A unique pricing strategy at a thrift store in a small South Australian town has left bargain seekers a bit confused.
Members of the Facebook group Op Shopping Australia shared images from Burra, highlighting signs in a shop named Goosey Goosey Gander.
The signs state: “You will receive a $5 entry refund upon purchase, and regular customers are free.” Seems a bit unusual, right?
An anonymous poster mentioned, “I’ve never encountered this before: a charge just to enter the store. My daughter visited Burra and stumbled upon Goosey Goosey Gander.”
This setup essentially means that anyone who buys something inside doesn’t actually spend anything extra, while casual browsers or tourists end up losing $5 (AUD).
Many commenters reacted to the news. One woman, Claire, exclaimed, “This is so ridiculous! So, if I pay $5 and then buy something for $3, do I get $2 back?”
Another person questioned, “Would I ask for your best pardon?” expressing disbelief at the concept.
However, not everyone was against it. A woman associated with another store commented, expressing interest in implementing a similar system to deter time-wasters: “It’s a really good idea. I wish we could do this in our store.”
The store owner, Russell, told a news outlet that the criticism from social media didn’t mirror his customer base’s views. “They hit the nerves of qualifications,” he stated.
Russell explained, “You have to react to what’s going on in your business. This was a response to issues we’ve been facing.” He noted that theft has been a problem, and that people browsing just to kill time have cost the shop in terms of resources and presentation.
Making it clear that they don’t want to be seen as a casual hangout, he mentioned, “We’re not IKEA or Woolworths. We have only 200 square meters here.”
He also highlighted that while fees are often refunded, all proceeds go toward the local Burra Railway Station, which is maintained by volunteers.
“Our customers generally have no issues with this, which is why the shop is improving,” he said. “We receive a lot of positive feedback from our core customers, and fortunately, most are not active on social media.” The Burra Community Management Committee even recognized the store for excellent customer service at their 2024 Business Awards.
