Shopping FAQ

Why should I shop at Goodwill?
When you shop at Goodwill:

  • You have an opportunity to browse a wide selection of merchandise that changes every day.
  • Your dollars buy a lot more than they do at other stores.
  • You’re helping our planet by keeping goods out of area landfills.
  • You’re making a positive impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities or other challenges right here in South Central Wisconsin.
Where are Goodwill stores located?
Our stores are located in Madison (east side, north side and west sides), Fitchburg, Fort Atkinson, Middleton, Monona, Platteville, Portage, Richland Center, Stoughton and Sun Prairie.
Does Goodwill sell goods online?
Yes. Our online auction site is filled with hundreds of locally donated items – art, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, books, music, toys, home décor and more. For items donated locally and available for pickup in Madison, visit Shoppers can also select from nearly 11,000 items donated from other parts of the country by visiting
What is your return policy?
If you would like to return a purchase made at one of our stores, please bring your item with the original price tag and sales receipt to any Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin store within seven days of purchase. We’ll gladly issue you a store credit.

The return policy for our online store,, varies from that of our retail stores. See the return policy on each item’s posting.

Does the sale of donated goods generate much revenue for Goodwill?
Yes. Eighty-one percent of our revenue is generated through the sale of donated items.
What happens to donated goods that don’t sell?
20 million pounds of goods are diverted from landfills through resale or conscientious recycling each year. Textiles that are not sold to the public are used to make products such as carpet pads. The remaining items are sold through our salvage program.