Recently, a shopkeeper got the queasies. (She didn’t read one of my recent blog posts, did she?) She asked:
My agreement says things not picked up at the end of the period are mine. But what if someone sees their stuff in my bag sale? Is it okay for me to sell these things?
Other shopkeepers were quick to tell her yes, it was indeed fine to sell out-of-dates (ODs). But she remained unconvinced. This is what Auntie Kate would have said to her:
Auntie Kate really looks quite a bit like this.
I agree with your fellow shopkeepers that it’s yours to sell, as long as you have clear wording in your agreement (see the Manual for that.) Don’t say all unclaimed goods “will be donated” unless they are, without fail.
I went on to say: However, if YOU are personally uneasy with making money off out-of-dates (ODs), that feeling will permeate your dealings with the public and not help your business thrive. So if you don’t want to sell ODs, don’t.
But there’s a solution that will both help your bottom line and allow you to be PROUD of how you utilize ODs. Here it is.
Here it is.
Donate a portion of the proceeds of these OD sales to a charity. And publicize that you are doing so far and wide so your marketplace feels good about your local support. And make sure the benefiting charity publicizes your support as well.
How much to donate? Keep in mind that your sale or event still needs to be profitable, so budget wisely. You must allow the business to cover overhead, so do not commit to a specific amount or percentage lest you end up in the red! You don’t want to advertise something like “all proceeds” or “half of what we make will….” Rather, stick to, perhaps,
“A portion of the proceeds of this sale will be donated to XYZ”
Bonus tip: Go one step further and have your shoppers vote on WHICH charity will receive a cash donation from your next sale, or from this month’s proceeds of your online store.
- Asking your followers a multiple-choice question increases interaction on social media and/or in-store traffic, always good. Remember, if you’re using social media, require the recipient charity to post as well.
- It gives fans, followers, customers a vested interest not just in the sale itself but in your business, because they’ll be proud to be a party of a shop which cares about the community.
- And voting, posting, electing, ballot boxes all call attention to those sales events or venues, so you can afford a nice check to the charities. (Don’t forget the old “giant check” photo opportunity when you do!)
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 