Oxfam 'not trying to hurt booksellers'
OXFAM stores in North Lincolnshire are hitting back at claims their book shops are damaging the trade of second-hand sellers.
The Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA) claim that nationally there is ill-feeling between second-hand booksellers and the charity Oxfam.
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Dale Darley store manager of Oxfam bookshop in Wrawby Street, Brigg
Julie Levsen, manager of the Scunthorpe and Brigg general Oxfam stores said she was irritated by the comments made by the PBFA that Oxfam deliberately position there book shops near other second-hand book stores.
She said: "The statement irritates me because we rely on the good will of people to donate to Oxfam and they want to us to make money to help eradicate poverty – we are not a profitable business, we are a charity.
"We do not target areas because we think there is a high percentage of people who will buy books - we only create book stores if we have persistent feedback from customers to transform a general store into a book shop and if it is a viable move - it is in no way vindictive.
"There are a number of eateries in a town which provides health competition - the same goes for book shops."
All proceeds from the charity Oxfam are used to help eradicate poverty - both in the UK and globally.
For the full story, buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.
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by Mrs.D.G.Darley, Brigg
Tuesday, August 11 2009, 12:42PM
“Prices of books for adults in the Oxfam bookshop start at 79p.Children's books start at 29p.Rare or collector's items are always sold at a lower price than elsewhere.The average price of all items is monitored and presently is £2.33.We aim to do our best for the charity,also doing our best for our donors by appreciating their kindness and attaining the best price possible.Poverty is unfair-Oxfam helps all over the world,including the UK.Over 80% of takings goes to where it is intended,not on expenses or salaries,making Oxfam the most efficient charity.”
by sam, scunthorpe
Monday, August 10 2009, 10:25AM
“I have visited the Oxfam Book store in Brigg and found them to be greedy and very expensive selling freely donated items at up to £30+ for older books. The average price of a book in there is around £10.
Lindsey Lodge Hospice bookshop in Ashby, however, has a more realisting pricing policy with books averaging £3-4.
I do prefer to buy my books from charity shops and donate them as it is recyling but I now refuse to have anyhting to do with Oxfam as I feel that they are severely taking the mickey!”
by chris, nr scunthorpe
Monday, August 10 2009, 6:19AM
“I get all me and my boy friends clothes from there very nice shop and its cheap”
by Anne Teak, Yaddlethorpe
Sunday, August 09 2009, 10:30AM
“Do they stock Fly Fishing by J.R. Hartley or do they have The History of The Gunness Guinea Pig Appreciation Society?”
by Chris, Brigg
Sunday, August 09 2009, 8:51AM
“Please employ reporters who know the difference between "their" and "there", and "health" and "healthy".”
by englander, scunthorpe
Sunday, August 09 2009, 8:34AM
“town is charity shops , take aways , fun pubs, too many of all. and yes its unfair on normal traders trying to make a living, i only support british charitys ,as too much of cash collected never gets to where its suppose too, charity bosses take huge wages and live of expenses.”
by Netty, Barton
Saturday, August 08 2009, 10:49PM
“I agree with Bernice, I use Lindsey Lodge Hospice Shop very good selection at reasonable prices.”
by Bernice, Barton
Saturday, August 08 2009, 7:08PM
“Oxfam are too expensive, Havent they been told we are in a recession? I was charged £7.50 for a book, Extortion, as it had been given to them in the first place...I wont buy any more from them. My pension wont afford it. I shall go to S/ shops next timeHand”
by wayne, scunthorpe
Saturday, August 08 2009, 3:06PM
“I've bought most of my books from various charity shops over the years, mainly because they have a better range of books then the first hand book shops in the area.”
by AH, Scunny
Saturday, August 08 2009, 12:35PM
“It is a legal scam, of course nobody wants to hear that because you are dealing with a charity, but that is exactly what it is.
A friend of mine runs a cafe and spoke to me about a "charity" cafe being given £15,000 for new kitchen equipment, my friend had to take a loan out to start his business !
Its ok sticking up for charities if it is not you going out of business or losing their livelihood, but most people cannot see further than their selfish noses.
I'd love to see Oxfams books, see who earns what, who gets a free car etc etc, and where the money goes.”