“Affordable” is used everywhere.

But what does it actually mean?

Right now in Australia, there is no clear or consistent definition of what “affordable” means when it is used in retail.

And that’s the problem.

Major charity retailers, including St Vincent de Paul Society and The Salvation Army, state they provide affordable goods to the community.

They acknowledge the cost of living crisis and that more people are struggling. They also state that their shops provide affordable goods.

But for many people, that is not matching reality.

Second hand clothing and essential items are increasingly being priced at levels that are no longer accessible for families already doing it tough.

This creates a clear disconnect between what is being claimed and what people are experiencing.

I have personally documented numerous examples of high pricing and poor quality items, which can be viewed on my Instagram page @feralmumshealing.

Since sharing this, thousands of people across Australia have reported the same experience.

This is not an isolated issue. It is widespread.Not everyone who is struggling looks like they are.

Many families are quietly under financial pressure, and op shops have traditionally been a place where people could access affordable essentials with dignity.

When prices rise beyond reach, it removes one of the few accessible options people rely on.

It can push people toward fast fashion, debt, or going without basic needs altogether.

This petition is not about attacking charities or the volunteers who support them.

It is about accountability and clarity.

Currently, there is no clear or consistent definition of what “affordable” means in charity retail.

If organisations are using terms like “affordable” or “low cost”, there should be transparency and consistency behind those claims.

This issue extends beyond op shops.

The term “affordable” is used widely across retail and services in Australia, yet there is no clear or consistent definition of what it actually means.

This creates a broader consumer issue where expectations are shaped by language, but not supported by any standard.

Op shops are one visible example of this gap in practice.

We are calling for:

1. A clear and transparent definition of what “affordable” means when used in retail and consumer facing messaging
2. Greater transparency in how pricing decisions are made
3. Accountability to ensure accessibility remains a priority for those in need

Affordable should not just be a word used in messaging.

It should mean something in practice.