Volunteers wanted to run computer parts thrift store

Posted by on May 2, 2002

Nonprofit Technology Resources (NTR) has been collecting and refurbishing computers since 1996. Along with the computer donations that we received have come a host of parts, cards, connectors, cables, software and accessories. We estimate our current stock to hold over 10,000 items. They just need to be organized.

Rather than send these items to be recycled for metals, or paper we are developing a computer thrift store to sell these items at low-cost to the public. We have the space, we have the stuff to sell, now we need some folks who can help us to think through the process of setting up and maintaining a retail type operation.

Our vision for this store will be more than just a place to buy or sell computer junk. It will be a center for people interested in technology and spanning the digital divide. It will be a place where computer experts and novices can meet. It will be a place where collectors, dealers, and lovers of good old tools can find that “one part” needed to make an interesting old computer work again.

If you have some experience selling used items, and would like to make a big contribution to how Philadelphia learns about technology, please contact me.

Here is a preliminary wish-list of things we need for the store:

Shelving
Tables
Cash register
Point of sale software
Commercial lighting fixtures
Chairs
Display cases

Here is a list of things we need people to help with:

Sorting items
Untangling cables (mice make a big mess with their tails)
Identification of unusual items
Pricing of items
Organizing displays
Building or installing shelving
Installing additional lighting

Of course there is more and more that can be done. And lots to do once the store is open. You can have a lot of fun by helping out and watching the whole thing get off the ground!

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Stanley R. Pokras, Executive Director Nonprofit Technology Resources (NTR)
Vice Chair, Technology Resource Consortium (http://www.igc.apc.org/trc/)
Regional Coord, Community Technology Centers’ Network (http://www.ctcnet.org/)

Nonprofit Technology Resources
1524 Brandywine Street
Philadelphia PA 19130
215-564-6686 (day) 215-564-6642 (fax)
215-922-0227 (evenings)
Find our “Home Page” at http://www.libertynet.org/ntr/