Retail Donation Partner (RDP) Program FAQ

What’s the difference between a year-long partnership and one-time pickup? 
A year-long partnership consists of an exclusive partnership with a local store. Each time a store has donation for pickup your organization will be contacted by the store. A one-time pickup is a single donation from the store to the nonprofit available to all Good360 members on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do I have to be registered with Good360 to participate in the Retail Donation Partner (RDP) Program?
Yes. Only nonprofits registered with Good360 are eligible to participate in the RDP Program.

How can I get paired with a local store to receive donations? 
Go to the Local Pickups section of Good360.org. Once you are in the Local Pickups section type in your zip code to view the available stores who are participating in your area. If you find a retailer whose products your program can use, add the store to your cart by clicking on the Annual Partnership button.

After I sign up, when will I know if I have been partnered with my chosen store?
You will receive an RDP Welcome Kit and an Identification and Authorization Form within a week of your registration. This kit contains all of the instructions you will need to begin the partnership with your store.

Do I contact the store or does the store contact me?
Each retailer differs slightly on how they coordinate with their nonprofit partners. Once you are partnered, you will receive a Welcome Kit that clearly explains the process of beginning your partnership.

Will the donations be delivered to me?
You will pick up donations from your retailer. Select stores that are convenient for you to make regularly scheduled pickups. Discuss the volume of available donations with the store manager so you will know what size vehicle to take to the pickup site.

How often do I have to make a pickup?
Each store is different based on their volume and size of their stockroom. Discuss this with your store manager and create a mutually satisfactory schedule. Be sure the manager has an alternate contact person/phone number for your nonprofit during times that you will be on vacation, or your office is closed for a holiday. Stores generally do not have space to store donations for long periods of time. Make sure a backup person has been assigned to pick up products if you are not able.

What am I allowed to do with the products?
Product donations can be used to serve youth, the ill or the needy, or to assist in the administration of your charity’s programs. You may NOT sell in any manner (including thrift stores), barter, auction, or trade any donated products you receive. Products may not be shared with another nonprofit charity unless granted approval by Good360. Donations cannot be given to volunteers or staff, since items must go directly to those in need. Be sure all employees and clients are aware of all Good360 restrictions and policies.

Do I have to take everything the store gives me?
Yes. If you should receive broken or damaged products on a regular basis, discuss the issue with the manager of the store. If that is unsuccessful, please complete a Retail Donation Partner Program Inquiry Form and fax it to us at the number on the bottom of the form. For more ideas on managing your partnership and communication with store employees, sign up here for the next RDP Webinar.

What types of products will I receive? 
Your donations will consist of nearly anything you will find at your retailers’ store(s). Most will be useable (example: overstock and/or seasonal items, returned merchandise, etc.). It is possible that you will receive limited amounts of fixable items that may need to be laundered and/or repaired before they can be used.

What can I do with products I don't want?
If you receive items that are not useable, you may only dispose of them or share them with another nonprofit serving the ill, needy or youth after obtaining written permission from Good360. Good360 will not approve any organization that is not registered or vetted. Remember you may not sell the items in any manner, auction or raffle them off as prizes. If you are a part of the Framing Hope Program, please refer to these policies as they may differ.

Can I get any extra products in addition to the donations?
No. You may only take products that are offered to you by the store manager and it is not appropriate to request specific items.

Am I assured of a certain amount of products from the store?
Every store has a different inventory and a different level of success in sales. Products given to a nonprofit will vary from store to store and month to month.

Will this store be giving to any other nonprofit?
No. Your organization will be the only Good360 nonprofit assigned to that particular store during the calendar year in which you registered.

How long does my partnership remain in effect?
Your partnership will last 12 months. You will have the option of renewing with the same store 60 days before it expires.

What is the best way to communicate any questions or concerns with my Retail Partnership?
Please call the Good360 main phone number 703-836-2121, or email us at retailpartnership@giftsinkind.org.