MissionFish - The way to fundraise on eBay

The Iain Rennie Hospice (eBay ID iain_rennie_hospice) has been trading on eBay for Charity since its launch in 2005. Their sales on eBay for Charity are now similar to that of one of their physical shops, and they make an 85% net profit on these sales.
Selling on eBay for Charity
Five of the Iain Rennie Hospice shops now regularly select items to send to Lesley Blencowe and her dedicated team of three volunteers who manage the online shop from their central office. Lesley explains this has taken some time and education to achieve.
Initially shops assumed that if they sent items to her, they would have less money for the shop. This issue has been overcome by re-crediting the individual shops for the money generated from the sale of the items they sent. "This way it is fair to the shop managers."
All items start at 99p to encourage the bidding. Lesley points out that it is important not to get too worried about the perceived value of an item, "it is worth what anyone will pay for it". And if someone gets a good deal they will feel good and are more likely to come back and spend again. Iain Rennie now has a regular clientele, including a lady in the States who is always buying cards from them.
Results to date
eBay reaches a global market and this has allowed the Iain Rennie Hospice to sell items that might not be bought in the traditional shops. Recently a Toby Jug went for £250 on their site to a man who had been looking for that specific jug for his collection! "The chances of him walking past one of our shops is minute, this is why eBay is much better" explains Lesley's assistant.
As well as these financial benefits, selling on eBay means that the hospice gets their charity work know outside their regular supporter base and this is invaluable publicity for them.

Some Tips from Iain Rennie

'Wrap, wrap and wrap again' – make sure items are safe in post
Pride yourself on great customer care, it will increase customer retention and newcomers know they are dealing with a trustworthy charity
Create an eBay store
Include your charity newsletter or other information in with the item
Encourage shops to get involved, without them there is nothing to sell!
Get a company credit card
Keep the starting price low to entice bidders

The way for your charity to raise funds on eBay

Iain Rennie Hospice at Home

Selling on eBay for Charity

Results to date

Some Tips from Iain Rennie

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