Charity shop managers.

shelovestobuystuff

Just wondering if there is already a thread for charity shop managers?
If not it would be nice to share ideas and experiences here about how to increase income,best shop layouts and pricing structures,how to keep volunteer workforce happy etc

I'm new to the job,but I have experience of volunteering,shop work and running a business.
I love it but am finding my main problem is that the volunteers are used to running the shop and like their perks which I am putting an end to.Hoping they get used to my ways soon.I run a tight ship and am a stickler for procedure which has got some backs up apparantly.
I am giving them an annual outing though to compensate for them losing their perks(I see it as a public thank you to them)and organising tours of the main charity service buildings to let them see where the money goes and the good it does.
How do you other charity shop managers get on with keeping volunteers sweet?

Shop layout.
I have tried to tidy my shop up a bit and find that everyone seems to prefer size ordered displays.I'm happy to keep it like this but find that volunteers tend to put stuff out in any old place for quickness no matter how often I go over it with them so it is difficult to keep tidy.Any tips on layout and how to keep it organised and tidy looking?I'm doing alright in this area I think but tips from experienced shop managers would be welcome.

Pricing structures.
Keep it cheap and make the money on the volume.My shop has the reputation as being the cheapest in town and it has a good turnover and large customer base.I have not had to change much in this area,just tidied up the pricing guide and gotten rid of the messy little 5ps.Using round pounds seems to help the cash flow and has stopped us having to scramble in our own purses for 5ps and pennies.

somethingcorporate

What are these perks that the volunteers were used to?

Interesting thread, thanks.

shelovestobuystuff

They have always been allowed a discount on items they want to buy at end of their shift.

I'm just tightening up the existing procedures really but it has not been a popular move.

I have enforced the existing limit to the number of items they can buy(to much foot stamping I have to say).
Enforced the restriction the type of items they get the discount on,i.e. they dont get it on everything anymore,only on clothes they could wear to work in.
Put an end to "buddy pricing" and all volunteer purchases have to go via me for pricing at the usual shop floor price.

Ideally I would have nothing sold from the back shop before its had a chance at full price for customers but that would have to go through head office as a general procedural change.

I know there is a general perception that charity shop workers help themselves to donated goods and that it is one of the perks of volunteering that you get the cream of the crop at a cheaper price but I don't agree that these sorts of benefits should be expected.I actually feel it's stealing from the charity.Many will think I'm being too hard but I dont think there's much point in working hard to increase the revenue through the front door if it's being lost through the back door like this.I have no idea if most people think like me.

somethingcorporate

I agree, if your best pieces are not even making it to the shop floor it seems a really sensible way to proceed, especially if you are looking to increase revenue!

Change will always be resisted, even if it is for the good of the shop.

Gaz1971

SO they work for free as volunteers and now dont get any perks? I think your staff issues will soon be solved as you wont have any staff!

somethingcorporate

That's just a little bit drastic there Gaz! Removing perks that are quite detrimental to the shop in question seems quite sensible. Volunteers are hardly being altruistic if all they are doing it for is first choice (and cheap) clobber on offer.

I am sure if this is the only reason they are volunteers then OP will probably be able to find some volunteers that want to do it for the right reasons.

Gaz1971

The stuff on sale cost you nothing, so it doesnt matter what you get for it, its all profit.

They might not sign up to do it for the perks but its fair to expect a few perks when you are working for free.

PasturesNew

... a tour of .... pfft, you can stick that up your jacksy.... bring back the perks!

SCOYA

I volunteer at a charity shop and I'm shocked that your shop had 'perks' being a discount on purchases for the volunteers and I find it quite sad that the volunteers appear to have lost sight of why they're volunteering - by all means buy whatever stock you wish to, but you must pay the price that's on the ticket and that price must be set by the management.

Good luck with your changes.

CKhalvashi

SCOYA wrote: »

I volunteer at a charity shop and I'm shocked that your shop had 'perks' being a discount on purchases for the volunteers and I find it quite sad that the volunteers appear to have lost sight of why they're volunteering - by all means buy whatever stock you wish to, but you must pay the price that's on the ticket and that price must be set by the management.

Good luck with your changes.

I'm also shocked!

We have a charity shop next to CK towers that I'm normally found in. I managed to pick up a vase for £8 last year that went for £16,000 at auction, and the shop was amazed to have their rent paid for the next 3 months (£8000).

This is why I hunt round charity shops, and tbh it's disgusting for volunteers to get perks on the basis of probably not doing what I did above.

CK

Savvy_Sue

For the OP, it would be worth you making contact with your local volunteer bureau (google volunteer plus your area): they may run useful training courses in managing volunteers - even if you're experienced they may be useful. And they may be helpful in recruiting volunteers too.

Change is always difficult, however, that doesn't make it necessarily wrong ... I'd make sure you have back up for your changes: you mention policy from Head Office, so I'd stress that these are bringing the shop back into line with the way things should have been, rather than your new and independent ideas.

Keeping a link between the volunteers and what you're trying to achieve is always good. We use lots of volunteers, and realised recently that we need to make sure they hear more 'good outcomes'.