10 Tips for donating to an Op Shop
Donating to op shops does more than clear out your cupboards. Your donations stock our stores with affordable, good quality items for people who need them and for people who choose to shop more consciously. They also keep goods in use for longer and save valuable resources by reducing the need for new production.
Not everything we receive can be sold. Items that are poor quality, incomplete or left outside often end up in landfill and create extra work for our team.
These 10 simple tips will help make sure your donations have the greatest impact. They help keep our stores full of good quality items that make second-hand shopping a positive experience for everyone.
Here are 10 simple ways to make sure your donations are useful and valued.
1. Choose quality items
Good quality donations keep our stores stocked with products that people genuinely want to buy. Some customers shop second-hand because it is more affordable. Others choose it because it is better for the environment and a more conscious way to shop. Everyone deserves to find clean, good quality items that meet their needs.
When you donate items in good condition, more people see second-hand shopping as a positive choice. That helps keep more goods in use, reduces demand for new production and supports more jobs for people with disability.
2. Wash clothes before donating
Clean clothes are more likely to sell. Most op shops do not have facilities to wash garments, so unwashed clothing often ends up unsold. Freshly laundered items look better on the shop floor, are more appealing to customers and keep the shopping experience pleasant for everyone.
3. Check for missing parts
Before you donate, take a quick moment to check board games, puzzles, electronics and appliances. Items with missing parts are difficult to sell and often go to landfill. A simple check can make all the difference.
4. Donate seasonally
Op shops have limited space, so it helps to donate in-season goods. Winter coats sell better in winter and summer dresses sell better in summer. Donating seasonally helps us get your items onto the shop floor quickly so customers can find what they need right now.
5. Test electrical items
If you’re donating electrical goods, make sure they work and are safe to use. Many op shops can’t repair faulty appliances and can’t sell anything that doesn’t meet Australian Standards.
6. Check what your local op shop accepts
Not every store accepts every type of donation. For example, only some of our larger stores can accept furniture. Most charity shops do not take baby car seats, helmets, old electrical items that do not meet current standards, or company uniforms. If you are not sure, check your local shop’s guidelines before you donate.
7. Don’t leave items outside
Leaving donations outside after hours might seem convenient but it can leave them damaged or stolen. Please bring your donations during opening hours so we can take care of them properly.
8. Pack your donations like you still care about them
We know it can be tempting to scoop everything into a big bag and drop it off. But the better your donations arrive, the better they look on our shelves. Clothes that are folded, books that are stacked and breakables that are wrapped are easier to sort and quicker to sell.
Think of it this way. Your donations may be leaving your home, but they are about to become someone else’s favourite thing. Treat them like they still matter.
And if you really are short on time, that is fine too. We will still take them as they come because every donation makes a difference.
9. Remove personal information
Please double-check your bags and boxes before donating to make sure you have not left anything personal behind. Diaries, notebooks, wallets and even photo albums can sometimes slip in by mistake. Keep your private details safe at home.
10. Remember the bigger picture
Your donations help stock our stores with affordable goods for people who need them and for those who choose second-hand as a more sustainable option. Every good quality item we can sell helps create jobs, keep goods in use and conserve resources.
By taking a little time to prepare your donations, you can make a big difference. Every good-quality item you give helps your local op shop do more for the community.
