Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of reKind?
reKind helps bring new life to dead stock. We serve companies by quickly collecting excess inventory to free up valuable warehouse space, and we serve 501(c)3 certified nonprofit groups by distributing the reclaimed products into their charitable programs. Our goal is to complete this transition as efficiently as possible, helping both our nonprofit and corporate partners to make the best use of their budgets.
As a Corporate Partner, what do I do when I have excess inventory ready?
You can notify us online via the Excess Inventory Form, or give us a call toll-free at 844.229.8844.
Helpful information:
Item description
Quantity
Box or pallet count
Estimated weight
A convenient pickup date and time
If you are contributing pharmaceuticals, we will also need NDC numbers and expiration dates. Please see our FAQ on pharmaceutical contributions below.
What information do you need from me before I can become a nonprofit partner?
Although the process is simple, our nonprofit partner application is purposely thorough to protect all parties involved. We take nonprofit partnership seriously because it is our burden to ensure that the excess inventory provided by our corporate partners is utilized according to their wishes. In addition to general information about your organization, we will require a copy of your 501(c)3 tax exempt designation letter, as well as a signed Terms of Accepting Excess Inventory agreement (included with application packet).
How does reKind benefit the nonprofit organization?
reKind acts as a nonprofit’s outsourced procurement department. In addition to finding products that fit their needs (clothing, shoes, pharmaceuticals, etc.), we oversee the details of warehousing, sorting, distributing, and tracking inventory. It is important to us that our nonprofit partners get what they need in quantities they can manage.
Is reKind a nonprofit?
No. Our decision to operate without nonprofit status keeps us from competing for grants with the nonprofit groups that we serve. Additionally, although we physically hold the excess inventory during the transition period, reKind does not receive the gift-in-kind value of the products, but rather, the products and their full values are transferred to the receiving nonprofit groups.
What is gift-in-kind?
Gift-in-kind (GIK) refers to product that is contributed to the nonprofit community.
How do I know my excess inventory will go to a nonprofit organization?
reKind works with reputable organizations that have been certified by the Internal Revenue Service. Most of the organizations have been working with us for years, and each of our nonprofit partners has completed our thorough application process, which includes agreement to a detailed Terms of Accepting Excess Inventory. Furthermore, we can provide you with reporting and feedback from the recipient nonprofit groups to account for the distribution into their charitable programs. Let your account manager know if you have any reporting requirements or preferences.
Who benefits from my excess inventory?
The nonprofit recipients distribute your product among the people they serve.
Does reKind respect specific inventory criteria?
Absolutely. We give our corporate partners the opportunity to decide a product’s distribution, whether it be domestic or international. Items are classified as such to respect the corporate partner’s distribution preferences.
Do you have a catalog of items available?
No. Due to the constant flow of excess inventory, products are typically adopted into a nonprofit’s programs rather quickly, making it inefficient to keep an online catalog of available items.
Can I resell excess inventory?
No. As stated in the Terms of Accepting Excess Inventory agreement, all gift-in-kind items are NOT available for resale.
What about pharmaceuticals and OTC’s? Is it safe to use reKind?
Pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications are extremely important to the citizens of developing nations. That is why we prioritize maintaining the licensure and certification necessary to receive and distribute them. reKind carefully notes and observes all medications’ expiration dates and lot numbers. In many cases we can only distribute pharmaceuticals that have over 12 months left before their expiration date, but there are some exceptions. And we will always try to find a charitable home for your short-dated medications, so please let us know what you have available, even if you think there’s not enough time.
Pharmaceutical Guidelines:
We accept all over-the-counter medications and most prescription drugs.
Although we typically cannot accept Class III or narcotic drugs into our warehouse, we’re happy to help you place medicines overseas within DEA compliance.
The Process:
Contact: When you have pharmaceutical inventory available, contact reKind with the drug name, NDC number, quantity, expiration dates, pallet or box count and estimated weight. You may call, email, or use the online Excess Inventory Form.
Placement: reKind will notify our network of nonprofit groups, and will usually have your product placed within a few business days.
Shipment: Once we find a home for your product, we will contact you to arrange shipping details.
What are the tax benefits in providing excess inventory?
The exact value must be determined by your tax advisors. According to Section 170(f)(8) of the Tax Code, recipient organizations are not allowed to assign a value to your merchandise. You must decide for yourself the legal amount that can be written off for your specific situation. As tax laws change, it’s impossible to state exactly what your benefits might be. reKind is always willing to provide documentation outlining the contents of your contribution and each recipient’s tax EIN number.
What types of excess inventory items do you need, and what do you usually have available?
We actively seek excess inventory from a wide range of products to assist our nonprofit partners, including but not limited to: backpacks, school supplies, clothing, shoes, accessories, bedding & housewares, hygiene items, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, OTC medications, vitamins and dietary supplements, arts & crafts supplies, toys, games, and sporting goods. However, it is our privilege to hunt for additional types of needed items, as well as to seek homes for other sorts of excess inventory.
Are all of your products new?
Yes, all of our products are new. Once they arrive in our warehouse, they are sorted into items in good condition and irregulars.
What are irregulars?
Irregulars are items that are still quite useable but may have one or several of the following minor defects:
V-shaped or straight-line cut that is less than 2 inches in length
Small repairs such as 1 missing button or a buckle that needs glue…something that can easily be mended with little work or supplies
Unfinished product, such as unhemmed edges, that does not affect the quality or usability of the garment with minor repair work
A small snag or run that does not affect the quality or usability of the product
Faded coloring on a garment or toy
“Sample” stamped or written inconspicuously on the inside of the garment
What are your hours of operation?
Our normal office and warehouse hours are Monday through Thursday between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm CST. Although we are generally closed on Fridays, we are available to receive your calls and emails anytime. So please don’t hesitate to contact us outside of our regular business hours.
Do you sell my information?
We absolutely do not. Client information will never be forwarded to other companies or individuals without your express consent.
Is there a minimum order?
Each shipment of excess inventory is unique, so the quantity of any given item that a nonprofit group may accept into their programs will vary. Many items already have natural case quantities, for example, so the most efficient distribution of those products will be the same. In all, we do our best to make products available in small quantities so each nonprofit group can accept as much or as little as they are able to effectively use – minimizing wasted products and wasted expense.
How long does it take to get the products?
It will take 1-2 business days to prepare a small order, and perhaps 5-7 business days in transit. For truckload or LTL quantities, the estimated preparation time is two weeks. See notes on Freight Shipments below.
What do I do if I need a product that you don’t have available?
If you are looking for items that we do not currently carry, please contact an account manager, and we will try to locate the items you need.
Where are you located?
We are centrally located in Guthrie, OK, near Interstate 35.
Our address is: 2000 E. Seward Road, Guthrie, OK 73044
We would love to see you! Please, let us know when you want to drop by.
What credit cards can a nonprofit partner use to pay for service fees and freight?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
How do I accept freight shipments?
This is a procedure for accepting freight shipments placed on pallets (not from UPS or traditional shipping companies)
If your shipment is LTL (less than truckload):
Your shipment ETA will be provided by your account manager.
Upon arrival, driver will lower pallet down off truck (or back into your dock) for you to unpack and place where it is needed. Please proceed to step 3 below.
If your shipment is by the truckload:
The freight forwarder will call to let you know when they will be arriving or to arrange an appointment.
Upon arrival, the driver will back into dock. You will have 2 hours to unload, driver is not responsible for unloading. If you need assistance unloading or do not have a dock, please let us know beforehand.
Driver will provide a bill of lading. Important: do NOT sign bill of lading until you have verified everything is present. Truck driver won’t have time for you to check every single individual item. Therefore, follow these steps.
If there is any damage or tampering present, or if there is any inconsistency from bill of lading to what is present, write it on the bill of lading, tell the driver, and THEN sign the bill of lading.
Do a visual inspection of pallets (no damage to boxes, stretch wrap is all intact top to bottom, not just on sides. No boxes have been opened, crushed, tampered with).
Ensure pallet #s match bill of lading. Please note: a skid is the same thing as a pallet.
Keep your copy of bill of lading.
After the driver leaves, please ensure that all product is accounted for. For your convenience, the packing list is broken down by what is on each pallet. We always place the packing list envelope on the front of pallet #1 (pallets are clearly labeled so you can easily find pallet #1). Within two business days of receiving your shipment, please ensure that all of your product is present and in excellent condition. If anything is unsatisfactory, please call your account manager immediately.
Please note: In the rare occurrence that the freight company mistakenly sends you the shipping invoice, please inform us and we will take care of the communication with the freight company and shipping cost.