Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is WebThriftStore?
WebThriftStore is an online thrift shop. You can donate almost any goods to any of our partner charities. Sales proceeds go the charity (charities) you designate. You can deliver a purchased item directly to the buyer (if you are local to one another) or via USPS shipping. WebThriftStore generates a prepaid mailing label for you to print, and USPS will pick the item up for free.
USPS will even deliver you free shipping supplies. Go order some FREE supplies right now!
USPS will even deliver you free shipping supplies. Go order some FREE supplies right now!
What are the fees to charities for using WebThriftStore?
There are no start-up or membership fees for charities to use WebThriftStore. After a sale, a charity pays back 20% of the sale to WebThriftStore. This 20% pays credit card transaction fees, some shipping fees, supports paid marketing, and defrays customer support and other operational costs. WebThriftStore is also free for donors and buyers. There are no membership fees.
Do you pick up donations?
No, but USPS picks up sold donations for free--at least, the ones that can be sent through the mail. Click here to schedule a pickup.
You can also list your donation as available for local pickup. So if your buyer is nearby, the buyer can arrange to receive the item directly from you.
You can also list your donation as available for local pickup. So if your buyer is nearby, the buyer can arrange to receive the item directly from you.
How does WebThriftStore work?
A donor lists a donation on a charity's WebThriftStore page and sets a purchase price.
A buyer's payment goes to the charity.
The donor delivers the item to the buyer, the charity gets the money, and the donor receives an acknowledgment letter for tax purposes.
A buyer's payment goes to the charity.
The donor delivers the item to the buyer, the charity gets the money, and the donor receives an acknowledgment letter for tax purposes.
What problems does WebThriftStore solve?
WebThriftStore solves many problems:
- Clutter: All of us accumulate valuable goods we no longer need. WebThriftStore converts clutter into charity.
- Waste: Sometimes, it can be too much trouble (and no reward) to find someone who values our old stuff, so we throw it away--but we feel wasteful and guilty. WebThriftStore helps donors feel good about recycling clutter into value to others.
- Lost Value: When valuable goods sit unused, the value they could bring to somebody else is lost. WebThriftStore helps extend the value of goods you no longer need.
- Donor Fatigue: For charities, soliciting donors is expensive, and everyone has heard the same requests over and over. WebThriftStore provides a new way to tap new donors and new donations.
- Asking for Cash is a Conversation Ender: For every user who clicks on a Donate button and enters a credit card number, there are many more who disengage. Donating stuff we no longer want serves donors' self-interests. Fewer will disengage.
- Thrift Stores are Inconvenient and Inefficient: Thrift stores require significant resources to receive, store, process, and retail in-kind donations (not to mention to dispose of unsold donations). Traveling to a thrift store is inconvenient, and what's on hand in it is uncertain.
- Nonprofits Cannot Handle In-Kind Donations: People want to donate valuable goods to worthwhile causes, but very few nonprofits can handle in-kind donations. Charities want money, not goods.
What Web browsers does WebThriftStore support?
WebThriftStore works reliably with all major browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari. In general, if you are using the most recent or next-most-recent version of a major browser, everything will work as expected.
Please note that the minimum supported version of Internet Explorer, due to changes in that browser's design, is version 8. You may experience problems with IE7 and earlier.
Please note that the minimum supported version of Internet Explorer, due to changes in that browser's design, is version 8. You may experience problems with IE7 and earlier.
In what countries do you operate?
Currently we only operate in the U.S.
For Donors
What can I donate?
You can donate almost anything. Donations must be tangible goods (not services).
At this time, WebThriftStore cannot accept cars, boats, or planes priced greater than $500.00, due to an IRS requirement to file a Form 1098-C for such donations.
Each charity has the discretion to disallow any item donated. For instance, if you donate a mink coat to an animal rights organization, they will surely remove that listing.
There is also a list of things that are not allowed at all on WebThriftStore:
At this time, WebThriftStore cannot accept cars, boats, or planes priced greater than $500.00, due to an IRS requirement to file a Form 1098-C for such donations.
Each charity has the discretion to disallow any item donated. For instance, if you donate a mink coat to an animal rights organization, they will surely remove that listing.
There is also a list of things that are not allowed at all on WebThriftStore:
- Recalled Products (any products recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission are prohibited)
- Unauthorized (Pirated) Copies of Media (music, movies, TV shows, photos, radio programs, concerts, software, video games, etc.)
- Replicas of trademarked items (counterfeit and "knock-off" items)
- Adult and Pornographic Products
- Firearms, Ammunition, and Weapons
- Stock and Securities
- Lottery Tickets
- Illicit Drugs
- Unauthorized/Illegal Wildlife Products (including illegal animal byproducts - skins, organs, tissue, bones, feathers, etc. - of endangered species)
- Stolen Goods
- Professional Services
Are there minimum or maximum prices?
Yes. There is a $5.00 minimum and a $5,000.00 maximum. The minimum is because $5.00 is really the lowest price that will benefit your selected charity. The maximum is because the IRS requires an appraisal for any donation valued over $5,000.00.
How should I price my donation?
We suggest the price you would be willing to pay if you needed this item. You can also look up current prices for your item (or similar ones) on eBay, Amazon, Google shopping, etc.
List either the "fair market value" or an even lower price. (A bargain will motivate a buyer and help your item sell.) Remember, this is for charity!
True, the higher the price is, the more money might go to a good cause, and the more you can claim as a tax deduction. Still, if no one buys your item, it remains yours. Then no money goes to charity and you receive no tax deduction. So set an attractive price.
List either the "fair market value" or an even lower price. (A bargain will motivate a buyer and help your item sell.) Remember, this is for charity!
True, the higher the price is, the more money might go to a good cause, and the more you can claim as a tax deduction. Still, if no one buys your item, it remains yours. Then no money goes to charity and you receive no tax deduction. So set an attractive price.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Once your donation is purchased and the buyer has taken final possession (no refund), the sales price is 100% tax-deductible.
Can I donate used, broken or items in poor condition?
Yes. If someone might buy it, please donate it. You must clearly disclose the condition of your item. If it is worn or damaged, add a photo showing this. If you are not clear, your item may be returned. Then nobody will benefit from your donation.
Can I donate new items?
Of course!
Can I donate major items, like cars and boats?
Yes, but there is a maximum asking price of $500.00 for cars, boats, and planes, due to the IRS requirement to file a Form 1098-C for such donations. For any other items, the maximum asking price is $5,000.00, because the IRS requires an appraisal for any donation over that amount.
How do I donate an item?
Click Donate Stuff and use our product search engine to find whatever you are donating. If there is a match, just select it. WebThriftStore will build most of the listing for you. If not, you can also start with a blank donation form. Either way, make certain all the basic information is correct, and don't forget to include at least one picture.
You also need to list your donation's condition and price.
Finally, specify delivery options and delivery timeline for your purchased donation.
Now you are ready to click Post Item for Sale. WebThriftStore will help you spread the word about your donation to friends, family, and acquaintances via Facebook, Twitter, and email. The more people you tell, the more likely it is that your donation will benefit your chosen charity.
You also need to list your donation's condition and price.
Finally, specify delivery options and delivery timeline for your purchased donation.
Now you are ready to click Post Item for Sale. WebThriftStore will help you spread the word about your donation to friends, family, and acquaintances via Facebook, Twitter, and email. The more people you tell, the more likely it is that your donation will benefit your chosen charity.
What if my item is different than those in the search results?
WebThriftStore provides the search tool to make donating as easy as possible for you. If you cannot find an accurate match, don't worry: you can create a listing from scratch using a blank form Similarly, if the search is good, but the product image is not, you can upload and substitute another image.
Can I auction my stuff on WebThriftStore?
No, WebThriftStore does not host auctions. Donors are here to help charities, and buyers are here to find good bargains with no fuss (just like buyers at brick-and-mortar thrift shops). A straight sale at the right price means everybody wins, and it keeps things simple.
Can I only donate a portion of the proceeds and keep some for myself?
No. The sale price of your donation is 100% deductible, but that's because 100% of the sales price is payable to the charity, not to you.
Can I choose which charity my donation benefits?
Yes. Each charity has its own, dedicated WebThriftStore page where you can click Donate Stuff to support it. Visit the WebThriftStore homepage to browse our nonprofit partners.
If a charity I want to support is not listed on WebThriftStore, how can I help get it listed?
Please send us an email: partners@webthriftstore.com. We will contact the charity and ask them to join our network.
How do I know when someone has purchased my donation?
WebThriftStore sends you an email automatically when your donation has been purchased.
When do I get a receipt for tax purposes?
Due to WebThriftStore's 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee, your tax receipt will not be available until 30 days have passed. (If your buyer returns the item, you will receive an adjustment notification and WebThriftStore will attempt to find another buyer.)
Once 30 days have passed, an acknowledgment letter (that you use as a tax receipt) is available for your donation. To retrieve your tax receipt:
Once 30 days have passed, an acknowledgment letter (that you use as a tax receipt) is available for your donation. To retrieve your tax receipt:
- Log into your WebThriftStore account. Your profile appears.
- Scroll down to the Items Sold section.
- Click on any sold item; the item's detailed view page appears.
- Click the View Receipt button. The Sales Receipt Page appears.
- Click Download Tax Receipt. Your receipt will open in a new tab/window.
What value can I claim on my taxes?
For new items, you can claim the retail price.
For most used items, such as used consumer electronics and household items, the IRS usually accepts the price of an open-market sale as establishment of the FMV (Fair Market Value). See the instructions to IRS Form 8283, which say in part: "FMV is the price a willing, knowledgeable buyer would pay a willing, knowledgeable seller when neither has to buy or sell….A good measure of value might be the price that buyers of these used items actually pay in consignment or thrift shops. You can also review classified ads in the newspaper or on the Internet to see what similar products sell for."
There are exceptions, especially for vehicles and donations like stock and artwork that often result in capital gains (making a profit) when sold. If you have donated items like these or have other questions, it is best to consult with your tax advisor. Remember that while WebThriftStore works to ensure that all information on our site is correct as reported, it is not tax advice on which you should rely legally.
For most used items, such as used consumer electronics and household items, the IRS usually accepts the price of an open-market sale as establishment of the FMV (Fair Market Value). See the instructions to IRS Form 8283, which say in part: "FMV is the price a willing, knowledgeable buyer would pay a willing, knowledgeable seller when neither has to buy or sell….A good measure of value might be the price that buyers of these used items actually pay in consignment or thrift shops. You can also review classified ads in the newspaper or on the Internet to see what similar products sell for."
There are exceptions, especially for vehicles and donations like stock and artwork that often result in capital gains (making a profit) when sold. If you have donated items like these or have other questions, it is best to consult with your tax advisor. Remember that while WebThriftStore works to ensure that all information on our site is correct as reported, it is not tax advice on which you should rely legally.
Will I have to file any extra tax forms?
Maybe. If you are very generous and you donate items that total more than $500 in sales for a single year, you may need to file an IRS form 8283 to claim your full deduction. This form supplements Schedule A (Itemized Deductions).
Don't worry! If you go over $500 in donations, WebThriftStore will provide you a courtesy reminder and a report to help you complete form 8283.
Also, if you have any questions, don't forget to double check with your tax advisor before filing.
Don't worry! If you go over $500 in donations, WebThriftStore will provide you a courtesy reminder and a report to help you complete form 8283.
Also, if you have any questions, don't forget to double check with your tax advisor before filing.
What if no one buys my item, can I still get a tax deduction?
No. In order to be tax deductible, your item has to be purchased, and the buyer has to take possession of it.
What if I need to change or delete my listing?
All your postings are listed in your profile, which you can visit by clicking on your name after logging into WebThriftStore. You can cancel or modify a listing at any time.
If an item has been purchased but you cannot honor the sale, please email support@webthriftstore.com.
If an item has been purchased but you cannot honor the sale, please email support@webthriftstore.com.
What if someone returns an item I've donated?
All items purchased on WebThriftStore carry a 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee that requires an item must be substantially as described. If it is not, WebThriftStore will accept a return and refund the buyer's money. WebThriftStore will also re-post your donation and try to find another buyer. If we find one, we will update you. If we cannot find a buyer (even a liquidator), we will responsibly recycle or dispose of the item.
What are acceptable reasons for return under WebThriftStore's 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee?
The 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee protects the buyer in the event an item is significantly not as described (SNAD). Reasons the buyer can claim a refund include:
- Wrong Item: the item delivered is not the item offered, or is inauthentic.
- Incomplete: the item does not include everything offered, or the quantity offered.
- Inaccurate: the item delivered does not match the description in the offer.
- Condition: the item's condition is clearly worse than offered.
- Omission: the offer omitted key details that reduce the item's expected value.
- Defective: the item delivered is defective.
As long as you avoid any such mistakes in your listing, you can be confident that your donation will sell, be kept, and be appreciated.
Note that buyer's regret ("I changed my mind," "I don't like it," "I found a better deal," etc.) is not an acceptable reason for return under the 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee, and WebThriftStore does not honor buyer's regret return requests.
Note that buyer's regret ("I changed my mind," "I don't like it," "I found a better deal," etc.) is not an acceptable reason for return under the 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee, and WebThriftStore does not honor buyer's regret return requests.
Who pays for shipping?
The buyer pays for shipping.
How do I get shipping supplies?
The USPS will provide you free shipping supplies. It will even deliver them to you for free. Just click the link to order some FREE supplies right now!
Do I need to go to the Post Office to mail my donation?
No. WebThriftStore creates a prepaid shipping label that you print and affix to your package. You can hand the package to your USPS mail carrier, leave it in your mailbox, drop it in a USPS Collection Box, or even click here to schedule a pickup.
What about the "13 oz. rule"? The mailbox says that items weighing over 13 oz. must be brought to the Post Office.
The 13 oz. rule applies to items over 13 oz. bearing only stamps as postage. As long as you use the prepaid label created by WebThriftStore, you do not need to bring your package to the Post Office.
What if I listed the wrong size or weight for my package?
To print prepaid labels, do I need a special printer, special paper, printable labels, or special software?
No. You can print the prepaid mailing label on plain paper and tape it to your package.
Can I reprint a shipping label?
Yes. You can (re)print the prepaid label as many times as you need, but you can only use it once. To reprint a shipping label, return to the item in your profile page and click on it. Then reprint the label the same way you printed it the first time.
Can my item be shipped by a different carrier than USPS, e.g. UPS or FedEx?
No, you can only ship WebThriftStore purchases via USPS--but that's because we want your shipping experience to be as easy as possible, including having free shipping supplies delivered to you and having no-fuss shipping options.
Can I charge a buyer for handling or other unanticipated expenses?
No. Any legitimate/unforeseen costs associated with making a donation (such as travel expenses) can be listed as part of the value of the contribution for tax purposes. Please check with your tax advisor for specific details.
What happens if a buyer never picks up an item or a shipment is returned to me?
If a buyer refuses to take possession of an item during local delivery under the 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee, then it is still your property (no sale). You can re-list the donation.
If a shipment is returned to you as undeliverable, check the item's status in your profile. If the status is "Refunded," the sale is canceled, but you can re-list the donation. If the status is "Shipped," inform the buyer that the package was returned as undeliverable. Check with USPS for any explanation as to why it was returned. You can also contact shipping@webthriftstore.com for assistance.
If an item is in your possession, it cannot be claimed as a donation for tax purposes.
If a shipment is returned to you as undeliverable, check the item's status in your profile. If the status is "Refunded," the sale is canceled, but you can re-list the donation. If the status is "Shipped," inform the buyer that the package was returned as undeliverable. Check with USPS for any explanation as to why it was returned. You can also contact shipping@webthriftstore.com for assistance.
If an item is in your possession, it cannot be claimed as a donation for tax purposes.
For Buyers
Is my purchase tax deductible?
No, only donations are tax deductible. If you buy on WebThriftStore, we thank you--but you are receiving goods in return for your money. So your purchase is not a charitable gift. On the other hand, feel good: your money is going to a charity and playing the key role in turning a donor's in-kind gift into cash for that charity.
Whom do I ask questions about an item?
Contact the donor directly by clicking the donor's "Ask a Question" link. If you have a general question that others might also have, you can post it in the comments area of the item's listing.
Can I choose which charity my payment benefits?
Yes, by shopping on the WebThriftStore page devoted to your preferred charity.
If a charity I want to support is not listed on WebThriftStore, how can I help get it listed?
Please send an email to partners@webthriftstore.com. We will contact the charity and ask them to join our network.
Can the donor make me pay any additional charges?
No. Never pay additional charges. Remember, WebThriftStore can only refund the purchase price paid through WebThriftStore. We cannot verify or refund anything else for any reason. Contact support@webthriftstore.com if you have a problem completing a purchase, but never pay anything other the price plus shipping, as listed on WebThriftStore.
Where can I leave feedback about a donor?
WebThriftStore is not like eBay or Amazon. We encourage repeat donors, but WebThriftStore is not trying to create "Power Sellers." Remember, WebThriftStore "sellers" are actually charitable donors who are not here to make any personal profit.
You can leave comments about a particular item in the comments sections at the bottom of its listing--especially nice comments.
If you have purchase difficulties, please contact the donor first and directly. Because donors are not here to make a profit, they are usually helpful and courteous.
If you have a problem you cannot resolve with the donor, please send us an email at support@webthriftstore.com.We are here to support you.
You can leave comments about a particular item in the comments sections at the bottom of its listing--especially nice comments.
If you have purchase difficulties, please contact the donor first and directly. Because donors are not here to make a profit, they are usually helpful and courteous.
If you have a problem you cannot resolve with the donor, please send us an email at support@webthriftstore.com.We are here to support you.
What if I receive a damaged shipment?
We are very sorry if your item was damaged in transit. Please send us an email at shipping@webthriftstore.com to initiate a claim. Our staff will contact you and we will file a claim together. Remember: to process a claim successfully, you need to retain not just the item, but the packaging in which it was shipped, damaged, etc. Keep everything, please!
How do I track a shipment?
WebThriftStore creates a prepaid shipping when you pay. The donor's printing that label generates a tracking number. WebThriftStore will automatically email you the tracking number and a link to the USPS tracking page.
You can also find a tracking number on your profile page. After logging into WebThriftStore, find the item under Items Bought. Click on the item to see its detailed view. If there is a tracking number, there will also be a link to the package status.
If you have the tracking number, you can also enter it directly on the USPS tracking page.
You can also find a tracking number on your profile page. After logging into WebThriftStore, find the item under Items Bought. Click on the item to see its detailed view. If there is a tracking number, there will also be a link to the package status.
If you have the tracking number, you can also enter it directly on the USPS tracking page.
What if the promised ship date has passed and my item hasn't shipped?
If your item has not shipped within a week, regardless of the estimated time in its listing, please begin by contacting the donor directly. If the donor is unresponsive, please email support@webthriftstore.com.
What if my delivery confirmation number shows a "Delivered" status, but I have not received it?
USPS will not normally deliver a package in an unsecure or unauthorized manner. If your package is marked delivered, but it is not in your mailbox and nobody you know received it, please email shipping@webthriftstore.com. We will initiate an inquiry with USPS.
Can I return an item I've purchased on WebThriftStore?
Yes. Purchases made at a normal thrift shop cannot be returned, but WebThriftStore not a normal thrift store: we're the WebThriftStore. Because you cannot inspect an item before paying for it, WebThriftStore offers a 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee. This means that, within 30 days from the date of purchase, if an item is significantly not what you expected based upon its description, you can return it for a full refund of the sale price.
You cannot return an item just because you change your mind. Remember, this is for charity!
You cannot return an item just because you change your mind. Remember, this is for charity!
What are the reasons I can return a purchase for refund under WebThriftStore's 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee?
The 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee protects you in the event an item is significantly not as described (SNAD). Reasons that you can claim a refund include:
- Wrong Item: the item delivered is not the item offered, or is inauthentic.
- Incomplete: the item does not include everything offered, or the quantity offered.
- Inaccurate: the item delivered does not match the description in the offer.
- Condition: the item's condition is clearly worse than offered.
- Omission: the offer omitted key details that reduce the item's expected value.
- Defective: the item delivered is defective.
Note that buyer's regret ("I changed my mind," "I don't like it," "I found a better deal," etc.) is not an acceptable reason for return.
If you are accepting local delivery for an item, please note that you must inspect the item before taking possession of it and (if necessary) exercise your rights under the 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee by not accepting delivery. Once you have accepted delivery in person, WebThriftStore can only honor the Guarantee for reasons you could not reasonably determine at the time you took possession (typically, that the item is defective but could not be tested at the time of delivery).
If you are accepting local delivery for an item, please note that you must inspect the item before taking possession of it and (if necessary) exercise your rights under the 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee by not accepting delivery. Once you have accepted delivery in person, WebThriftStore can only honor the Guarantee for reasons you could not reasonably determine at the time you took possession (typically, that the item is defective but could not be tested at the time of delivery).
How do I return an item I've purchased on WebThriftStore?
To initiate a return request, please email returns@webthriftstore.com. In your email, indicate the reason for your return (under the 30-Day Buyer Assurance Guarantee). Our staff will contact you to arrange your refund and any return shipment details.
How do I get return shipping supplies?
The USPS will provide you free shipping supplies. It will even deliver them to you for free. Just click the link to order some FREE supplies right now!
Who pays for return shipping?
We do. Once your return is approved, WebThriftStore will provide you a prepaid shipping label.