Charity shops are trading like businesses: iLIVE

The public are becoming disgruntled by charity shops. It’s the manner the shops are managed, staff assistance and also at times pricing of items donated.

I have been frequenting flea markets, antique and bric-a-brac shops for a decade, all over Gauteng. At times attracted to church fêtes. I enjoy seeking or finding something unusual – from old radios, clocks, records, books and jewellery. Items always vary. It’s a hobby. Flea market prices are all always lower than approaching antique shops or second-hand stores that we all familiar with in Gauteng .

I have observed that charity shops are on the increase – especially in my area of Randburg, North Riding and Juskei Park. I have embarked in the past few years, to support charity shops, especially, supporting organisations from the frail, animals or hospice. It’s all for a good cause and purpose, I believe. The volunteers work hard.

The charity shops get donated anything from members of the public – various items of all sizes and value. This could be from deceased estates, families emigrating or families down-scaling.

Lately, I have noticed that the public are becoming disgruntled by charity shops. It’s the manner the shops are managed, staff assistance and also at times pricing of items donated.

There are some awful disappointing reports I have overheard, whether the stories are true or not. Believe it or not, I have fallen victim to this unfortunately. I frequent certain shops in my area prior to venturing out to other suburbs.

I have experienced rudeness where I was informed to attempt another hobby when quering if any specific item in relation to my hobby was for sale?

I was disheartened by this reaction – I now approach a volunteer to assist instead of the owner. I will then be spoken to in a respectful manner.

Another thing I find extremely confusing is certain items remain on display or unpriced? I am not certain whether it will be priced eventually through public demand. I requested pricing often of items and get a half-hearted response and still today await for pricing. Are the items awaiting the perfect buyer?

Lastly, before Christmas for last minute shopping with a friend I picked six items as presents. Signage was ‘Christmas clearance sale’. I requested a total price four times! Apparently the items were carried around by the staff for pricing? They were all priced, I believe? We were eventually confronted by such an awful overwhelming furore by most of the staff of the charity shop. The dynamics of all the staff behaviour was not appropriate, uncalled for! I am still shocked and embarrassed today about this experience. It is coincidental that a member of the public, obviously overhearing the incident, approached us outside and expressed their dismay at what occurred at the same charity shop in Juksei Park?

The question raised, was what really happens to all the items delivered compared to what is on display for sale for charities? Question is, should I support charity shops or not? It has left a bad taste ….. for the time being!

I personally feel that charity shops upon receiving the goods, should price and sell them for the good cause. Items cannot be sold on consignment on behalf of an outside seller for their personal benefit. There is an oversight of the actual good cause.

How much is actually going to charity ?

Charity shops cannot conduct trading in a similar fashion as auctioneers (trading for a better price with the public present), antique shops (one needs extensive learned knowledge) and or lastly, second-hand, bric-a-brac shops.