Donate unsold stock
Common provides fashion brands and retailers with a structured pathway for surplus, past-season, sample and returned clothing that represents storage or administrative costs.
We receive, sort and allocate clothing across our community and social service network, prioritising redistribution while using resale and repair where appropriate to keep garments in circulation.
Since 2019, Common has redistributed more than 68,000 garments through our work in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are now establishing our network in Melbourne to meet demonstrated demand for quality clothing.
Why work with us?
You can receive tax credits for donations.
Surplus clothing can carry ongoing costs in storage, administration and inventory management, even when it no longer has a clear commercial pathway.
Common provides a local alternative pathway that helps brands:
- Move suitable stock out of storage and back into use
- Support community organisations with access to quality clothing
- Keep wearable garments in circulation rather than treating them as waste
- Maintain oversight of how donated inventory is managed
- Receive reporting on clothing received and its redistribution
- Demonstrate practical product stewardship and social impact
What we can accept
Stock doesn't need to fit a particular season or collection, but it does need to be suitable for one of our circulation pathways. If you're unsure, send us an inventory or brief description and we can assess it with you.
- Unsold retail stock
- Past-season and archive stock
- Samples
- Customer returns in good wearable condition
- Garments with minor repair requirements
How it works
1. Tell us what you have
Send us an inventory or overview of the stock, including approximate quantities and its location.
2. We assess the most appropriate pathway
We'll review the stock against current community demand and our redistribution, resale and repair pathways.
3. Arrange delivery to Common
Once accepted, we'll confirm receiving requirements and arrange a suitable delivery window.
4. We sort and allocate the clothing
Clothing is processed and allocated to the most appropriate pathway, with redistribution prioritised.
5. We report back
Partner brands receive reporting on clothing received and its redistribution through Common.
Handling and logistics
Receiving brand inventory requires sorting, quality assessment, allocation and storage. Depending on the volume and processing requirements of the stock, a handling fee may apply. We’ll discuss any applicable costs with you before accepting the inventory.
Partner with us
Send us an inventory or brief overview including garment types, approximate quantities, condition and stock location. We'll review the stock and get in touch to discuss whether Common can provide a suitable pathway.