The Difference Between Op Shops, Thrift Stores, and Consignment Stores (2026)

Op shop vs thrift store vs consignment: all three sell second-hand goods, but they’re not the same. The main differences are who runs them, where the stock comes from, and what happens to the money. This guide spells those out so you know what to expect when you shop.

In Australia, “op shop” usually means a charity-run store that sells donated items. “Thrift store” in the US can mean the same thing, or a for-profit second-hand shop. “Consignment store” is a different model: the owner of the item gets a share of the sale.

Op shop (Australia)

An op shop is run by a charity. Stock comes from donations, where the public gives items for free. The shop sorts, prices and sells them. The money goes to the charity’s programs. Shoppers don’t get a cut of the sale; the donor doesn’t either.

In Australia, chains like Vinnies, Salvos and Red Cross run op shops. For more, see what is an op shop and where the money from op shops goes. If you’re after a $5 work shirt, this is usually where you start.

Thrift store (US and sometimes Australia)

Across America, “thrift store” is the usual word for what Australians call an op shop when the store is run by a charity (e.g. Goodwill, Salvation Army). So in that case, thrift store and op shop are the same idea, just different regional names.

Sometimes “thrift store” is also used for for-profit second-hand shops. Those shops buy stock to resell and keep the profit. They’re not charities. So “thrift store” can be charity or for-profit depending on context. In Australia, “op shop” almost always means charity. Don’t assume a US-style thrift brand operates under the same rules here.

Savers is the common commercial example Australians meet: high volume, organised aisles, colour tags, and a business model that isn’t the same as Vinnies.

Consignment store

A consignment store sells items on behalf of the owner. You bring in your clothes or furniture; the store displays and sells them. When an item sells, the store keeps a percentage and pays you the rest. So the stock isn’t donated; it’s consigned.

The store is usually for-profit. Consignment is common for higher-end or designer pieces. It’s different from an op shop, where you donate and don’t get paid. For how op shops price designer pieces, see how op shops price designer items.

But if you need cash from your wardrobe, consignment (or Depop) beats a donation bag. If you want the charity funded, donate instead.

Quick comparison

Knowing which type of store you’re in explains pricing and where your dollars go. Australian term: what op shops are called in Australia.

Choosing the right store type in Australia

Need a $5 work shirt? Start at Vinnies or Salvos in an outer suburb. Hunting a $200 designer bag at below retail? Try Sacred Heart Mission online or a consignment store in Paddington. Savers megastores sit between charity and commercial: large volume, organised aisles, prices commonly above warehouse Salvos but below vintage boutiques.

Consignment on Chapel Street or James Street charges more because the owner sets a minimum and the shop takes commission. Op shops price to clear rack space and fund programs. Know which model you’re in before you compare tags. So don’t complain that Vinnies “overcharges” relative to a consignment minimum you never negotiated.

If your goal is mission impact, charity retail wins. If your goal is cashing out your wardrobe, consignment or online resale wins. If your goal is volume browsing, commercial thrift can win on sheer square metres.

Frequently Asked Questions