Frequently Asked Questions

At Flathead Industries, we’re proud to serve our community with multiple stores offering a variety of incredible finds. Every customer, every donation, and every purchase supports our mission to create opportunities for people with disabilities. Here, we address some common questions and concerns to help you better understand our approach:

Why do prices vary across stores?

Each of our stores serves a unique purpose and offers different types of items:

  • KalThrift specializes in furniture, where pieces are priced according to their value. Items with a maker’s mark or special craftsmanship are priced accordingly, reflecting their quality and market worth.
  • Clearance Store: Looking for unbeatable deals? Our clearance store offers a pay-by-the-pound system for clothing and other items, making it the perfect place to repurpose and upcycle on a budget.
  • Our other retail locations feature everything from clothing and housewares to hidden gems, priced with care to ensure value while supporting our mission across the Flathead Valley.

We’re not a flea market, and we take great pride in the incredible quality of donations we receive. Every piece is handled thoughtfully, knowing the proceeds will go directly toward supporting services for individuals with disabilities.

How do you determine prices?

Our dedicated team uses every tool at our disposal—technology, research, and expertise—to ensure our prices are fair and reflective of each item’s value. High-value items, such as vintage furniture, collectibles, or items with a maker’s mark, are priced accordingly to honor their uniqueness and worth. We use a system to aim to price at 33% of resale value, but sometimes that varies towards 50% of resale value because the item is so unique.

That said, we’re only human, and mistakes can happen! If you believe an item is priced incorrectly, please bring it to the attention of our staff. We’ll gladly review the item and make adjustments as needed to be brought back to the floor for sale the following day.

Why not lower prices instead of offering special discounts?

Our mission drives every decision we make. By offering discounts on specific days, we aim to make shopping accessible to everyone while ensuring we can maximize the return on donations to fund our programs and services.

If you’re looking for incredible savings, keep an eye out for deals across all our stores! From discounted clothing and accessories to high-value furniture and collectibles, you’ll find something special no matter where you shop.

How does shopping at Flathead Industries make an impact?

Every time you shop or donate to Flathead Industries, you’re contributing to meaningful change. Your support helps us provide housing, job training, and community programs for individuals with disabilities.

Our stores turn donations into opportunities, transforming secondhand goods into resources that strengthen our community. Together, we’re making a difference, one purchase at a time.

Our Commitment to Fair Wages and Community Impact

At Flathead Industries, we’re proud to be a responsible and caring employer. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Living Wages: We ensure all of our employees in Kalispell earn a living wage, which is higher than what many local employers offer.
  • Supporting Work Experience Programs: All of our consumers participating in work experience programs are also paid, reflecting our belief in the value of their contributions.

While hosting a garage sale may be low-cost due to minimal overhead, running an organization like Flathead Industries is much more complex. With over 190 employees, 20 facilities, and a fleet of vehicles, we invest significantly to sustain our mission of creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Your support—whether through shopping, donating, or simply spreading the word—makes all of this possible. Every dollar spent in our stores helps us maintain these programs, pay fair wages, and provide the resources needed to uplift our community.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive future.

We’re Listening

Your voice matters to us! Whether you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, we want to hear from you. Feel free to speak with any of our friendly staff in-store or reach out to us through our Get in Touch page.

Thank you for shopping at Flathead Industries. Your support means everything to us—and to the individuals we serve.