Years ago, a dozen consignment shopkeepers and I wanted to go out to dinner together. I suggested a locally owned, mom-and-pop (literally!) Italian Continue Reading »
Posted in economics of resale, Shopkeeping talk | Tagged shop local, small business | 4 Comments »
Saw this UNICEF idea, and immediately thought of all the NFP thrift stores I have worked with. One of their greatest challenges is bringing their cause’s needs to the forefront, having buying customers understand that the profits of the store go for very specific help.
That’s the idea behind the $300,000 t-shirt.
Can’t you just see a t with a big open mouth on it, to sell for the price of a dental check-up, or a toy, for a child’s stay in day care while her parent finds a job… or whatever your charitable cause involves? Since most NFPs have multiple outreach programs, you could create and sell several different “price-range” t’s… all the way up to one with your shop’s logo, which costs a year’s rent on your retail location (The $48,000 t, perhaps? Great hook for media attention!)
Get inspired!
See more ideas for NFPs here on Auntie Kate the Blog.
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Posted in Not-for-Profit Resale, Shopkeeping talk | Tagged promotions, Thrift |
“Guilt-Free Splurging”
Okay, this post requires a bit of work on your part…and a bit of cost as well. What started Continue Reading »
Posted in Shopkeeping talk | Tagged promotions, small business | 5 Comments »
Tis the season for charity. Your shoppers are thinking how they can help the less fortunate, and that’s a good thing.
But your customers are also thinking that actual cash money’s tight right now as they prepare for their holiday season.
Can you stretch out a local-awareness helping hand?
Of course you can. All it takes is for you to highlight the consignment accounts you already have set up. Through your advertising and your social media, including your blog, remind folks that they can donate goods to be placed in these accounts, and the charity receives that “real cash money” for their cause.
It wouldn’t hurt for you to mention that quality goods will get a better return in your boutique than they might in a thrift store, but you’d want to word that carefully to avoid hurting the legit local charities who don’t participate in your “consign for a cause” program or who have declined to be involved.
You can also be pro-active in making shoppers aware that their purchases directly help specific charities with a foyer sign showing them what to look for on your merchandise tags.
It’s one of those win-win-win solutions that we all love.
- The charity wins because they make spendable cash without the retail overhead and volunteer commitment.
- You win because the charitable hand you’ve extended polishes your reputable as a responsible local merchant.
- The donor to the consignment account wins because, instead of having to think My X is too good to give to the thrift shop. They’d only get a buck or two out of it they can rely upon your professional skills to maximize their donation’s value to the charity. Or, if their cause is the food pantry and all they have to donate is a Missoni… they can, with your help, turn that Missoni into meals.
- The shopper wins because you have offered her the opportunity to “vote with her wallet” by choosing the item which benefits a cause she supports.
Oh wait, that’s four wins. Why, that’s even better, isn’t it?
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Posted in Not-for-Profit Resale, Shopkeeping talk | Tagged consignment, Thrift | 1 Comment »
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