Charity shops move into eBay sales

EBay today launched a service for charities to sell second hand goods online.

The move could boost business for high street charity shops faced with increased costs and deflated prices, Cancer Research UK said.

The scheme will give charities access to the 10 million people registered with the online auction site.

In addition, individuals selling goods on eBay now have the option of donating between 10% and 100% of the final sale price to a nominated charity.

EBay will continue to charge listing fees to sellers and charities for each item put up for sale.

It will donate all the final value fee to the charities once their sales are complete.

Sellers can choose to make their donations eligible for Gift Aid, adding an extra 28% to their charity donation.

Simon Ledsham, retail director of Cancer Research UK, welcomed the scheme, saying it would boost fundraising and help attract new donors.

He said: “The future for medium to large charity shop chains in the face of price deflation and increased costs is to change business.”

BBC Children in Need is the first charity to sign up for the new eBay scheme. Others are now able to register.

Mark Lewis, head of charity at eBay, said: “Until now, many charities have had to rely on shops on the high street and passing trade to raise money directly from consumers.

“This innovative new platform effectively enables charities to open a permanent shop on every desktop, enabling small and large organisations alike to benefit from charitable contributions 24/7.”

A list of eBay for charity-registered organisations will go live on the site next month.