Second hand business
While I closely watch Bhutanese buying and selling second hand goods through social media facebook, I have the first hand experiences of such business here in Australia which impressed me.
Second hand goods are rarely taken to be any value in Bhutan, Nepal and India. I have observed only organised second hand books business in New Delhi and Kathmandu. I had heard of the second hand clothes business in Northern India, popularly called Jay Bangla but not sure if they really are.
Second hand business in Australia is well organised and has earned a good reputation. My initial assumptions were that those who sell or donate to the second hand businesses might only buy from luxury shops. This isn’t. Even those donating or selling to second hand business buy from same shops. Salvation Army, Vinnies are popular second hand business based on charity while Cash Converter is a business brand. People who feel any goods they have are of no more interests or use for them would either donate to Salvation Army or Vinnies or sell them to Cash Converters. But sellers and businesses make sure that the second hand goods are in good condition for further use.
Buying second hand goods is not feeling inferior in Australia as it has been in countries where I lived and grew up. Countries panicked by the deep rooted poverty will greatly benefit from second hand business. For low income people, the second hand business will act as boon.
This is where government has to give attention as part of social welfare. Promotion of second hand business will in part fulfil the government promises of uplift the living standard of the poor people. Even for middle class, who can donate and buy from second hand business, will benefit a lot.
Second hand business has greatly helped Australian society, particularly the new migrants who come here empty hand and earn very little. Goods bought from second hand business do not look worse than a first hand. Of many initiatives of social welfare, this is the business everyone appreciates.
YDF is trying to establish a thrift (secondhand) store in Thimphu. We are doing this to create awareness on waste management and motivate green concept at homes of the residents of Thimphu. To provide hands on training to young people in sales, marketing, basic financial management and discipline. To provide an alternative inexpensive shopping option to the low income group of Thimphu.
therefore, anybody interested to sell stuff are most welcome to contact me at 327483. Also tomorrow from 2-4 PM I will be at the old YDF office to buy stuff from interested sellers. You can also call me and we will come to personally pick up the stuff. we will buy anything from clothes, shoes, children toys, electronics to furniture…