Can I procure stock with this strategy?

[Chris0207]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice if anyone can help.

I own a small company selling books via Amazon and eBay. I currently collect the books by making deals with charity shops to buy books they’re not able to sell. I also buy books from individuals and house clearances etc

My idea is to ask members of the public (via a website, advertising, leaflet drops, etc) to donate books to me. The website used to collect the books would be called something like “give the gift of reading”

Not all books are financially viable. Only around 10% of the books I acquire are worth money. The remaining books are not financially viable for sale via amazon etc but are perfectly fine and often very popular new books. My plan would be to sell the 10% or so of the donated books I can make a profit from and distribute the rest to community groups that could make good use of them.

Is this legal? Are there any steps I would need to take to comply with the law?

Thanks

 

[billmccallum1957]

Not a problem, we call it recycling.

We have a shop that does similar, but with all household items & clothing, as well as books.

We donate 20% of profits (minimum) to our local hospital charity.

 

[Mr D]

May find the same books get recycled back through you again. Some stuff even the community groups don't want to read.

 

[Deleted member 59730]

distribute the rest to community groups that could make good use of them.

Good luck! I know several groups who have the same problem. The books you cannot sell will be the ones they already have several of.

 

[Chris0207]

Not a problem, we call it recycling.

We have a shop that does similar, but with all household items & clothing, as well as books.

We donate 20% of profits (minimum) to our local hospital charity.

Thanks for the reply - are there any worries around "impersonating a charity" how clearly do I need to make it that I'm a limited company? I.e. can I have it hidden away somewhere in small print as long as I don't actually say I'm a charity?

 

[billmccallum1957]

We have very large sign that says JK Recycling Limited Supporting James Cook University Hospital.

When we talk to customers, we always tell them we are a private company and we donate a minimum of 20% of all profits to the hospital charity.

The hospital sends out magazines and regular features our donations.