FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This is specialist service that comes with all the costs associated with running a charity / business such as fuel, rent, vehicle maintenance and wage costs. Having been funded in the early years, we were able to offer a free collection service. It was though highly apparent to us that in over 90% of cases the cost of collection would outweigh the return Homemakers would receive for the item by the time it was sold. A lot of the time items are either unfashionable or in a poor state of repair. We collect many soiled mattresses, broken chairs, scratched tables and sofas used by pets. We try to keep the charge to a minimum as we are grateful for those items that actually support Homemakers.

It is not our policy to dismantle items on bulk collections. We are happy to dismantle items on house clearances only.

Yes. To carry out the service at the affordable rate we offer we can not afford to spend time and resources getting items out of properties. Therefore items need to be outside the property and easily accessable for vehicles and staff. Fridges and Freezers must be empty and washed clean. If not empty the Fridges / Freezers will be left and will require rebooking when empty. Sofas and Mattresses can not be soaked with rain water or viewed as not hygienic or safe enough to collect.

No we are not electrically qualified or insured to disconnect cookers. With regards washing machines in the past water pipes have broken and caused leaks and therefore we will not carry out this task.

All the money from collections and sales is used to cover the running costs of providing the service. We are 95% self-funding with the help of county councils, community councils, housing associations and other small grants from charitable trusts that enable us to provide this service to the public.

Yes unlike other charities we do not refuse to take away any items that have been booked for collection. Homemakers’ volunteers and staff inspect all items once in their possession and decide if they are re-usable / recyclable or unusable. All items for re-use are sold at affordable costs to the public and all items unfit for re-use are either recycled or disposed of correctly.

Homemakers are an educational charity offering a wide range of benefits to the community and its inhabitants. Homemakers are a “not for profit” organization and therefore its aim is not a monetary one although revenue and income allow the service to be maintained. Homemakers’ works with people from many disadvantaged backgrounds and also provides educational support to schools and community groups to help promote reducing, recycling and re-using waste. Homemakers also aim to reduce the level of waste entering landfill within the county of Monmouthshire.

We try to be as flexible as possible but with a great demand for this service we hope you can be flexible to our needs in the same way as we are to yours. Homemaker’s collection days are as follows: – Monday – Abergavenny / Usk, Tuesday – Caldicot, Wednesday – Chepstow, Thursday – Monmouth Friday Usk / Abergavenny.

No, this is not our policy as this is not practical and feasible.

Yes, we do deliver, although there is a charge. Please ensure items fit into your home before purchasing however. We can only guarantee delivery to ground level, it is at the discretion of the delivery / sales team if delivery is beyond this point can be catered for.

Please ensure you measure the items you are purchasing and the space they need to pass through such as doors, stairs and hallways before purchase. Once the item is delivered to your door we do not take responsibility for it. We do not offer refunds for items that do not fit in your home.

If you are not going to be in at the time agreed initially you need to contact Homemakers at the earliest available time to reschedule. If we do incur a wasted journey, as you were not in at the agreed time then a second delivery charge will be made. With regards to collections, if you are not going to be in at the agreed time then please contact us to let us know and we will reschedule your collection. If you have a change of plan you can always leave the items outside and pay us over the phone or ask a neighbour to assist with your collection.

No we do not operate a “benefit discount system”. But we will try to match your buying needs with your budget.

Yes – Please see Drop Off page.