5 Tips for Using Donated Goods – How to Make the Most of Your Donation
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When a nonprofit organization donates goods to your company, it’s an opportunity for you to save money and simultaneously do good. These hand-me-downs can help you achieve your business objectives without breaking the bank. We all know that cash is king in business; however, operating costs are often so high that businesses end up skimping on necessities like office supplies or even hiring new employees. So, when a local charity or non-profit offers your company used items at a steep discount, you need to take advantage of this opportunity! Whether you’re launching a green initiative or simply trying to cut down on operating costs, using donated goods can be a great way to accomplish these goals while maintaining profitability. Here are 5 tips for how you can make the most of your donation:
1. Plan your office makeover before the big day
Before you go to the donation event, find out what the donation items will be and how many you can expect. If you know the approximate number of items that are available for donation, you can plan your office makeover accordingly. This will make it easier for you to find a place for everything and make sure that you are getting what you really need, rather than taking everything that is offered. There’s nothing worse than getting to the donation event and being excited about being able to get so much for so little only to find out that you can’t have the items you want. Being prepared will help you avoid any potential disappointment.
2. Assess what you actually need
If you are actively looking for used goods, it’s important to first determine what your company needs. Before you go to the donation event, make a list of the items that your business desperately needs. This will help you to be selective during the donation event, and it will make it easier for you to find what you are looking for. If you’re not sure what your business needs, consider asking your employees what they would like to see donated to the office. This will help to identify any gaps in your inventory that don’t need immediate attention.
3. Set a price cap
If you want to use donated goods, it’s important to make sure that you don’t let the price of the items dictate your purchasing decisions. Instead, you should base your purchasing decisions on what’s best for your company. A good rule of thumb is to set a price cap for each item. This will help you to be selective during the donation event and make sure that you don’t over-spend on items that may not be worth the price.
4. Don’t be afraid to say no
If a nonprofit organization offers your company used goods but they aren’t something that your business actually needs, don’t feel guilty about turning them down. While it might seem rude, it’s better to decline the donation than to accept items that you have no use for. After all, it can be difficult to return items to a nonprofit organization. If you don’t have the time (or inclination) to return a donation, it’s better to decline an item in the first place. Depending on the nonprofit organization, you may be able to discard the item. However, if you want to keep the item and find a new home for it, you should consider donating it to another local business.
5. Have a plan for the items you don’t want
If you receive items you don’t want or need, consider giving them to another business or donating them to a nonprofit organization that will actually put them to good use. You can also consider selling the items to a business that deals in used goods. You can even advertise your unwanted items on an online marketplace like eBay or Craigslist. The key is to take the time to find a good home for the items that you don’t want. This will help you to avoid feeling guilty about throwing them away and will also allow you to make a little extra cash on the side. Having a plan for the items you don’t want will help you avoid wasting time and energy. It will also allow you to avoid being overwhelmed by excess inventory that you can’t find a good home for.
Conclusion
When a nonprofit organization donates goods to your company, it’s an opportunity for you to save money and simultaneously do good. These hand-me-downs can help you achieve your business objectives without breaking the bank. It’s important to plan your office makeover before the big day and to assess what you actually need before you go to the donation event. You should also make sure to set a price cap and don’t be afraid to say no if the items offered aren’t something that your business actually needs. Having a plan for the items you don’t want will help you avoid wasting time and energy.
