04-07-2025
Man Thrifts Designer Bag at Goodwill for $8—Shock Over What He Discovers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A man's thrift store find has stunned viewers on Reddit, after he shared how he bagged the initially $500 item for just $8.
The 30-year-old man, who goes by u/josecoolinsisdead on the platform, had shared an image of their find, a brown messenger bag, on July 1. The post has been upvoted more than 4,000 times to date, with the purchase of the $8 bag amassing praise in the comments.
"Told myself I could get a nice $300 messenger bag after I got promoted," the man, who is based in Minnesota, said. "Found this $500 one at Goodwill for $8 instead."
Accompanying their text was an image of the medium sized bag with brown leather trims and bronze hardware. Attached to the bag was a long black strap with floral detailing. The bag was shown to be from the U.S. label Trask, with an accompanying screenshot showing a similar bag from the same brand on sale for $495.
"Added a $30 strap from Etsy and now am looking like a real professional," he continued.
The man told Newsweek: "I don't know much about the bag to be honest, but it is a Trask Jackson Zip tote, I think, but I haven't found an exact match anywhere online. Its exterior is canvas with leather trim, and interior is an orange fabric. Comparable bags are listed in the range of $500 online, but none are actually available for sale."
The man, who lives with his wife and children, had found the bag in a large pile at the Goodwill store.
"The quality caught my eye, so I did a quick Google and decided it was well worth the $8," he said.
Viewers on the platform were quick to applaud the man for spotting the heavily discounted bag, with comments ranging from delight at the thrift store steal to advice on how he can now maintain the preloved item's condition.
"Amazing find," one viewer said, while another added: "Wow, that's nice!"
"I've been following this page for months and this is the first thing I've seen where I've wanted it," another said. "It looks so nice, I love the energy the strap gives it too."
"Girl math says you can get yourself another gift," another viewer shared.
"Get some leather conditioner for the leather parts and you're golden," another added, while another said: "I agree! Some leather cleaner, conditioner, and polish will breathe new life into it!"
"To me, this would justify at least one additional frivolous, lavish purchase with the money you were prepared to spend but saved," a different viewer commented.
"Love Trask," another said. "It was a popular brand in the '90s I believe out of Montana."
"Great find," another said. "Congratulations! Makes me want to go and rewatch Working Girl."
A Colorado Goodwill thrift store entrance and parking lot on April 1, 2024.
A Colorado Goodwill thrift store entrance and parking lot on April 1, 2024.
Getty Images
"It is so exclusive there's no sold listings on eBay," another viewer said, to which the post's creator responded: "It's strange how difficult it was to find anything on the brand."
He went on to emphasize how unlikely it was for him to cross paths with his dream bag for just $8.
"I've only seen one other available for purchase second hand," he added.
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