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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kinds of materials can be exchanged through the program?
A: Business-related items in good, usable condition (e.g., business overruns, seconds, outdated inventory, empty containers and office furniture). See our guidelines for acceptable listings.
Q: Is there a charge to use the program?
A: There is no fee to use the program. Most things are available free or at a low cost. If a listing states "fee charged" you will need to discuss the fee with the organization who has the item.
Q: How quickly can you find someone
to take my donation?
A: Often items go very quickly. When you create a listing
for your donation, your listing will be included on
the Web site and in the newest listings e-mail. The
e-mail goes
to over 3,000 people throughout the state.
Q: When are the newest listings
e-mails sent?
A: The e-mail containing the newest available and
wanted items are sent on the 5th and 20th of each month.
If the 5th or 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, the
e-mail will be sent on the closest business day. If
you are signed up for the e-mails, make sure to allow
e-mails from "mnexchange@umn.edu". Many listings
say "free" which can be caught in spam detectors.
Q: How do I remove my listing from
the Web page?
A: The quickest way to take your listing off the Web
is to go to Edit/Delete
Your Listings. From there you can chose to delete
your listings. You can also call or e-mail us. If you
had a successful exchange with our program, please tell
us about it.
Q: Why register?
A: We ask users to register so that we can contact them
later to ask about their success using the Materials
Exchange program. We report to our funders how much
money we save companies and how many pounds of materials
we keep out of the landfill. In addition to hearing
about successes, feedback from users helps us keep our
listings up-to-date.
Q: Can you pick up my item?
A: We don't store or transport
items. If you have something to donate or sell you can
create a listing and specify that the item must be picked
up. We ask organizations that have available items to
hold on to them until we can find a taker.
Q: Can I take a tax-deduction for
my donation?
A: It depends on whom you donate your item to. You can
specify in your listing that your item is only for nonprofits.
The recipient organization will give you a receipt.
Q: Can individuals use this service?
A: The items listed with our program are things
commonly used in a business or organizational setting.
We do not list items used in a household such as beds
or blenders. However, any individual is free to use
the program to locate things they might need for a home
business, school or nonprofit organization. For residential
items, try the Twin
Cities Freemarket.
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