The Impact of Wholesale
If you are considering how to maximize profits from your thrift operation and the value of your donated items, you may want to consider adding a wholesale component. Wholesale in some cases can add as much profit as one of your thrift stores! You may be asking, how can wholesale be useful for my thrift […]
Choosing the Right Real Estate
Thrift stores can have immense impact on the community and when connected to a non-profit, can serve as a great additional funding source. SMCo Thrift frequently receives inquiries about how to begin a thrift operation. While many factors go into running a successful thrift operation, a key component is always real estate. Location, Location, Location […]
Luck Favors the Prepared
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) […]
Pricing to Value Is Like Eating Trail Mix
Of all the content produced by SMCo Thrift, this topic is likely the one that can have the greatest, and most immediate, impact on the profitability of your thrift operation. Second only to an abundant supply of donations, pricing to value your donated items is vital to the growth of your organization. Thrift Stores and […]
Sort Donations Properly by Asking Three Questions
A donor has generously shared a gift with you. As the donor drives away, what is the first thing you do with the donation? Three Questions Sorting donations may not be the most exciting topic, but it impacts the whole thrift operation in a huge way. Donations are always the first, and most important, part […]
Highlights of 2017 and Dreaming for 2018
2017 is officially in the history books and 2018 is upon us. So what lessons were learned that will help make 2018 your best year yet? Highlights of 2017 In the pursuit to Do Thrift Better, here are highlights from 2017 that help chart the way forward in 2018. The 2017 SMCo Thrift National Training Conference […]
Saying “Thank You” to a Donor
We’ve been predicting a spike in donations for weeks. With Christmas now past, old items are replaced with the new gifts. And, if we’re lucky, those gently used “old items” come to your thrift store. It’s critical we don’t miss the chance to say “thank you” to each and every donor. A Christmas Tradition Along with the […]
Preparing for the Rush of Donations (Part 2 of 2)
Previously, a plan was identified to collect relevant information on donations and then analyze that data to identify trends. With this information in hand, we’re ready to implement some strategies and tactics so we can be prepared for the rush of donations. Be Proactive Here are suggestions to handle an influx of donations. Have extra supplies and receptacles […]
Gaining a Fresh Perspective
The final days of the year are upon us. It is a natural time to reflect and dream on what the future can hold for your thrift operation and the non-profit you support. To do so, it’s important to gain a fresh perspective so as not to stay stuck in a rut. For an art […]
Preparing for the Rush of Donations (Part 1 of 2)
Anticipate the Rush Help! I’ve got too many donations coming too quickly! Have you heard these cries from your team? Of all the challenges facing a thrift operation, an overwhelming rush of donations is the best one to have. But it isn’t stress free. Donations are the lifeblood of every thrift store. Without them you don’t exist. The […]