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At Edinburgh Furniture Initiative (EFI), we work hard for our community. Our mission is twofold. Firstly, we are a vital part of Edinburgh’s circular economy, providing a dedicated place for you to donate your unwanted furniture and homeware. This keeps a huge range of items out of landfill, giving them a new lease of life.
Secondly, EFI operates as a social enterprise to generate essential funds for our charity arm, Four Square. Through Four Square, we offer targeted support to people experiencing homelessness across Edinburgh including:
Because of our dual mission, our pricing policy is carefully considered. We understand that everyone loves a bargain, but we also need to ensure that we can continue to fund our essential charitable work. This means we offer competitive pricing that keeps an eye on market rates. We’re confident that our pricing is fair and reflects the value of the items, while also allowing us to secure the future of our charity arm.
Here’s how we arrive at our prices, step-by-step:
Step 1: Assess and Prepare
All items, whether collected or received at our depots, undergo assessment, cleaning, and necessary safety checks.
Step 2: Brand Identification
We identify the brand of the item. This helps us understand its original quality and typical market value.
Step 3: Online Comparables
If an item is particularly unusual, our team will do some quick online research to find comparable products.
Step 4: Ensuring Affordability
Finally, we set our price, always making sure it’s affordable compared to what you might find online for a similar new or used item. We want to offer great value without undermining the vital work we do.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Edinburgh community and your commitment to sustainability, we always have a large range of brands and styles available. You’ll find everything from brands like IKEA and DFS to G-Plan and Ercol, all selling for a fraction of their original price. Our staff are highly trained and knowledgeable, dedicated to ensuring our pricing is fair and accessible.
Beyond our direct sales, we actively work with Housing Associations. This collaboration allows individuals in need to be referred to us and access fully funded items through a voucher scheme, ensuring that vital furniture reaches those who need it most.
When you shop at Edinburgh Furniture Initiative, you’re not just buying a piece of furniture; you’re investing in your community. You’re supporting young people, empowering women fleeing violence, and preventing homelessness. You’re also playing a crucial part in building a more sustainable Edinburgh.
We believe in transparency, fairness, and making a real difference. Thank you for being a part of our mission. Together, we can continue to furnish homes and transform lives.
