Gifts In Kind International Partners with Returns Online to Offer Product Donation Option for Customers
Alexandria, Va. and Seattle, WA - April 17, 2001-Gifts In Kind
International, the world`s leading charity in product philanthropy, has
teamed up with Returns Online, Inc. to offer Returns Online customers a
customized solution for donating product returns. Returns Online`s merchant
customers will have the option of donating returned merchandise to Gifts In
Kind International, providing a philanthropic outlet for these products as
well as a tax benefit for the merchant. As part of this agreement, both
organizations will promote the other`s services to both current and future
clients.
Gifts In Kind International partners with businesses and charities to
provide quality products and services that improve lives in communities
around the world. In 2000, Gifts In Kind International and its 300-plus
affiliates worldwide distributed more than half a billion dollars in
manufactured products. Since its initiation in 1983, Gifts In Kind
International has distributed nearly $3 billion in product donations through
its global network of more than 50,000 charities.
"Returns Online will be a great help in raising awareness of the business
and societal benefits of product giving. Donation programs provide a common
sense option that helps us get products to those who need them most," said
Susan Corrigan, president and chief executive officer of Gifts In Kind
International. "We are excited to partner with Returns Online and greatly
appreciate their support."
Returns Online offers merchants the only start-to-finish returns management
infrastructure. Through Returns Online`s partners and systems, returned
goods are sent to a National Returns CenterTM where employees scan, open,
verify and assess the condition of returned merchandise. Based on the
merchant`s choice for disposition, the items are automatically sorted and
routed to their final destination.
"We constantly look for additional ways to positively impact merchants`
profitability without sacrificing our consumer-friendly returns process,"
says Shannon Hauser, chief executive officer of Returns Online. "Our
partnership with Gifts In Kind International gives our merchants a unique
disposition option for returned merchandise. Charitable product donation to
Gifts In Kind International provides merchants a substantial tax benefit
while also allowing them the opportunity to give back to communities
worldwide."
About Gifts In Kind International
Gifts In Kind International (www.giftsinkind.org), the world`s leading
charity in product philanthropy, serves as the vital link between corporate
donors and recipient charities. Gifts In Kind International, the 15th
largest charity in the United States, provides charities access to more than
$600 million annually in product and service donations, helping them improve
lives in communities around the world. Manufacturers and retailers,
including 40 percent of the Fortune 500 companies, rely on Gifts In Kind
International`s free services to design and manage the donation process.
Every year, Gifts In Kind International distributes products such as
computers, software, office equipment and supplies, clothing, personal care
products, building materials, and educational and recreational supplies to a
network of more than 50,000 charities. Gifts In Kind International operates
at less than 1 percent of the fair market value of products donated, making
it one of the most cost-efficient charities in the world.
About Returns Online Inc.
Returns Online, Inc. provides comprehensive returns management services to
the retail industry. The company combines experience, technology, and
state-of-the-art facilities to handle product returns in an automated,
scalable, and flexible manner. This fully integrated solution includes
return authorization software, transportation, merchandise auditing,
flexible asset recovery options, and comprehensive reporting. Our reliable
service reduces operating costs, maximizes asset recovery, increases
customer retention, and protects the brand. Returns Online`s commitment to
customer satisfaction makes it the clear choice for the complete outsourcing
of product-returns management for brick-and-mortar, catalog and online
retail companies, as well as all points along the retail supply chain. For
more information, visit the company Web site at (www.returnsonline.com), or
e-mail info@returnsonline.com.
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Contacts:
Beth Zuczek
Gifts in Kind International
(703) 299-7524
bzuczek@giftsinkind.org
Christy Adkinson
Returns Online, Inc.
(206) 230-8000 x 210
christya@returnsonline.com
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