More than a century ago, Louis Pasteur said “Chance favors the prepared mind.” Still today, the prepared reap an abundance of luck in their favor.
Recently, thrift stores across the country have seen a swell of donations, thanks in part to the new Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.
- Netflix has people (serenely) bulldozing their closets, and thrift stores are riding the wave
- Thrift Stores Say They’re Swamped With Donations After ‘Tidying Up with Marie Kondo’
- The ‘Marie Kondo effect’? Thrift stores nationwide see an uptick in donations
For the prepared, receiving these abundant donations presented a challenge but nothing more. But those who weren’t prepared had to take such drastic steps as refusing to accept donations or even closing their doors. It’s difficult to imagine a business entity, that is completely dependent upon donations, would actually say “no” to any valuable donation. Yet, it happens.
It is critical for a thrift enterprise to be prepared to accept any valuable donation offered. And as Louis Pasteur noted, it starts with some thought.
- When are donors most likely to give you something? (Consider the weekend or maybe Monday.)
- Where are donors most likely to be located? (Convenience rules the day so seek out donors even more than they seek out you.)
- How can the process move faster? (Carts and pallets are tools of the trade.)
- Who needs to be involved? (Consider both the number of people needed and the “right” people for the job.)
The recent wave of donations demonstrated those who were prepared and those who weren’t. And for those who were prepared, a wave of additional sales is certain to follow.
Next up is engaging those recent donors with a message of thanks and an appeal for a return visit as the season’s change. SMCo Thrift can help you create and implement a donor strategy to ensure continued support for your thrift operation. Contact us to learn how.