Vinnies
VerifiedVinnies is one of the best choices: it gives existing products a second life, so no new factory or mining labour is needed.
Last researched 9 October 2026
The best you can buy. Workers are paid well above what they need to live on, and the company goes further, by finding and fixing problems in its supply chain or giving workers a real say. What this grade means
Good: 5 of 5
- Pays a living wage
- Respects worker rights
- Full supply chain audit, or made only in countries with rigorous labour standards
- No child or forced labour findings
- Publishes where its products are made (supplier list, named farms or its own factories)
Great: 1 of 3
- Pays beyond a living wage
- Finds and fixes problems, or invests directly in workers' communities
- Actively empowers workers
Needs all Good requirements plus two of these.
Red flags: 0
None found.
Where it's made
| Country | Worker rights | Legal wages | Forced labour risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Strong protections | Close to a living wage | Low |
Country conditions from the ITUC Global Rights Index, Global Slavery Index and living wage benchmarks. Certifications and audits can raise a company above its countries' baseline.
Why this grade
- Reuses existing products, so buying here creates no new demand for factory or mining labour.
Vinnies shops mainly sell donated second-hand clothing, furniture and bric-a-brac, and profits fund St Vincent de Paul Society community services. Some stores also sell a smaller range of brand-new flat-pack furniture and mattresses (Tasmania), and the Vinnies re/Cycle range is made from recycled textiles; where the new furniture is made is not disclosed. The shops are run largely by volunteers (71% of NSW volunteers work in retail), paid staff in Queensland are covered by a registered enterprise agreement, and no Fair Work or underpayment findings against the Society have been reported.
What independent sources say
| Source | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Modern Slavery Register | Found | St Vincent de Paul Society entities lodge modern slavery statements on the Australian register. View ↗ |
Sources (4)
- St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Modern Slavery Statement 2022 · archived copy · 225 NSW shops primarily sell donated second-hand items; about 1,300 employees and 11,400 members and volunteers in NSW; re/Cycle recycled-textile range; textile and furniture suppliers changed after r
- Affordable NEW furniture now available in Tasmanian Vinnies retail stores · archived copy · Tasmanian Vinnies stores sell brand-new flat-pack furniture and mattresses
- St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland Employee Agreement 2023 · archived copy · Queensland staff are covered by a registered enterprise agreement
- Modern slavery statement on the Australian register · archived copy · St Vincent de Paul Society entities lodge modern slavery statements
Last researched 9 October 2026 · details still being verified. Grades are opinions based on the evidence listed here. Represent this company and think something is wrong? A right-of-reply form is coming soon.