School Uniform Gmach Fee

amother

Hotpink

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 1:56 pm

Are you going to start buying off the uniforms for a minimal price from those who donate?

I echo other posters
If you have overhead or expenses then calculate and you can charge a token amount- $1-$3 apiece

But you should first reach out to the school and let them know that you are finding it too much.
For better or for worse, a uniform Gemach is almost an extension of the school, and they may have an opinion - to charge or not to charge, to take over it themselves, to find other volunteers.

naturalcurls

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 2:19 pm

Why can’t you charge a very minimal service fee
1-2 kids $5 total
3-5 kids $10 total
6+ kids $15 total
This way it’s not overwhelming amount and people can take how much they need for each child without worrying about it adding up too quickly

amother

Dustypink

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 2:47 pm

The Baltimore gmach charges between 4 and 7 dollars an item.

4 for shirts
7 for skirts or jumpers

It's normal. It costs money to clean and fix uniforms and run a gmach

amother

Mayflower

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 4:09 pm

Is the fee to stop people taking too much or to cover costs? Or is it taking too much of your time that you need to be paid?
I would first place a limit on the number of items per child (eg 3 skirts / 3 shirts), and then also have a suggested donation box of $3 / $5/ $10 per item/child.

amother

Charcoal

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 4:13 pm

amother Chicory wrote:

I know ppl who do this they take a few in sizes more and less just in case. And just throw out what they don’t need.
(For example their dd is a size 7 jumper. But the six just skins her knees and looks so cute now. And she might grow. So they will take size 6, 7 and 8 jumpers just in case)

Even $3 will make ppl take only what they need do the rest can be left for others.

Otherwise you can have a limit. Like 3 skirts per child in school. And 4 shirts. And 1 sweater.

This way a girl gets a nice amount but others can also get.

Do you iron the skirts first. I know one place that charges and the cost goes to pressing the skirts to make them look fresh in the Gemach.

They throw it out? That's really not right. It should go back to the gemach.

amother

↑ Chicory

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 4:30 pm

amother Charcoal wrote:

They throw it out? That's really not right. It should go back to the gemach.

She didn’t care. It was free.

amother

Melon

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 4:59 pm

Hi OP

I also run a school uniform gemach.

I am also taken advantage of sometimes so I think I understand where ur coming from. I'm not going into details.

However, I do not charge.

I understand the reasons for wanting to charge and I do think about that sometimes. However I dont feel its right.

There is another uniform gemach that I know for a different school here that is run by the parents association and they sell the uniform at a nominal fee of between $3 - 5 and the money raised goes towards extra curricular at the school.

(Off topic, but curious how u organise yours? It's becoming too big for my house and not sure where to store instead at no cost!).

ra_mom

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 5:02 pm

SRB wrote:

Hi. I’m the OP. Thank you so much for your thoughtful replies. To answer your questions and give more a a picture - the Gmach is in Los Angeles. Most ppl who come to the Gmach can afford a small fee, I know them basically. They just figure, why pay at the store if Sarah has for free. There are a small percentage of ppl coming who honestly can’t afford and these are often referrals from the school admin. Perhaps, if I get a school referral, I could waive the fee?

Yes, I’m restructuring the whole operation. It’s moving location (out of my home) and I’m getting more school parent volunteers to help out.

That actually sounds like a great idea. You can waive the fee for school referrals.

amother

↑ Candycane

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 5:28 pm

ra_mom wrote:

That actually sounds like a great idea. You can waive the fee for school referrals.

I don't like it.

I already need to give too much info to the school when I apply for a scholarship. Now I also need to get them to tell the gemach that I deserve free uniforms??

If you don't want to run the gemach, let someone else take over.

bestme

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 5:38 pm

I think you should limit how many items each girl could get. For example everyone could take up to 7 items. The mother could decide to take 3 jumper and 4 shirts or 2 jumpers and 5 shirts. They can't take to much because there is a limit. If the person is really needy, for example she might nor be capable of washing laundry for than once a week or something, she could ask you if she could have more uniforms. It's then up to you to decide if you want to give her more uniforms. They would not ask for more than the limit just to take advantage.

amother

Thistle

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 5:45 pm

I want to echo the idea of limiting items per student. I think that’s an easy solution. I can see people taking the next size up just in case, taking more shirts than they really need etc because it’s free. If you need money for overhead I think charging a few dollars per kid is reasonable

amother

Kiwi

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 6:52 pm

The gemach I used to go to had a limit per kid. I think 2 skirts, 2 shirts (much harder to find in good condition) and a hair accessory before school started
Then, after Yom Tov, if there was still stock, she would reopen for people to come get another set.
It's normal to set a limit. You need to have enough for everyone.

Do you work by appointment?
If yes, consider taking a deposit when booking that you return when they come. This will discourage people from wasting your time (making appointments and not showing up), but it is not charging for the Gemach.