Pricing donations can feel daunting when you start volunteering. There’s no need to know everything. These ten habits will help you price fairly and confidently.
1. Look for labels and marks first
Before anything else, check for a label, a maker’s mark on the base, a signature or a model number. These tell you what the item is, and what it is worth depends on exactly that.
2. Check condition carefully
Look for chips, stains, missing parts and wear. Condition makes a big difference to price, and buyers will notice.
3. Use sold prices, not asking prices
If you look an item up online, use prices it has actually sold for, not what others are asking.
4. Compare like with like
Make sure you compare the same item, in the same size and similar condition. A single cup isn’t the same as a full set.
5. Follow your shop’s pricing rules
Most charities have guidance on how to price. Follow it every time, even when you are busy, so prices stay fair across the shop.
6. Don’t price from memory of what things cost new
Retail prices are a poor guide to second-hand value. A £100 shirt from a high-street shop may sell for £8 second hand, while some old items are worth far more now than when they were new.
7. Round to a simple price
Prices such as £4.50 or £12 are quicker to pay and easier to read than £4.37.
8. Set aside anything unusual
If an item seems special, old, signed, designer or unusual, put it to one side and ask the manager. It’s always fine to check.
9. Be honest about fakes
If something might be a copy of a designer brand, don’t price it as genuine. Ask for a second opinion.
10. Don’t worry about getting every price perfect
The aim is fair and consistent, not perfect. A sensible price today is better than a perfect price next week.
A little help goes a long way
PricedRight makes these habits easy. Take a photo, and the app recognises the item, checks what it sold for, and gives you one price for the tag, with your charity’s rules already applied. Big buttons, plain words, and help on every screen.