REAL Deal Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why are you only open three days?
A. It is our goal to be open at least five days a week. However, until we grow, our resources only allow us to be open three days. We employ one part-time store manager and depend on volunteers for the rest of the services.
Q. Why can’t we negotiate prices?
A. From our past experience with the store at 72 Lombard, negotiating prices takes too much staff time. We feel our prices are reasonable, and they are reviewed regularly, and reduced if the item is not selling. So you can still get some great deals! We have also started a one-day-a-month “Make a Deal" day the last Friday of every month.
Q. Why aren’t you taking electronics?
A. Unfortunately, we do not have the storage space for, or the capacity to assess various electronics to see if they are in good working order for resale.
However, there are local businesses that will accept most electronics free of charge. Please call ahead or check their websites before you go:
Twenty-Twelve Electronics Recycling: 42 James St., Smiths Falls or 121 Bruce Cres., Carleton Place (613) 253-3058.
Apollo Computers:121 Beckwith St., Smiths Falls (613) 284-2446
Q. Why do you weigh everything?
A. We weigh items being donated and purchased from the store so we know how much waste we have diverted, even if it is temporarily, from municipal landfills.
Q. Why do you ask customers where they are from?
A. We want to know which municipality our donors and customers come from so we can report back to those municipalities how much waste has been diverted from their landfills and to know the breadth of the community we are serving.
Q. What happened to the Free Store?
A. We found that operating the Free Store was costing us too much in space and staff/volunteer resources, without generating income. However, we have discovered there are plainly lots of items that do not sell, but are not ready for the garbage, so we offer them at a self-serve Free Table. The table is located within the store. In good weather it may be outside. Rest assured, we are weighing that stuff, too!
Q. I have something big I can't bring to the store. What are my other options?
A. REAL operates a site, Rideau.Reuses.com that allows you to post used items you no longer want or need, and charge up to $99. Someone else may be will to come get it directly from you. You may also want to check our Take it Back Recyclopedia (an area of Rideau.Reuses) for other organizations that may accept it.
