Frequently asked questions - Companies/Donors

Q.  What are the benefits to me as a business?

A.   The benefits are five fold

• Cost reduction - by donating your surplus to people in need it saves on storage costs, prevents the goods going to landfill so reduces waste and disposal costs.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - it allows charities to access valuable resources for distribution to the people they are helping, helping your business deliver CSR goals.
• Tax benefits – it may be possible to offset stock at cost price against taxable profit.
• Environmental - it benefits the environment by helping to reduce the impact of goods being sent to landfill.
• Free - it is an entirely free service so there are no costs involved.

Q.  Why is there no charge?

A.   We believe there should be no barriers to businesses or charities. We want businesses to donate rather than landfill, that’s why it’s a free and simple process – especially in today’s economic climate.

We also know from experience that many community projects and charities have no disposable income; in fact many have no income at all and operate through their dedicated volunteers, so even a small fee could mean goods wouldn’t get to those who most need them.

Q.  I need to clear these goods out in a week.

A.   When you donate your goods through Giving World Online you can set your own deadline.

Charities looking for specific types of goods are automatically alerted when they become available so if your goods match their requests we help you get the message to the right audience quickly. We also offer special distribution services for large volumes and strict deadlines – please get in touch if you need help.

Q.   How do you stop my branded goods going on sale in a charity shop?

A.    We are aware of the sensitive nature of branded goods being resold in the market place and take it very seriously. The idea behind Giving World Online is that the goods go directly to help people in need.

Our registered charities are told when they register that goods are NOT to be resold under any circumstances. Any charity found to break this rule will be taken off our register.

Q.   As a business we choose to support charities working in a specific field, e.g. helping children and young people and the homeless. Can you help me to direct goods to my chosen charities?

A.   When a chaity expresses an interest in your goods, you will be notified of the charity requesting your goods. You can decline any charity you do not want to receive your donated items.

Q.   I want to help charities working in my local area

A.    Once again you can specify this when you register your goods to ensure that only local projects benefit from your donation. We want to encourage businesses and charities to work together at a local level.

Q.    How do I know what difference I am making?

A.    Your business will have access to an online account which details the volume and value of goods you have saved from landfill and the numbers of people helped. This can be used to help illustrate how your business is delivering your corporate social responsibility goals.  

We hope we have answered your questions but if you can’t find the answer to your question please contact us.