Without payment A
give-away shop is a store where all goods are free. They are similar to
charity shops, with mostly second-hand items—except that everything is available at no cost. All goods are freely given away, although some operate a one-in, one-out–type policy (swap shops). Free stores constitute a form of constructive
direct action that provides a shopping alternative to a
monetary framework, allowing people to exchange goods and services outside of a money-based economy. A
free box is a container or location used to allow for people to rid themselves of excess items without the inconvenience of holding a
garage sale. When someone has items they wish to be rid of, but which might be useful to another person, they are set out and given to whoever wants them. If, after a period, no one has claimed the items, the contents of the box may be donated to a charity like
Goodwill or
the Salvation Army. A
clothing swap is a type of
swapmeet where people gather with friends, family, and/or others to share
clothing they no longer wear, and get used clothing they do want. These events are appealing as a fun and social way to refill one's wardrobe, which is also
more affordable, and
more sustainable than buying new. Many items that are considered obsolete and worthless in
developed countries, such as decade-old hand tools and clothes, are donated and provided for free in impoverished communities in the country or in
developing countries. Underdeveloped countries like Zambia are extremely welcoming to donated secondhand clothing. At a time when the country's economy was in severe decline, the used goods provided jobs by keeping "many others busy with repairs and alterations." It has created a type of spin-off economy at a time when many Zambians were out of work. The used garments and materials that were donated to the country also allowed for the production of "a wide range of fabrics" whose imports had been previously restricted. The trade is essentially executed by women who operate their small business based on local associations and networks. Not only does this provide self-employment, but it also increases household income and enhances the economy.
Informal sales A
garage sale is an informal event for the sale of used goods by private individuals, in which sellers are not required to obtain
business licenses or collect
sales tax (though, in some jurisdictions, a permit may be required). Typically the goods in a garage sale are unwanted items from the
household with its owners conducting the sale. The conditions of the goods vary, but they are typically usable. Some of these items are offered for sale because the owner does not want or need the item to minimize their possessions or to raise funds. A
car boot sale is a form of
market at which individuals sell used
household goods and other personal belongings. The term refers to the selling of items from the
boot, or trunk, of a car. While some sellers at car boot sales are professional traders, most of the goods on sale are used personal possessions sold by private individuals. A
jumble sale (UK), "bring and buy" sale (Australia, also UK) or "rummage sale" (US and Canada) is an event at which second hand goods are sold, usually by an
institution such as a local
Boys' Brigade Company,
Scout group,
Girlguiding group or
church, as a
fundraising or
charitable effort. A rummage sale by a church is also sometimes called a church sale or
white elephant sale.
Formal sales A
consignment shop is an American and Canadian term for shops, usually second-hand, that sell used goods for owners (consignors), typically at a lower cost than new goods. In consignment shops, it is usually understood that the
consignee (the seller) pays the
consignor (the person who owns the item) a portion of the proceeds from the sale. Payment is not made until and unless the item sells. Such shops are found around the world. They can be chain stores, like the Buffalo Exchange or individual boutique stores. The consignor retains title to the item and can end the arrangement at any time by requesting its return. A specified time is commonly arranged after which if the item does not sell, the owner is expected to reclaim it (if it is not reclaimed within a specified period, the seller can dispose of the item at discretion). A
charity shop is a
retail establishment run by a
charitable organization to raise money. Charity shops are a type of
social enterprise. They sell mainly used goods such as clothing, books,
collectibles, music albums, shoes, toys, and furniture donated by the public, and are often staffed by volunteers. Because the items for sale were obtained for free, and business costs are low, the items can be sold at competitive prices. After costs are paid, all remaining income from the sales is used in accord with the organization's stated charitable purpose. sites such as
eBay have become a way to sell used goods. ==Product categories==