Insider Pages Reviews for Houseworks

4 Stars: Easy to deal with! (by Sari S.)

Sari S. — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 16:47:00 GMT

Very honest staff--they go through your stuff in front of you and let you know what they won't take. It sells fast! If you are shopping, you need to look carefully--merchandise is sorted into categories but the shelves can be very full. Great for books, cookbooks & craft supplies. If you see something you like--buy it. It won't be there tomorrow.

4 Stars: Love Houseworks! (by lee h.)

lee h. — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 13:15:00 GMT

there are bound to be negative experiences at any store and, sadly, more reviews get written by the ones who didn't get what they wanted out of their visit. my friends and i have followed Sue around town over the years that she has owned Houseworks and everyone can have a bad day now and then. people have no idea of the stress that kind of business generates and the annoying people who shop there expecting to be treated like royalty or "negotiate" everything or throw around stuff they don't like and complain that there isn't an amazing find on every shelf. i can tell you that if you are the kind of person who truly likes this kind of store then you are the kind of person who is willing to dig through the "stuff" to find the treasures and i have found many treasures throughout the years from an unusual book, a great piece of retro tupperware, a horse statue for my collection or an amusing piece of 60's memorabilia. i'm glad that Sue has kept this store going for so long and i have made a tidy sum of money thanks to her selling boxes of items i have brought in. sorry you had a bad experience, but that is certainly not the norm. Thanks Sue for being there for the rest of us.

3 Stars: Mean employees but a large selection of stuff (by katie l.)

katie l. — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:35:00 GMT

I really enjoyed reading the reviews because they ring so true to my own experience. The owner lady is a nightmare. And she has some personal vendeta against cell phones. If she sees you holding one near her store you'll probably be berated. But... because the challenge of finding the good deal in the sea of not so good deals is only increased by this obsticle... I still like going. You'd think she'd learn to stay away from customers for her own profits' sake. Oh... and I've been looking at items on the shelf and told by a passing employee to return them to where they belong in another section. Customer service just isn't their strong point.

5 Stars: Houseworks is great! Highly recommended (by IowaCityChick I.)

IowaCityChick I. — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:21:00 GMT

I have been shopping at Houseworks for nearly a decade and it is such a great place to buy unique, gently-used household items. Why buy new when you can get a hand-me-down? Especially in a college-town where young people (and others) get tired of their "things" regularly. The owner is awesome, I have never heard her be rude to customers, and she is usually there when I am. Direct maybe, but not rude. The people who complained in other reviews were probably talking loudly on their cell phone and asked to step outside (I love that policy). There WAS a crabby saleswoman working there for a while, but haven't seen her around lately. Highly recommended

5 Stars: Cool, cool store! (by Jennifer J.)

Jennifer J. — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 05:06:00 GMT

I was visiting Iowa City last week and decided to stop by Houseworks: it's a FANTASTIC store! Everything's well-organized into sections, i.e. frames, lamps, kitchen, gardening--which those of you who are like me and frequent secondhand stores will appreciate. Unique selection and great prices (and I say this as a New England resident, where lots of stores really mark up their prices.) Highly recommended-

3 Stars: Great deals - CHEAP! (by Lisa B.)

Lisa B. — Wed, 02 Nov 2005 06:47:00 GMT

This is a fun consignment shop that has everything from furniture to dishes. Nice big store. Things are sort of disarry on the shelves, but there is lots of room to roam around. They offer multiple houseware items on consignment. Quality items. I have found a few antique treasures as well! Nice selection of vintage paperback books as well. Few fabrics and linens as well. Own parking lot and easy to get to.

4 Stars: Houseworks (by Vern D.)

Vern D. — Tue, 26 Jul 2005 23:38:00 GMT

An Iowa City treasure! Houseworks is the best for both seller and buyer. Cheap, clean, and plenty of clutter to dig through. The seller consigns items and receives 50% after the owner prices, displays, and sells the items. Each month as a different discount color for super savings.

PROS: Plenty of parking.
CONS: Store can get a little crowded.