Dear partner,
Wow! What a year for tangible donations. With all the turmoil in our country today, it is good to see people donating so generously to so many causes.
Let me begin by saying thank you for caring for these donors. Whether it has been through an exclusive partnership with PickUpMyDonation.com, or by taking advantage of the 5,000+ donations that come through our system each month, it is because of you that these donors are cared for.
I got into the thrift business in 2005 with a rare opportunity to use my retail experience in a struggling non-profit thrift store. This organization, serving the homeless in Knoxville, TN, had been losing money for a few years in a couple of thrift stores. Little did I know that the next 10 years of my life would be spent learning, engaging, and growing this initiative into the 18 store chain that it is today. During that time, I have had the opportunity to share and learn so much from so many of you. For that, again, let me say thank you.
My reason for this letter is two-fold.
- To say the most important thing we have learned is that donations are the lifeline to any successful thrift store. The PickUpMyDonation.com platform and with the community engagement process provided by ThriftTrac.com are two key tools we have created for ourselves to keep the donation pipeline open and expanding in Knoxville. And you know they are available for you to use as well.
- To share how, over the last 10 years, I have developed a passion for seeing non-profit organizations fund a significant part of their mission with a thrift enterprise. Helping others Do Thrift Better excites me. And it’s why I’m taking this next step.
In April of 2016 the SMCo Thrift Network will go “live”. This network will be filled with content from thrift industry leaders, including SMCo’s own successes (and failures). It is a platform for organizations to learn, share, and in some cases vent as they strive to use thrift to fund their non-profit.
At the same time, we will be reaching out to vendors and service providers that offer products (voted on by you) that will help us reach this goal. We will ask them to offer savings and bring expertise to the network. This concept is fueled by the current lack of industry standards and the proof that doing thrift well can and will fund non-profits.
In an age where direct funding is more challenging, I hope my passion for sharing what I love to do can serve you. I also hope this network will help us develop a place to gain much needed information and standards in the thrift industry. Feel free to unsubscribe or ignore, but know we would love to have you come along for the ride as we attempt to Do Thrift Better together.
To see what it’s all about, simply sign up for The Top 10 Secrets to Thrift Store Success.
Yours for future success,
