Charity shop versus second hand shop.

[cassa333]

If a charity doesn't have a trading arm and fundraises in dribs and drabs (like a lot of medium to small charities do) could a member of the charity or someone not conected to it open up what is effectively a charity shop selling second hand stuff donated by the public and then gift the profits to the charity?

Assuming it was all done above board and the shop made true and factual statments on who the profit went to etc could it be called a charity shop or would you have to call it a secondhand shop?

Thank you

[redcrx]

if it wasnt connected to the charity then the shop would be subject to business rates etc. Could be costly.

[cassa333]

That's true Redcrx, but if the business took enough money to pay all the assossiated bills and wages for a couple of people etc and still made a profit it would still be a way to make money for the charity.

However could you still call it a charity shop or would it have to be a secondhand shop?

[redcrx]

it would be a secondhand goods shop. But the general public would think of it as either i suppose

[cassa333]

Could you market it as a charity shop? or would it have to be as a second hand shop that donated profits to charity?

[carmalee]

I don't know but suspect that the concessions charity shops enjoy on rates etc and volunteer staff realise more profit that a second hand shop, subject to full rates and having to pay staff etc could ever hope to raise.

[Barmaid]

I would suggesty you go to the Charity COmmission website there is lots of information.

I am not sure it can be done.

http://www.charity-co.../fundraising/839.aspx

[tamborine]

This has been going for 20+yrs and originally was private 2nd hand furniture business. I recall mention of 10% donation of profits to the charity. It trades as below:

http://www.cylex-uk.c...re-mart-14649633.html