How to Start a Reuse Center

The nonprofit East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse presents a panel discussion, funded by StopWaste, on How to Open a Reuse Store in Your Community!

Tues. April 22, 5:30-7:00pm at the Depot Store, 4695 Telegraph Ave, Oakland CA.

Topics of discussion:

· Facility and location consideration: Zize of space, type of neighborhood. Is a loading dock necessary? How much storage space?

· Non-profit or not? Fiscal sponsor model can be used while you wait for 501(c)3 confirmation.

· Staffing vs volunteers: Paid, volunteer, or hybrid?

· Best methods to secure donations: Announcing in neighborhood publications, contacting local businesses, alliances with non-competitive entities.

· How to display merchandise: Best practices for attractiveness, organization, and accessibility. How to turn merchandise quickly and make your real estate earn more revenue.

· Marketing: Communicating with your customers regularly to build anticipation and encourage return customers.

· Pricing: methods, sources, research, knowing your clientele, and trial and error.

· Financial management: best practices, fiscal responsibility, and knowing the laws.

Panelists:

Chrise d'Tournay Birkhahn (Moderator), Zero Waste and Sustainability Consultant and Educator; Chair of the City of Berkeley Zero Waste Commission; East Bay Depot Board Member

William Barros, Depot Manager for SCRAP, San Francisco

Brooke Levin, East Bay Depot volunteer and former Director of City of Oakland Public Works

Anna Oliver, East Bay Depot Store Manager

Max Wechsler, Vice President of Sales, Pacific Reclaimed Lumber & Supply; former Operations Director, Urban Ore
Admission is free when you register on EventBrite, but seating is limited so if you reserve a spot and find that you can’t attend, please cancel your reservation.

Host or Publisher East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse