In many frugal living blogs people say that one of the best way to receive income is by selling your old stuffs on Craigslist or eBay. In their term, it is ‘Cash Your Crap’ to become debt free. While at times it is useful and it is what is needed. But giving in life has some meaning too. If you are wealthy or rich, you are so because the society helped you become one. Naturally then, you should try to give back to the society as much as you can, you may not agree, but I do feel that way.
By garage sales, selling on eBay or Craigslist will earn money, but what if you are not in debt, your car and student loans are paid off, you don’t run a balance on your credit card? Probably you will not be interested in selling your used items.
This is where the donation or giving away for free comes in to the picture. There are few benefits which are common to both donations and resales.
Your home will be less cluttered. In the process of identifying goods to get rid off , you may uncover a hidden gem etc.
Here’s why I think Donate is a better option
1. Goodwill and salvation army are most trusted names. : almost 90% of all donation goes to the needy. as per Goodwill mission statement “To provide to people with barriers to employment – particularly those with disabilities – an array of quality vocational and educational services so that they can work most independently.” 2. Feeling of giving: These donation stores work for disabled and poor people. Your clothing donation can make a big difference in the lives of children and adults in need. Let me re iterate one of the campaigns from Goodwill. “your pair of jeans gave me my first job”. When you donate, you change lives. 3. Takes less time : When you donate, either you call a Salvation Army pickup or you drive to nearest Goodwill store. You do not have to spend hours listing your item on eBay or Craigslist, replying to mails, attending to buyers visiting your home or monitoring the bidding process etc. You can get rid of your clutter in less time. 4. This is environment friendly: You sure prevent more landfills by donating. Less garbage is helping mother earth. How good it feels? 5. Helps in building your own, or your company’s brand: If you are a registered donor at Goodwill it will improve your own brand and your organization’s brand as well, if you advertise. 6. Get discounts at merchants: Many local and big name brands gives a discount if you donate to Goodwill. One example is Levi’s. You need to get a receipt of your donation to claim this discount. |
Readers, let me know what is your preference. On one side you can earn a few bucks, and on other, you can help people of this world, which gives you more satisfaction? Do post your comments.
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I agree that it is much easier to donate to Goodwill or Salvation Army – it can take quite a bit of time to list items on ebay, then ship the items, etc. I think we do a bit of a mix – some items we donate (furniture or toys) while some items we sell on ebay (mostly kid’s brand names that I know will sell well).
this could be a good strategy
Located your site through Stumbleupon. You know I am subscribing to your rss.
Thank you Rosina!
Ich mag das aktuelle Theme. Wirklich schoen klar und aufgeraeumt.
Google translate helped me in translating this from German to English, thanks for your comment, glad you liked the theme.
Waste Management of Los Angeles is teaming up with the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) for the ‘Bag your Shoes’ campaign happening now! The goal is to collect 1,000 pairs of shoes! Come down and “recycle” your shoes, see you at the game!
[...] to donate these “prized” possession to Goodwill or the Salvation Army? Think twice – you don’t want to draw undue wrath (often silently, you won’t even [...]
[...] to donate these “prized” possession to Goodwill or the Salvation Army? Think twice – you don’t want to draw undue wrath (often silently, you won’t even [...]
[...] would not want to wear in normal circumstances.Planning to donate these “prized” possession to Goodwill or the Salvation Army? Think twice – you don’t want to draw undue wrath (often silently, you won’t even be able to [...]