Top Problems With Thrift Store Apps in 2026

We analyzed 336 negative reviews from the top 5 Thrift Store apps on the App Store. Here's what users hate most.

336
Reviews Analyzed
10
Issues Found
72/100
Opportunity Score

Top User Complaints

Ranked by frequency — how often each complaint appears in negative reviews.

#1: Excessive shipping and handling costs

High Severity

35% of negative reviews mention this issue.

"Charging you $11.80 to ship out a 8 ounces shirt is un"
"They are blatant enough to show that a 2 lb item is being shipped at a 7 lb price"

#2: App crashes, freezes, and performance issues

High Severity

28% of negative reviews mention this issue.

"Trying to refresh the page to check how much time is left in an auction and boom freezes so I can't put a bid in"
"the last 3 months or so I haven't even been able to sign in. The app crashes every time I try"

#3: Poor item descriptions and receiving wrong/broken items

High Severity

22% of negative reviews mention this issue.

"The second item came and was a completely different shoe AND four sizes larger than the sho"
"I bought a pair of boots that arrived completely ripped in half, and there was no warning about this in the description or photos"

#4: Terrible customer service and no recourse

High Severity

18% of negative reviews mention this issue.

"When I reached out for help, I was basically told, 'Oh well.'"
"Worst customer service, hugely scalping customers on shipping and otherwise, and no recourse because they got you by the balls"

#5: Slow shipping and delivery times

Medium Severity

15% of negative reviews mention this issue.

"Shipping fees are very high, yet orders often take 15–20 days to arrive"
"Seven days before the item is shipped is ridi"

#6: Clunky navigation and outdated UI

Medium Severity

20% of negative reviews mention this issue.

"This app still seems clunky and outdated. A lot of the issues have been brought up in previous reviews that are up to 2 years old"
"it looks like it was written by someone who took a single programming course in high school"

UX Pain Points

Design and usability issues driving negative reviews.

Forced updates blocking app access

Users are forced to update the app every few weeks before they can use it, unlike other apps that allow optional updates

"Another forced update. Every few weeks you force people to update. No other app I've seen forces u to update before you can use the app"

Maintenance windows during peak bidding times

The app goes down for maintenance during active auctions, causing users to lose bids

"I've had the app just freeze then display a message that they're doing maintenance & 'we'll be right back' in the middle of bidding which really spoils t"

Authentication loop and sign-in issues

App continuously asks users to sign in but the sign-in screen disappears immediately

"Continually asks to sign in, but the sign in screen only stays up for a split second and takes you back to the main menu"

Bottom navigation tabs causing page reloads

Navigation tabs reset browsing progress and cause frustration

"Half of the buttons at the bottom tab will re"

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