Reselling From Charity Shops For A Profit

If you treat your online selling as a business then you are familiar with the need to source your inventory at the best possible prices in order to achieve the highest profits. This is why charitable organization shops are popular sourcing venues for online sellers.

While charitable organizations originally opened shops to provide quality goods at affordable prices for those struggling financially, they are becoming increasingly aware of their popularity with a wider demographic, including online sellers.

Online sellers may feel a sense of guilt at buying their merchandise from charity shops, with several factors making them feel this way. Let’s take a look at some of those:

Is it wrong to buy items that the needy may want to purchase, thereby reducing the number of items available to those less financially secure?

The majority of charitable organization stores have more stock than they can handle. Many of these stores have limited space and will replace sold items very quickly. Of course this is not true of every store and is largely dependent upon population and wealth of the community.

Is it wrong to offer items to potential buyers that were sourced from a charitable organization store?

Unless there is some marking or store tag left on the item when photographed there is no way that a potential buyer can tell where it came from. The buyer is more interested in whether the item is in good, working condition. Besides, the likes of Salvation Army and Goodwill often receive items that are still factory sealed, but offer them to the public at much reduced prices.

Is it deceitful in any way to purchase from a charity shop with the intention of re-selling?

I believe that most charity shop employees are aware that a number of their regular customers sell online. In fact, I would go as far as to say that they are grateful to such customers, as often they will buy large quantities of items. This helps the store keep shelves stocked with new items, and at the same time keeps the money coming in. Also, it is wise to note that many online sellers donate back items that have not sold.

At the end of the day $1 is $1 whether it comes from an online seller or someone bargain hunting for them self. Provided the money is put back into the community via charitable works then there is no need to feel any guilt whatsoever.

And you can always make a donation to your favorite charity shop at the end of the year!