Animal Welfare Professionals

We run a Thrift Store that supports our shelter and our board president has questioned if ethically we should allow our employees and volunteers to shop. What are your policies or thoughts on this topic? 

Absolutely!  We sell merchandise at our shelter that our staff & volunteers buy, which isn't the same thing, but revenue is revenue.  If your staff and volunteers are paying the same price as customers, then there shouldn't be a problem and that is still money for your shelter and the animals.

I don't think it's a problem as long as you have guidelines in place that allows the public to have equal access to the merchandise. In other words, employees can't hold things. Maybe have them wait a week before they are allowed to buy the newest merchandise. This way it allows the public too buy it first.

If it is done fairly (multiple definitions) why would this be an issue?

As long as they are paying what everyone else is paying, I don't see an issue. We have one in-house and our only rules are 1) you have to pay when you take stuff (no taking stuff now and paying later) and 2) if you see something come in that you want that is going in the thrift shop and isn't priced yet, item has to be priced by folks who normally price things for thrift shop (you can't price for yourself). 

We are interested in opening a thrift store to support our organization. Do you have any tips for getting started?

I agree with allowing employees to shop. In the interest of transparency and the outlier complaint it might be useful for those who donate to suggest prices (especially for high value items such as collectibles and antiques) and have items available at your store for a set amount of time prior to an employees option to purchase.