FAQ

Question: What is Second Chance Giving?

We turn your unwanted items into charitable donations. You donate your items, we sell or auction them, and then we donate a percentage of the net proceeds to the charity, non-profit, or GoFundMe of your choice. 

Question: Do I receive money for my donated items?

No. By donating items to Second Chance Giving, ownership transfers to us. We sell the items and donate a portion of the net proceeds to the charity or cause you selected.

Question: Why do people use Second Chance Giving?

No garage sales

No online listings

No meeting strangers

No negotiating prices

You choose the charity

We do the work

Question: How is this different from traditional thrift stores and resale shops?

Traditional thrift stores support a single organization. With Second Chance Giving, you choose exactly where the proceeds from your donated items go. 

Question: How much of the sale goes to my chosen cause?

50% of the net proceeds from each item sold is donated to the charity, nonprofit, or approved fundraising campaign you select.  Donations are made by Second Chance Giving in honor of the donor.  Net proceeds are calculated after applicable selling costs such as marketplace fees, shipping, and processing fees.

Question: How long does it take for my chosen organization to receive a donation?

Donations are typically made within 60 days after all related sales have been finalized. This allows time for returns, payment processing, and combining proceeds from multiple sales into a single donation.

Question: How do you determine the selling price of my items?

We use current market data, online resale trends, and past sales to set an initial listing price. If requested, we can work with donors to agree on a starting price before listing. Our goal is to price items competitively, so they sell in a reasonable timeframe while maximizing proceeds for your chosen cause. 

Question: How does Second Chance Giving decide where and how to sell my items?

The method of sale is determined at our sole discretion, based on what we believe will generate the best return of each item. Our goal is always to maximize proceeds for your designated cause.

We choose the sales channel we believe will produce the best return, based on current demand and historical performance.

Your items may be sold through:

Online marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace, etc.)

Local auction houses

Direct sale to a reputable dealer (e.g., coins, collectibles, jewelry)

Question: Is this a non-profit organization? 

No. We’re a for-profit business with a mission to support charitable giving. We take a percentage from each sale to cover operations, and the rest goes to the cause you designate. 

Question: What types of items do you accept?

We accept high-quality items with a minimum estimated resale value of $20 each. This includes designer clothing, electronics, collectibles, antiques, small furniture, and more. We do not accept broken, bulky, or low-value items. 

Question: Is there a minimum number of items required to schedule a pickup?

Yes, we require a minimum of five qualifying items per pickup. 

Question: Do you pick up items for free?

Yes, local pickups in Portage, MI are free with the required minimum number of items. 

Question: Do you accept vehicles, boats, or RVs?

At this time, we do not accept cars, boats, RVs, trailers, or other titled vehicles. These items are often difficult to sell, involve title transfers, and require additional resources we currently don’t offer. We focus on smaller items that are easier to handle and deliver faster results for the causes you support.

Question: Can I choose more than one charity per donation?

Yes! You can select multiple charities, but there is a minimum of 5 items per organization for each pickup.

For example, if you want to support 2 organizations, you’ll need to donate at least 10 items total—5 items for each charity. 

Question: What happens to my personal information?

Your data is secure. We only use your contact info to coordinate pickups, track sales, and issue donation summaries. We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties.

Question: How do I know my donation was made?

If requested, we’ll send you a donation summary via email after your item sells, including: 

Final sale price

Name of the supported charity 

Proof of donation (receipt, confirmation email, or screenshot) 

Question: What if I don't know who I want to support?

No problem! We offer a curated list of popular local and national charities to help you decide. This list includes animal rescues, veteran services, food banks, schools, and more. 

Question: Do you come inside to pick up items?

No. For safety and liability reasons, we do not enter homes.

Please have items clearly labeled and placed on your front porch or just inside an open garage door at the scheduled pickup time.

We appreciate your help in making the pickup process safe and efficient.

Question: Do I need to clean or prepare my items?

Items should be clean, in working condition, and ready for resale.  This helps us sell them faster and maximize proceeds for your cause.

Question: Can I get a tax receipt for my donation?

Because we are not a nonprofit organization, we do not issue tax-deductible receipts. However, you can receive a summary of your item's sale and the donation made to your chosen cause.

Question: How does the item selling process work?

For items listed online for sale, we start with a competitive price and reduce it by 25% of the current price every 7 days (rounded to the nearest dollar) until it reaches a minimum sale price of $20.  Note: Every item listed online will remain active for at least 30 days before it is considered for delisting.

Some items—such as collectibles, coins, or high-value pieces—may be sold through auctions or directly to reputable dealers, which follow a different sales process.

This pricing strategy for online listings helps us sell items in a timely manner while maximizing proceeds for your chosen cause.

Question: Can Second Chance Giving refuse or reject items at the time of pickup?

Yes. We reserve the right to decline any items during pickup that do not meet our quality standards, minimum value requirements, or accepted item categories.

This policy helps us focus on items that will sell well and maximize donations to your chosen causes.

Question: What happens if my items don’t sell?

While we work hard to sell every item at the best price, some items may ultimately remain unsold.

Please note that unsold items are not returned and may be donated, recycled, or otherwise responsibly disposed of at the sole discretion of Second Chance Giving.