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 […]
Clutter-Free Spaces Provide Cash-Filled Registers
In a recent post at PickUpMyDonation.com, we shared with donors helpful hints on how to remove the clutter from their home during the moving process. Whether it’s moving or just cleaning out, everyone seeks out the peace that comes from a clutter-free space. To this point, thousands of dollars are spent annually helping individuals get […]
Look Inside!
If you have spent any time with the team at SMCo Thrift – be it in person, reading a newsletter or blog, or watching a video – you know we are 110% focused on asking for donations when it comes to advertising and exterior signage. We invest our limited dollars to reach the donor since his […]
Tracking Each and Every Donation
When does a relationship really begin with a donor? When they first hear about your organization or see an ad in the community? As soon as he or she arrives at your location? When a conversation is shared with the donor? I would argue that a relationship doesn’t truly begin until after the donor leaves […]
Don’t Forget Your Customers
If you’ve spent any time with the SMCo Thrift team, you know we spend a great deal of time focusing on donors. We do so because donations are the lifeline to a thrift organization. We have to make sure we have products available to sell first. However, our first thought on the donor doesn’t mean we disregard our […]
Marketing in Thrift Versus a Typical Retail Store
In a recent conversation with a thrift store operator, I was asked the question, ”So you channel all your marketing efforts toward donors?” My answer was a resounding, “Yes!” Conventional wisdom tells you to focus your marketing on the customer. Retailers want the customer to come to their store to buy the widget instead of going to another store […]
Do Thrift Better
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+ […]