Welcome to the team
Thanks for giving your time. Every hour you volunteer here turns donated goods into support for children who need someone in their corner.
Every purchase helps a child in need
The Alongsiders Op Shop runs on three things: donated goods, volunteer time, and customers who love a bargain. Your job sits right in the middle.
People donate
Clothes, books, homewares and furniture come in through the door every day.
Volunteers sort and sell
That's you. Sorting, pricing, displaying and serving, with a smile.
Customers buy
A bargain for them, and profit for the cause.
Children get support
Profit goes to Alongsiders, which equips young people in 30 countries to mentor a vulnerable child in their community.
A $5 shirt sold here can become a child's first ever book, a camp meal, or a safe adult in a child's life on the other side of the world.
Good to know
Opening hours
Saturdays, 8:30am to 1:30pm. Volunteers arrive 15 minutes early and stay 15 minutes after close to tidy.
Where we are
In the parking lot behind Howick Community Church (HCC), 120 Picton Street, Howick.
Who's in charge
Kathy Parker runs the shop and currently does the roster. Every shift has a shift lead. Not sure who? Just ask.
Learning, not perfection
You'll be paired with an experienced volunteer who shows you around. Wear comfy clothes and closed shoes, and bring a water bottle and a warm layer (the roller door is often open).
Arrive 15 minutes early and sign the sheet by the back door.
Grab a name badge and an Alongsiders apron (aprons coming soon).
Your buddy shows you the floor, sorting room, payments counter and staff room.
Usually sorting or tidying the floor. Ask as many questions as you like.
Before you go, tell the shift lead how it went and when you'd like to come next.
Volunteer roles
There's a job for every personality. Tap the roles you'd like to try (as many as you like), then press Apply.
Sorting
Open bags, check quality, sort into keep, recycle or bin. Behind the scenes and a bit messy.
Pricing and tagging
Price with the guide, tag, steam or iron. Tidy and steady.
Shop floor
Keep racks neat, restock, help people find things. Chatty and on the move.
Payments
Payments are made with cash or EFTPOS. Serve customers, bag items and give receipts. Good with numbers and a bit of pace.
Window and displays
Build themed displays and keep the front looking inviting. For anyone with an eye for style.
Donation desk
Greet donors, say thank you, explain what we can't take. Warm and tactful.
Collections
Pick up big donations or deliver furniture. Full licence and safe lifting needed.
Online listings
Photograph and list the good stuff on Trade Me or Facebook Marketplace. Handy with a phone camera.
The one-second test
Would you give it to a friend? If yes, we can probably sell it. If no, it goes to recycling or the bin. Disposing of unsellable goods costs us money, so it's fine to say no.
We gladly take
- Clean clothing, shoes and accessories in good condition
- Books, DVDs, records, puzzles with all the pieces
- Kitchenware, crockery and small appliances that work
- Furniture in good condition (check space with the shift lead first)
- Toys, games, sports gear and bikes
- Clean linen, curtains and towels
We can't take
- Stained, torn, smelly or heavily worn clothing
- Mattresses, pillows and used underwear
- Broken electrical items, or anything without a plug and cord
- Car seats, cots, prams and helmets (safety rules)
- Paint, chemicals, gas bottles and tyres
- Large TVs and old computer monitors
Saying no kindly: "Thanks so much for thinking of us. We're not able to take that one, but hopefully you can recycle it. Is there anything else you'd like to drop off?" Never sort a bag in front of the donor, and never comment negatively on what they've brought.
Price to sell, not to sit
Stock that moves quickly makes more money than stock waiting for the perfect buyer. Round to simple numbers:
The pricing guide in the sorting room gives a range for every common item.
A $200 jacket with a worn collar is a $15 jacket. What it cost new doesn't matter.
Designer labels, antiques and collectables go on the "check with manager" shelf. We may sell them online.
Still here after [4] weeks? Half price. After [8] weeks it comes off the floor.
Everyone is welcome here
People come for a bargain, a treasure hunt, or a friendly chat. All three are fine by us.
"Hi, let us know if you need a hand." Then give them space to browse.
Some customers are doing it tough, some are hunting vintage. Treat everyone the same.
"Sorry, our prices are set, but it's half price after four weeks." The shift lead can approve small bulk discounts.
If someone is rude or upset, stay calm, don't argue, and get the shift lead. You're never on your own.
"All our profit supports Alongsiders, which helps young people mentor kids in need around the world." Hand everyone a business card with the Alongsiders donation link and contact details.
No refunds, but we'll exchange faulty electrical items within 7 days with a receipt.
You matter more than any sale
Bend your knees, keep it close, ask for help with anything heavy. Use the trolley for furniture.
Bags can hide broken glass, needles or mould. Open them on the bench, never on your lap.
Only items tagged by our [test-and-tag provider] go on the floor. Never test by plugging in.
The exit is the front roller door. Keep the aisles clear at all times. Assembly point for fire or emergency: the HCC foyer.
In the staff room. Report every injury, even a small cut, in the incident book.
No one is in the shop alone with the door open. If your buddy has to leave, close up until someone arrives.
Take 10 or 15 minutes every couple of hours, and do say if you're tired. Don't overdo it!
Volunteering should add to your life, not drain it. If something isn't working, talk to the manager.
Keeping it fair for everyone
20% volunteer discount, but another volunteer always rings it up, never you. That keeps things transparent and accountable.
Never take money from the float, even as a loan. Shortfalls are reported, not covered.
Things you learn about customers, donors or volunteers stay in the shop. No photos of people or their belongings online.
Share display photos freely and tag #alongsidersopshop. Check with the manager before posting faces.
Give 48 hours notice where you can so we can find cover. Life happens, just let us know.
Fine on breaks and for online listings. In your pocket while working gives a more professional image.
Be kind, be patient, and assume the best of people. Harassment, discrimination or aggression of any kind means you'll be asked to leave.
Things people often ask
Do I need any experience?
No. Everything is learned on the job.
How many hours do I need to give?
Most volunteers do a Saturday shift once or twice a month. Tell us what works for you.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, as long as they sign up as a volunteer first so we have their details.
Can my teenager volunteer?
Volunteers aged 14 to 17 are welcome with a parent's permission, on shifts with an adult volunteer present.
Do I have to be part of Alongsiders or any faith community?
No. The shop is for everyone, and so is volunteering here. Alongsiders is a Christian organisation, but there's no expectation on volunteers beyond kindness and a fair day's work.
What if I make a mistake?
Tell someone. A wrong price or a payment error is easily fixed. We'd rather know than guess.
Can I get a reference or hours signed off?
Yes. Ask the manager after a few months, or sooner for student or community-service hours.
Where can I find out more about Alongsiders?
Visit www.alongsiders.org, or hand out one of our business cards.
We've got your back
Alongsiders Op Shop · Every purchase helps a child in need · alongsiders.org