The Fair Tide Thrift Store consists entirely of inventory that has been donated by our wonderful community members. Some donations are the result of entire weekends spent ‘Spring cleaning’ attics and basements, or organizing closets and drawers between seasons. Others come from the unfortunate job of sorting through a lost loved one’s personal belongings, or decluttering homes before a big move. Whatever the reason, we happily accept your donations and are the first to acknowledge that we wouldn’t have the variety of quality items and clothing that we do without the generosity of our donors.
One thing that is consistent across donations is the contributor’s desire to aid in our mission of reducing homelessness. It is for this reason that we would like to go on the record with a simple request for our donors: Please pre-inspect your donations and only give what you would be proud to see resold. We respect the busy lives of our donors, and want to be clear that taking this additional step prior to dropping off your items has many far reaching benefits.
Saves on Staff Time
Out of every 100 bags of donations, only about 20 are considered “sellable, as is.” This results in about 80% of our staff’s sorting time going to the inspection and disposal of items that cannot be put out in the store. If a higher percentage of donations were ready to go on the floor, our staff’s energy could be spent primarily on revenue producing activities. More revenue equals more funds for our housing program.
More High Quality Items for our Shoppers
Helpful advice from our thrift store manager, Barb is, “If you would buy the item you are planning on donating (as is) then it’s the right quality to resell.” Thrift store shoppers, while often on a tighter budget, are not generally interested in purchasing ripped, stained, or damaged clothing (unless the article of clothing is meant to have the worn or ripped look, such as the designer jeans that kids these days are into). We pride ourselves on offering high quality items at affordable prices, so we choose not to sell bags of mix-matched puzzle pieces, half used bottles of shampoo, or quilts that smell of smoke, as a few examples.
Safer Environment
Safety for our customers and staff is one of our highest priorities and therefore we want to protect them from coming into contact with any hazardous materials. We are not an appropriate repository for toxic chemicals, such as opened household cleaning products and paint. We also try our best to avoid unsanitary items. This would include kitchenware that is caked with hardened food, molds from items stored in damp environments, and bags or boxes that contain spiderwebs, dead creatures, or mysterious goo. If you’d be scared to stick your hand into your own donation bag, then so would we!
Improved Shopping Experience
The sorting room, located at the heart of the store, is usually exploding (or should I say busting at the seams) with bags of donated clothes. Same goes for our store entrance, which is often filled with recently dropped off donations. Our limited space makes it difficult to store the constant influx of donations in an organized way. With these constraints, a focus on contributing quality items will help us declutter and create a more enjoyable shopping experience for all!
Decreased Dump Fees
All items donated to Fair Tide that cannot be sold are either re-donated to a partner charitable organization, recycled or dumped. While we try to limit the amount of items that end up in the latter category, there are many donations that, for lack of a more appropriate term, are just trash. These are the items that are a priority for us to eliminate, and that, through your pre-inspection, you can help us minimize. Dump fees make up a good chunk of our operating expenses. Decreasing them equates to more profit to be used to help those in need in our community.
A Checklist for our Donors
- When pre-inspecting your donated items remember: If you would buy the item you are planning on donating (as is) then it’s the right quality to resell.
- Make sure everything is in-tact, clean and free of rips, tears, and stains (could immediately be able to be put on display).
- Remove any toxic, harmful, or unsanitary items from your donation bags.
- Remove items that might be best bought new. In our experience these tend to be things like pacifiers, infant bathtubs, used underwear, etc.
- Test out any electronics to make sure they work.
- Make sure that any packages, games, or kits still have all the pieces in tact.
- Check your bags! Sometimes we find dead animals, spoiled food, and unidentifiable liquids inside! Other times we find personal mementos (family photos, heartfelt letters, newspaper clippings) tucked into books or jewelry boxes.
- Drop off your donations during business hours: M-Sat 10-5. Please, please refrain from leaving donations outside our door. They often get ruined by the elements and create a hazard for our employees opening the store.
- Pat yourself on the back for helping out your community!
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for donating to Fair Tide, and for allowing us to offer some guidance that, if followed, will be beneficial for everyone!