Not good enough for charity shop

Wibbles
Wibbles Online Community Member Posts: 3,331 Championing

I have a mobility scooter that I no longer use or need - to dispose of.

It's way too good for the tip - so I thought that I would offer it to a charity shop - it cost £1600, in 2017 but has not been used at all since 2020 - it is in "as new" condition.

The only thing wrong with it - is the battery doesn't hold a charge - a replacement battery costs £50 fitted - not bad for a complete working scooter.

The first shop that I asked - were not interested as were the next 4 - the next one asked me if I could pay £25 for collection and the last one asked me to pay for collection and pay for a new battery.

I am not going to do either.

So - my mobility scooter is going to the tip.

Comments

  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 14,361 Online Community Programme Lead

    Hello @Wibbles

    That's really interesting. I wonder if it's a space thing in the shops? Have you thought about trying to sell it in local groups or finding someone in need you could donate it to? It seems a shame for it to end up at the tip.

  • MissMarple
    MissMarple Online Community Member Posts: 348 Empowering

    Try to list it on Freecycle and similar sites. There may be someone who couldn't afford to buy a mobility scooter but can pay for a new battery. As long as you are clear about the issue. It would be such a waste to throw it away.

  • Ross1975
    Ross1975 Online Community Member Posts: 725 Trailblazing

    What about putting it on ebay? Obviously for collection only. At a cheap enough price I'm sure someone would pick it up.

  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Online Community Member Posts: 3,331 Championing

    The OH doesn't want unwelcome visitors to the house

  • michael57
    michael57 Online Community Member Posts: 2,325 Championing

    They would be welcome if they took it away to save you the trouble of getting it out your way

  • SwiftFox
    SwiftFox Online Community Member Posts: 586 Trailblazing

    Put it on a facebook selling page

  • SwiftFox
    SwiftFox Online Community Member Posts: 586 Trailblazing

    Or try Ebay UK

  • SheffieldMan1976
    SheffieldMan1976 Posts: 432 Connected

    I've worked in several Charity shops, I know for a fact some staff keep the good stuff for themselves without actually putting it out for sale.

  • SoapySoutar
    SoapySoutar Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener

    Unfortunately, Wibbles, they can be so discerning with what they will accept. The fact that it costs us for a council uplift, it means they are wary of, and I don't mean you, people trying to avoid disposal charges, passing it on to hard pressed charities.

  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Online Community Member Posts: 3,331 Championing
  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Online Community Member Posts: 3,331 Championing

    It looks as if it's going to the tip - along with a double mattress and two half decent armchairs !!

    Anyone want a broken wife ?

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,770 Championing

    How are they going to get to the tip? I'm aware from previous posts that you wouldn't be able to take them yourself. And heavy furniture sounds too much for your wife to manage alone?

    If it's a council collection then fair enough. But if you'd be hiring someone else to take the items then make sure they are properly registered and won't just fly tip items.

  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Online Community Member Posts: 3,331 Championing
  • Hopeless
    Hopeless Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 999 Pioneering

    when my grandma died the British Red Cross was delighted to receive lots of her disability aids. Might be worth contacting them?

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 5,770 Championing

    Wow that's expensive!🙁 I looked into it for my own chair and mattress etc last year, would have cost around £70 for 4 items where I live.

    It is the safe and reliable option at least.

  • SheffieldMan1976
    SheffieldMan1976 Posts: 432 Connected

    Also try the British Heart Foundation, they'll take almost anything, and it's free collection.

  • Wibbles
    Wibbles Online Community Member Posts: 3,331 Championing

    3 items is £80

    Up to 3 additional items are £30 each

  • michael57
    michael57 Online Community Member Posts: 2,325 Championing

    I think all charities will not take something they cannot undertake a pat test whilst you can sell it as seen yourself shops are not under the same limited guidelines for health and safety reasons