Hey, why is this stuff for sale?

OK, so one of the questions we get on a regular basis from Non-Profits, is why we are selling some of the nicer items.  Let me explain it simply, and then go into more detail:

We are a business, and in order for us to stay in business (and continue to offer the free stuff) we have to sell things.

OK, here is the more in depth version.  We are what is called a "Social Business" or a "Social Enterprise."  We are really a hybrid between a non-profit and a for-profit company.  Our mission is that of a non-profit, in that we are looking to solve a social problem (reusable items going to the dump), but our structure is that of a for-profit, in that we depend on profits to continue in our mission.  We've often debated that structure, and may change it one day.  There are similar companies to us that are non-profits.  Why have we chosen a "for-profit" status?  Because we have bigger things in mind (muwahahahahaha!), and we have staked our success on our efficiency.

So, with our system, we charge our client a management fee to remove their unneeded items responsibly.  If they need it out fast, we typically post it for free.  If they have time, we will try to sell it, as that money goes back to the client, and helps offset our costs.  This keeps us competitive against less sustainable options, and... keeps us in business.

What makes us tick

This morning I gave a few misc. items to, Esther, a lovely lady who works with people who have AIDS in Africa. She has dedicated her life to improving theirs. She was so grateful for the misc. items I gave her. They were things that one of my previous clients had left behind in the rush of the move.

I'm blessed enough to have lost track of how many times we've been able to do this for organizations like hers. But each time, the gratitude we receive for the work we do is overwhelming. It is so easy to forget about those who have dedicated their lives in the service of others, then you meet somebody like Esther, and the reality of their sacrifice comes rushing back.

It's the Esthers in the world that keep us going.

Thank you Esther.