How do I thank and inform my thrift store’s donors and volunteers about a sale?
Tell volunteers and regular donors yourself, early and plainly, once the sale is certain enough to share. Thank them for specific things they did. Explain who the new owner is, what is changing and what is not, and give them a chance to ask questions and decide about staying.
A thrift store runs on goodwill, and goodwill depends on how people are treated at moments like this. Choose the timing carefully with your buyer, and avoid letting news leak through rumour. Tell the core volunteers first, in person if possible, and then reach regular donors with a short note or a sign at the donation door.
Be specific when you say thank you. Mention the sorting, the pickups, the Saturday shifts. People remember being noticed. Then explain, in plain words, what the new owner intends. If the store is staying open and keeping the same approach, say so. If something will change, such as hours or what is accepted, tell them now rather than letting them find out.
Give volunteers room to choose. Some will want to stay on, and some will step back; either is fine. Introduce the buyer so they can meet and ask their own questions. Keep a list of those willing to continue, and pass it on only with their agreement. Also ask your lawyer about any commitments to volunteers or community partners. Consider hosting a small thank-you afternoon in the shop, where donors and volunteers can meet the new owner and hear plans first-hand.
Key takeaways
- Tell core volunteers first, in person, then reach regular donors.
- Thank people for specific contributions, and say plainly what is changing.
- Let volunteers choose whether to stay and share their details only with consent.
Related reading
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Selling
Due diligence
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Sources
This answer is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentHow to reduce employee turnover
- 02Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentUnderstanding post-merger operational integration
- 03Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentWhat is succession planning?
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