Tips for getting the most out of charity shopping

Charity shops offer an eco-friendly and budget-friendly way to shop, and with a few thoughtful tips, you can make the most of your visits while contributing to a good cause.

1. Consider seasonality - You might notice your local stores have better stock at certain times of the year. Cancer Research sees a spike in donations between March and April and just after Christmas, when people donate unwanted gifts.
2. Remember to look high and low – “Charity shops will have boxes tucked away all over the shop,” says Emily London, fashion YouTuber. “Look through everything, as you never know what you'll find.”
3. Visit product-specific stores - Looking for something in particular? Charities often have stores specifically for books, furniture, eveningwear and bridalwear. The St Oswald's Hospice store in Whitley Bay, for example, specialises in prom and bridal dresses. “All of their wedding dresses are £150 and it's amazing to see the work that goes into bringing them back to life,” Emily says. “The donations they get are extraordinary.”
4. Know your price point - Some charities have stores for different budgets. For example, Cancer Research has a selection of 'premium shops' which offer high quality and designer fashion and homewares at slightly higher prices, while most donations at its superstores are priced at £5 or less.
5. Shop online - Don't forget that charity shops often have accounts on second-hand apps and may use these to sell collectable and designer items.
6. Think quality over quantity - Charity shopping might seem like a guilt-free way to spend, but you should still ask yourself how much you really want or need the item and whether you can truly afford it, rather than buying it just because it's cheap.
7. Look out for Charity Super.Mkt pop ups - You can visit multiple charity stores under one roof with Charity Super.Mkt, which organises charity department store pop ups. Its last venture, at the old Fenwicks building on Bond Street, attracted queues of second-hand bargain hunters.
8. Think twice before haggling - You might be used to bidding for the best price on second-hand apps but remember that whatever you spend in a charity shop is a donation to a good cause. We'd suggest only offering a lower price if you really can't afford what the charity is charging, or you have good reason to believe the item is overpriced.

Tips for donating to charity shops

1. Sign up for GiftAid - This tax relief allows UK charities to reclaim an extra 25% in tax on every eligible donation made by a UK taxpayer - so it's well worth signing up to, either when you're in the store or before you visit.
2. Donate by post - Lots of charity shops allow you to donate by post and will even send you prepaid postage bags - so if a charity close to your heart doesn’t have a store near you, see if you can send in your donations.
3. Check what charities want - Some shops will be looking for specific items. It's always best to call ahead and find out what they're after or if there are any items they aren't accepting.
4. Organise a furniture collection - Some furniture charity stores will pick up your donations, which may come in handy when moving house.
5. Prep your donations - In terms of getting donations ready, Emily London says they should be in a good enough condition that you'd be happy to give them to a friend or family member. “Do give clothes a wash but don't worry about ironing them because most charity shops will steam pieces before putting them onto the shop floor,” she says.
6. Don't leave your donations outside if the shop is closed – “Charity shops get into all sorts of trouble with the council for that,” Emily says.

Written by:
Which?
www.which.co.uk/news/article/charity-shops-on-the-rise-tips-for-secondhand-shopping-a8Qpz6f2xRsm

With reference to Emily London - www.emilylondon.co.uk/