier! read more

Unique - Thrift Stores Near Me - Burnsville, Minnesota

See all

This store has so much clothing to pick thru. Racks on racks. Great book selection and better than ebay prices. Tons of furniture and housewares. Prices on decor is hit or miss. But so much to find and treasure hunt for. I don't like the self checkouts. read more

Unique is a regular stop in my thrift store repertoire. It's a huge space with one of the biggest home goods sections I've seen at thrift shops. Long aisles of cookware, glassware, serving ware, wood decor, faux florals, etc. They also have bagged items like seashells, corks, stones, figures, etc that are great for kid sensory bins and art projects. I haven't sorted through the clothing but have found books, toys, and picture frames in great condition. I appreciate that Unique offers a shopping discount after you make a donation. Pro tip: bring your donation items on days you plan to buy! Prices can vary but overall I'd say pricing of home goods items are more competitive than Goodwill. As with other thrift stores, it is hit or miss if you'll find anything to buy, but definitely be sure to visit periodically to check out what's new! read more

as a person who loves to thrift I highly recommend checking this place out. There are some great deals and treasures to be found. You never know what they will have so I suggest coming back often. The staff is also very friendly. read more

I enjoy shopping at this Unique location, not sure if there are others. But this location is fairly clean you may see some dust, chaotic spots/stains due to someone scattering through things which is common at thrifted places as this, there is a slight dusty smell which doesnt bother me but if your sensitive to smells keep thay in mind as its a commin thirting smell you grow accustomed to if your an avid thrifter. The music can be a bit loud depending on what time of the day you visit, parking is nice, and the lighting to be expected. I really like the variety and selection they offer, the pricing can be a bit high in my opinion depending on what you are looking for, as it can be hit or missed along with the season but overall is usually pretty good and affordable. You barely interact with the staff unless you need jewelry is what ive noticed. They have self check out, which I enjoy as sometimes I just want to get in and out and not talk to anyone and maybe you are like that too haha Oh and they have some pretty great finds that I love like cute jackets, cool pants, and full outfits for one price on occasion for example. This maybe helpful for those who have unique styles such as myself and looking for good value, finds, and a style to match your vibe that feels uniqueand one of a kind. Oh and when your done shopping it's conveniently located to other shops and fast food restaurants to turn it into a fun day or date/party with family, friends, and or your partner. Have fun and give em a try read more

Shopping with 3 small kids, scanned my $153.00 of miscellaneous, employee says I didn't scan a pair of shoes, nope cause I decided I didn't want them and would put them on the return cart as I passed. Stated I hadn't scanned a $3.49 toy, think I did i answered. What the heck? Next time you see me ask if I need help and scan and box my stuff! Or Unique should get rid of self scanning! read more

I left my walking cane in one the stores I went back to the stores and was unable to find it. I can sometimes get by without my cane but need it for longer distance and standing. I was amazed to find Saver are selling used walking canes at a high price than a new one. Went to Walmart got a similar one $9.99. read more

I had a really bad situation with the donation guy today. He was rude and nasty with me. I went into the store to find a manager to report this situation. He came in and starting yelling at me in the store. Defending is position of why he was yelling at me. He was totally out of line with me, I felt harassed. No one from the store even tried to stop him from yelling and embarrassing me. I don't think anyone should be treated the way I was today. I find that Unique/Savers hires the rudest, nastiest people on the earth. I don't like this store chain any more. read more

Im just amazed at how unfair the pricing is! They get the stuff for free, yet they charge more than regular consignment store would. When consignment store pays for the clothes they buy from you and yet charging customers even less than unique store. It's mind blowing! I mean once upon child store has clothes cheaper, and I mean way cheaper than unique! How is it even called? So greedy read more

Never thought I'd find a place that price gouges worse than Goodwill. $20 for a used dress? $25 for a sweater? $30 for a skirt? These are used, donated items-- it's ridiculous. read more

I love this Thrift store - I never leave empty-handed! From housewares to vases, toys to books, and even jewelry!! Great selection, pleasant and clean store and attentive staff AND fun customers too. I ended up meeting some fabulous people here. one area of improvement is the ladies bathroom its dingy, the lighting is poor and the hand dryer barely works. read more

Great thrift store! It is very tidy and organized. Large footprint and expansive selection, from homeware to hats!

Went here for the first time just to check everything out. Overall, things were pretty expensive compared to other thrift stores I've been to. It was fairly small but has your typical mix of clothes, seasonal items, and furniture. The checkout lines were very long. I never saw any staff walking around the store to ask questions to. I did find a couple of things, but overall I'd say this visit was forgettable. Contrary to its name, there is nothing unique about this store. read more

This thrift store is pretty big and as such, the options can be overwhelming. I'd say it's good to have an idea what you're looking for here, not just browsing. However, it smells less dusty than other thrift stores do (and less dusty than it used to here). AND I found my favorite poncho here. read more

This is the place where ceramic midwestern ducks, hair crimpers, company logo freebies, potential regifts, useless gifts, team trophys, miles of picture frames (some with the family pic still in it) and many once loved or not so loved items go to wait until someone else takes them home. I never used to go to thrift stores until I went with J. He likes looking for old school boards and toys and products he can take apart for work. I go along for the amusement and nostalgia factor. Sometimes I actually find myself enjoying it. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of useless crap out there. I saw 2 soft serve personal ice cream machines. Sorry if anyone has one and enjoys theirs. Who has the space to store these monsters?Hit the DQ instead. That's just me. I'm far too lazy to make my own soft serve. The prices are hit and miss. The stuff I expect to be expensive is cheap and the stuff I expect to be inexpensive is really outrageous. I wonder what their pricing guidelines are and if there are any. A lot of thrift stores seem to be striving for a more box feel with the box prices. Sorry, but if that's the case, I'll just hit the box store for the receipt and return option. If something doesn't work here- too bad. As is, no returns. Well that sucks. I'd be bummed if the 90's Debbie Gibson looking tape player didn't work. read more

I went into the Unique Thrift store in Burnsville Minnesota today. I love thrift shopping and finding clothes, kitchen items, or toys for my kids. However, from my shopping there over the last 6 years I have noticed there prices getting higher and higher. It bothered me and I would voice it on their customer survey's they have on receipts. Today was the tipping point. I found a cast iron/porcelain dutch over made by Cooks. It was a 5 1/2 qt. Unique had it priced at $49.99. The price tag seems outrageous for a used item so I looked it up online. You can find them online brand new for $49.95 at Overstock.com. I dig'ed a little deeper and I found it for $20.99 on clearance at Belk.com. https://www.belk.com/p/cooks-tools-enamel-cast-iron-5.5-qt.-dutch-oven/0400637933489.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw7MzkBRAGEiwAkOXexLVF7Juj_QhTUrn8bfvmIeQpWKK2_fMfbThUzZAAqO3iWqesf2m9oBoCFecQAvD_BwE&ef_id=CjwKCAjw7MzkBRAGEiwAkOXexLVF7Juj_QhTUrn8bfvmIeQpWKK2_fMfbThUzZAAqO3iWqesf2m9oBoCFecQAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!5203!3!200955005260!!!g!380256042862!&cm_mmc=PLA-Google-Belk_PLA_National-Home-0400637933489 I spoke with the store manager Bob and voiced my concern for this item and other items being priced at the same price new. He said that they don't "negotiate pricing". I told him that I'm not negotiating nor am I going to buy it because of the absurd price, but I tried to rationally talk to him about their pricing. He said, "we price items like this higher because we know people will buy them". He said that they have 25% on Thursdays and run various discounts throughout the week. I told him that you are still pricing it at a brand new price. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Am I taking crazy pills?? They get most of if not all of their items used and free and resale a ton of stuff at brand new prices or absurd prices knowing that people will buy them anyway. This is a store where the average customer is at mid to low income and they are going there to buy used items and save money as opposed to buying them new somewhere else. I have been shopping their for 6+ years, however after today I won't shop their ever again. I will also encourage others to stay away from predatory selling. By the way, Unique is owned by Savers which i'm guessing is the same business model. read more

They are not enforcing masks even though state law requires! We asked them to enforce it after seeing many people inside without and they brushed us off. Do not buy from a store that is not following the state law! read more

Can't say I've seen a larger thrift store and they keep a tight ship. Pros: huge selection of clothing. Always multiple cashiers for quick check out. Organization is top notch. More items constantly being added. Plenty of assistance. Cons: everything is online checked for pricing so it's near impossible to find any treasures and if you do it's priced accordingly in the collectibles section. Only 2 dressing rooms available; I have waited 15 minutes before. Household goods and electronics is limited. Scarce to find any furniture or garage items. Not fault of Unique but someone backed their car in to mine in the parking lot causing 4 digit damage and didn't leave a note. read more

See all

I've lived in Burnsville since 2007 and can't afford to own a car because I have to survive off of SSI disability due to chronic health problems, So, I have had to buy a large, collapsible shopping cart to get my purchases home. In my cart, I have a large blue IKEA zippered bag (containing multiple insulated bags to get my groceries and the other purchases I make home) and a daypack holding the other stuff I need. I live over a mile away from County Road 42 where the shopping is. For years I have taken such a cart into such stores as Frattallone's Hardware (where I bought the latest version 2 years ago), Cub Foods, Target, Petco, Michaels, The Home Store, The Salvation Army, and all the other places I shop and never had a problem. When I enter a store, I get a store cart or basket to hold the items I want to buy and pull my own cart behind me with my other hand, so the store items are in plain sight. About six months ago, I asked a clerk at Unique if it was okay to bring my cart into the store and she said yes. On 1/13/2023, I went shopping at Unique (where I have been a customer for over a decade) and after walking through the store for 90 minutes, I went to the self-service cash register with a paperback and a pyrex bowl in the STORE CART. I scanned the book and bowl in and a female clerk with dark hair asked me if I was going to buy MY CART. I told her it was mine. Did she think the blue IKEA bag and the day pack were store items as well? She then admonished me that I couldn't bring my cart into a THRIFT STORE and that I should have left it at the main counter. Before I went into the store, I looked for a sign stating a policy that you had to leave bags and such with a designated clerk and/or not bring them in at all. There was none. This clerk was arbitrarily making a rule on the spot. This store is part of the Savers chain, is this standard policy throughout? If so, they need to post it instead of letting customers walk about for over an hour and then rudely inform them that they have broken undeclared rules when we are checking out. To be clear, I will not leave my property in an unsecured location, where anyone can walk off with it, just to shop in a store where they sell used Dollar Store items for $1.99. The Unique Store is a poorly run business and you should not shop there because there are other nearby thrift stores, like the Salvation Army, where they treat you much better. I will never enter another Saver store and if I am in Apple Valley, I will visit the Goodwill instead. read more

I rarely shop at Unique in Burnsville. One reason are the prices are over the top compared to Goodwill, which is my favorite store. I did, however, stop in yesterday and bought a few pairs of shorts and couple of tops. No fitting rooms, which sucked. Also no cashier now everything is self check out. I don't mind that however had to take a couple things back today. Bought a few more items. Asked the clerk manning the area if I just ring up new items first and then take the returned items off. She looked at me with eyes glazed over and said, yes. The one thing I have noticed everytime I have gone into this store is how rude the employees are. Absolutely so unfriendly, never even smile. So I rang up new things and then asked how to get refund off my tab for the return items. This other woman said rudely we have to do that. I said fine, I didn't know that. She said that is what the other woman told you, well she didn't but I wasn't going to argue. I know help is hard to find but these people are really not wanting to be there and have no idea of how to smile at any customers. I know now why I don't go there and will continue staying away from that store. So much junk now and so overpriced!! read more

Their prices are absolutely INSANE! $19 for a stained top? $15 for a used pair of target flipflops? This place is ridiculous. There are plenty of other thrift stores in town that have much better prices, and better brands. read more

Ever wondered what it would be like to have a shopping experience that combined prices that would make Neiman Marcus blush with a selection of items so potentially urine-slathered that Bear Grylls could survive trapped in here for six months in the event of a nuclear holocaust? Look no further, friends! I'm a truffle pig, you see, and in my never ending quest to find shit to fix up I've found myself here on a couple different occasions. The right side of the store (most notably near the bathrooms) has always smelled like someone regularly mops the floor with a used diaper dipped into a concoction of spoiled milk, toddler piss, bleach and foot skin shavings. Thankfully, it's huge in here so the scent is somewhat easily evaded. It does, however hang like an ominous death cloud over the particle board desks and broken, overpriced Hoverounds (sorry, Grandma; looks like you won't be spinning in circles at the Grand Canyon this year) so you're SOL if that's what you're in the market for unless you have a gas mask. The left side is filled with unwanted 70's furniture, painted velvet art and moth ball scented clothing. On the off-chance that you actually do uncover a diamond in the rough, you'll more than likely have to take out a second mortgage to purchase it. I've had several "Oh, that armoire's not bad. It's beaten up and would take a lot of work... but I do have some scrap wood and good paint at ho---HOLY FUCK, 350 DOLLARS?" moments here. You will, too. I used to think of this place as a limbo, if you will, for items that should probably have gone straight to the landfill. But now I realize that it's so much more than that. It's a battlefield. It's a highly competitive arena where once faithful duck decoys, grease-caked knick knacks, long forgotten crystal vases and questionably stained stuffed animals struggle for a chance at a cameo appearance on Hoarding: Buried Alive. So make no mistake: It's brutal on more than just your wallet. The dead and fallen are carted out here unceremoniously in giant grey tubs, never to pursue their once glorious dreams of TV stardom. Just think about that the next time you see a one-eyed porcelain baby doll lying in a crumpled mess on the floor. Or just don't come here. That works, too. read more

This store and location has continued to deteriorate since Savers bought out Unique. Yes they have not changed the name of the store, but inside they have moved everything around and they do not have the quality of merchandise that Unique is known for. The prices are way too high on kitchen cookware. $24.99 for a glass cooking pot. I have bought this glass cookware for under $10. Hey Savers, have you heard the saying "If it works, don't fix it"? Well they have changed everything. It worked well the way it was, now, it just doesn't measure up to the old Unique that I, and many others, who loved to come to looking for rare items, computers and parts for them, linens, etc. Don't waste your time on this store, it is not the same anymore. read more

Unique - Glass Pyrex cooking pot. Too expensive - Thrift Stores Near Me - Burnsville, Minnesota

This thrift store is large and YES, you could completely start to fill a new place from scratch because they have everything... infact they will even sell you the sample laundry soap packets you get for free in the newspaper (60 cents), a bag of shopping pages (85 cents) and so on... which I found irritating. So you need to be on the look out for true junk to find the true treasure. Because I live in California and was just visiting, my serious looking at items was limited primarily to clothing and jewelry. My sour experience with employees surrounds the jewelry cases. I found a vintage pin in 1 case, the cashier opened the case and handed me the pin. In the second case I saw the matching earrings. I asked for them, he handed them to me and I headed for the cash register. STOP, you can't take them.... why? I see, they have to be held. Well, can I just check out here then? No. You can take a number? And he demanded to know how I got the pin out of the first case and walking off with it. Sigh. So a supervisor was given the earrings ($4.99) to walk over to the first case to buy the pin in my hand ($9.99). They seemed smug like they had thwarted some theft ring. Kind of soured the visit. This store is large and does have a ton. IThe sorting and staging area is practically as large as the store itself. was impressed to see an employee dusting and cleaning the knick-knack shelves. There is a thrift store odor to the place, likely because of all the clothing, accounting for half the store. read more

If you like going to thrift stores...this is the mother of all thrift stores around here! They have quite the selection of....everything! The store is pretty well-lit as well as clean. For the most part it is easy to find things because it is well organized. They are usually well stocked with cashiers and their parking lot is always overflowing with cars and from time to time they will have some pretty good sales. I love sifting through their book selection. If you don't want to spend money at the bookstore for new books, they have some good books to choose from. They have what a section of what they think are antiques so they are priced a bit more which my brother-in-law loves to be in that section. They have a huge supply of used toys...it's crazy! Overall, each time I go I come out with something in hand. If you know what you're looking for, you'll walk out happy. I will agree that their prices are sometimes off...just doesn't reflect what a thrift store price should be but if you come in the right time the sales are worth it. Happy hunting! read more

I was driving randomly through Burnsville this weekend (don't ask) when I came across Unique. I loooooove thrift stores and the Unique in Golden Valley is one of my favorites ever, so I was SO EXCITED about my find. The parking lot is huge but, like every Unique, was totally packed because it was a Saturday. I was really happy that the aisles are wider than the other stores (I hate having to push my way past carts and statue-like customers) but the layout was kind of dumb. Everything is really crammed at the entrance (the registers are right there) so it was really congested at the checkouts. But here is my main gripe - everything was SO expensive. A pair of jeans was $19.95! Those same jeans would have been $7-$10 at Savers or any other Unique. Occasionally I'd pick up something that was fairly priced, but then I'd look at a pair of well-worn shoes that were $9.95 and I'd start to dislike the place even more. Everything was really high quality, though, which is nice because I'm sick of weeding through $8 sweaters with big ol' holes in them at Savers. I'd say that I'd go back but, honestly, Burnsville sucks and I avoid it unless absolutely necessary. Don't agree with me? Try making your way down County Road 42 towards 35W on the weekend sometime and then get back to me. read more

I used to frequent this store once per week when they first opened. Now, they have gotten expensive! If a man's T-shirt has any logo or valid label on it, you can pay as much for that old used shirt as you would in the regular store. I found a Nike t-shirt and they had 14.99 on it. When they first opened I used to get the same t-shirts for $1-$3 a piece. Husband in construction, this used to be a good place to shop for work clothes. No more!!! Expensive, Expensive, Expensive for a THRIFT STORE!!! read more

I'm a huge thrifter I love the thrill of digging through all of the junk to find gold that will cost 1/4 of the cost you would normally pay for at the stores at regular price. My friends like to joke around and say I'm like the Macklemoore song thrift shop. Unique is exactly every other thrift store but in a larger bigger three times the size way and much more pricier then the normal ma and pa shops or even shopping at your local salvation army or goodwill. I would say Unique is comparable to Savers in Prices and organized the same way sizes, types of clothing and categories. I never seem to find anything I actually love to death at a great deal I do like browsing in hopes of a deal but that day hasn't come yet. No special days either unless you sign up for their membership its free but then is it worth the spam mail? read more

I have shopped at the Burnsville Unique for many years and always love finding bargains. Last night an employee, Sandy, assisted me with purchasing a desk. It was a challenge moving it to my van, and securing the door. Sandy was incredibly kind and helpful, going above and beyond to help me. She helped troubleshoot, and provided rope so the hatch door could be left open a bit. I could never have done this without her! Thank you, Sandy! read more

Ok, I'm going to be very generous and let you all in on a little secret! But, don't tell anyone else., keep it to yourself. Burnsville Unique Thrift was such a surprise to me, that I'm shocked that I'm personally sharing this information with you! Designer name brands.... especially childrens clothing.... wow, thought I hit the jackpot in Las Vegas. Truely an awesome experience. Gorgeous clothes, still can't understand why people aren't selling their stuff on "Ebay"..... check it out now! read more

I never understood why some thrift stores have the gonads to sell the stuff they get for free at ridiculously high prices. Unique is the best example of this practice. Although they do carry high end items, I don't think is is fair to sell a pair of used Coach boots for $69.95 and an outdated wedding dress that I would see people wear as a Halloween costume for $99.95. Also, they offer no refunds or exchanges. Most thrift stores I shop at give you at least 7days to exchange. But, nonetheless they still get three stars because they are not a total bust. If you play your cards right you can get a good deal. I was looking for a pair of suspenders at the time and found some for $2, which is better than paying $15 brand new. They also earn points because they are well organized and do a good job on not selling garbage. read more

My daughter and I went to several Thrift and Consignment stores in the Minneapolis area over the weekend - this was our favorite. It is huge and carries some great labels. The toy department can be kind of disturbing with an odd assortment of toys (naked dolls) in plastic grab bags and what is probably a possessed doll aisle as well. read more

This is a crazy cool thrift store. It is really big and has tons of stuff. And, they are always unloading new stuff - you just never know what you will find. I go here when I am back visiting the family and have made some good finds. On one particular trip, I racked up on summer tops. I also usually find books, CDs, cooking, utensils, sometimes jewelry - all sorts of things! They even have nice fitting rooms. The store is very well-organized and neat considering how much stuff they have. It is fun to come here - it's like an adventure. And, they take credit cards which is great because that's not always the case at thrift stores. read more

Nice store, can be very over priced on somethings. No returns which means you better try it on and completely inspect all items. If it doesn't have a price or you accidently tear a tag or smudge a price...forget it. No you cannot have it. Good stuff to know .... on Tuesday's EVERYTHING is 25% off, major holidays everything is 50% off. read more

Every time I'm go back to MN to visit I have to go here! I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! Thrift Store Heaven!!! They have so much stuff and it's clean and organized. I have fantasies about this place, going there and finding good deals.....oh yeah baby, cute shoes, purses, and T's, Oh my!!! I almost had to take another suitcase home the last time I was there with all the stuff I got. I found sooooo many great deals I couldn't help myself. Sorry mister airline baggage guy. I knew I was in trouble when I saw them bringing my bag over on a forklift. Yikes! My only complaint......the fitting rooms!!!!!! That place is HUGE and with all the stuff they have you can only try on 3 things at a time. Are you kidding me? I have a cart full of at least 10 pairs of jeans, 20 T's, sweaters, knit tops, etc. and I can only take 3???? OBTW!!! They only have like 2 fitting rooms and apparently if you don't speak spanish you can't wheel and deal with the fitting room attendant. (Or so I have witnessed in my visits there) But besides all that next time I go I'm gonna wear a long skirt and a camisole tank top. That'll hopefully cut out the fitting room fiasco! So ya, good there they have great stuff..........wait a minute.........no.....no don't go there, it's all mine!!!!! OK fine you can go but leave me some stuff, and then you can come over and we can do "show and tell" like me and my Mom, while my step dad sits there and rolls his eye's and says "Oh Brother, what did ya buy that for?" It's a riot!!!! :) read more

There's ia lady named Jean that works there . I had a problem with a return and I was told by a gal name Sandy who told me at the time that I can return my clothing coming to find out you can only exchange . I showed up there to return it with the tag and receipt like sandy said and jean told me I can't . As I was trying to explain to her she kept on bitching at me about how I should know the policy and ect . Mind you I also waited in line for her to reach the register as she was the only one ringing like usual on a Sunday . I decided to just walk out after going back and for with jean even though it was not my fault . I came back there on Tuesday as it was my day off from work and asked to speak to a store manager, however the store manager was out . A kind gentleman came from the back as he stated he was a member of management I think his name was either tom or travis . Anyways I explained what was going on and he kindly explained what the policy is for the future but still granted me my request as I was told that . He was very kind and respectful with me and made me want to continue to shop here after he diffused the situation. read more

Nicely priced clothes, kitchenware, toys, shoes and more. I really like shopping here. Could get me in trouble as I might overspend. Cashiers are always always so polite and fast at checking out. Overall my favorite thrift store. read more

Better selection then their New Hope store, but help is scarce and not worth finding. Once I tracked someone down to ask my question they were less then helpful and rude in the process. read more