Tips To Disposing Of Unwanted Inventory

If the cleaning supply industry is like most, one of the great ongoing challenges is disposing of surplus inventory. Chances are, companies are discounting, liquidating and auctioning unwanted merchandise — labor-intensive work that yields little profit. Good news: there is a better way. 

Ever consider donating cleaning supply overstock to charity? It’s called ‘product philanthropy’ or ‘gifts-in-kind donations.’ It’s faster and easier than the methods most companies are currently using. It’s more financially advantageous, too, thanks to a little-known tax break. 

Donating Stock to Charity is Tax Deductible 
Many may have never heard of IRC Section 170(e) (3), but it’s a key piece of tax code. It states that when C Corps donate their inventory to qualified nonprofits, they don’t just receive a tax deduction: they can receive a tax deduction equal to up to twice the cost of the donated products. 

Under the tax code, deductions are equal to the cost of the inventory donated, plus half the difference between the cost and fair market-selling price, not to exceed twice the cost.

For example, if the cleaning product costs $10 and is sold in stores for $30, the difference is $20. Half of $20 is $10. So, $10 (Product Cost) + $10 (Half the Difference) = $20 Deduction.

That $20 does not exceed twice the product cost, so it is does not exceed the maximum allowable deduction. It’s that simple…and advantageous.

Donating Unwanted Stock Is Easy
There is no need to go hunting for worthy not-for-profits to accept excess merchandise. A gifts-in-kind organization will do all the work for you. Gifts-in-kind organizations are 501c3 nonprofits that exist to collect corporate product donations and then distribute them to qualified nonprofits.

A gifts-in-kind organization should accept 100 percent of the overstocks, at any time throughout the year. It’s particularly helpful when consolidating a warehouse, transitioning between selling seasons or dealing with a run of returns. 

How the Donation Process Works
The first step is to contact a reputable gifts-in-kind organization and ask how to become a member of its donor network. Typically, you’ll be asked to complete a simple form about your company and its products.

Once accepted, businesses are ready to start donating. Make a list of the inventory being given away, and submit it for approval. Once it’s approved, simply ship it to the designated location. The gifts-in-kind organization assumes responsibility for sorting and cataloging the merchandise, and then making it available to member charities.

When merchandise is received, the gifts-in-kind organization will send the appropriate tax documentation. And after the products are donated, you’ll learn what specific charities received the goods.

More Benefits to Gifts-in-Kind-Donations
The time saved — and the tax benefits reaped — aren’t the only advantages to making gifts-in-kind donations. Companies will also:

·       Enhance employee engagement – Employees like working for companies with heart. Sharing the names of the charities that benefited from gifts-in-kind donations makes great employee newsletter content that raises morale.  
·       Keep inventory current – There’s no reason to hang onto obsolete stock when there is such a simple process for moving it.
·       Keep warehouse uncluttered – Storage space is valuable. Most gifts-in-kind organizations will accept both large and small volume donations at any time, allowing you to better manage your warehouse space.
·       Protect the product brand – Discounting inventory devalues products, while making corporate donations elevates the brand.
 
Most important, your company will offer a helping hand to people in need and the charities that serve them. Your unwanted products can enjoy new life in the hands of those that will put them to very good use. Why discount or liquidate when you can donate? 

This announcement was authored by Gary C. Smith, President and CEO of NAEIR, National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources, the largest gifts-in-kind organization in the U.S. Galesburg, Illinois-based NAEIR has received donations of excess inventory from more than 8,000 U.S. corporations and redistributed more than $3 billion in products to non-profits and schools. Gary may be reached at 800-562-0955.