shopgoodwill.com is the first Internet auction site created and operated by a nonprofit organization.
The site began in August 1999. It was created and is operated by Goodwill Industries of Orange County (Santa Ana, CA). Goodwills around the country sell a variety of collectibles, art, antiques and odds and ends on the site. Registration is free and shopping is open to the public.
A clear leader in the online charity auction business, the site operates continuously and gets more than 500,000 hits a day from all corners of the globe. In 2007, the web site was given a fresh new look and convenient operating features.
The variety of items offered on shopgoodwill.com matches the breadth of larger commercial auction sites, with an average of 18,000 items listed on any given day. Shopping categories include Antiques, Art, Books and Records, Cameras and Electronic Equipment, Clothing, Collectibles, Home Décor, Jewelry and Gemstones, Musical Instruments, Pottery, Seasonal and Holiday, Sports, Toys and Dolls.
Collectibles are a perennial favorite for shoppers, who are offered an array of items from bobble-head banks to vintage Hall teapots to rare gold coins. The “Art” category also holds intrigue for shoppers, with selections ranging from early 20th century commercial pieces to modern, signed limited edition prints.
Goodwill Industries' online auction site pledges integrity and security to shoppers. Customers are encouraged to ask questions about any item and provided upfront contact information, should any issues arise.
The web site’s shopper base has grown steadily over the last 7 years. Joan Dornbach, Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations at Goodwill Industries of Orange County, says, “At the end of October 2007, there were over 272,000 registered buyers.” Dornbach adds that total sales on the site since January 1, 2000, are more than $48 million. The revenue, as with Goodwill retail stores, funds mission-related Goodwill programs and services.
