The general public still prefer to donate items to charity over selling them online, new research from Scope suggests.

Research conducted by the disability equality charity has found 69% of people would prefer to donate to charity, compared to 24% who prefer to sell their items on resale apps.

Four in five (81%) said donating to charity shops after a clear out makes them feel good, while 67% donate to charity shops because they love the space they get back.

The research comes amid a rise in popularity for marketplace sites, such as Vinted and Facebook Marketplace, which are seeing a huge surge in the numbers of people wanting to make a profit from their pre-loved items.

Scope asked 2000 adults about donating to charity shops or selling online after a clear out.

One in four respondents said they have been inspired to donate to charity shops by decluttering TV shows such as Stacey Solomon's Sort Your Life Out and Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.

A further two in nine (22%) agree social media influencers inspire then to donate to charity shops.

The most popular demographic choosing to sell online is 18-34 year olds at 47%, compared to 36% of 35-54 year olds and 12% of over 55's.

The research comes as Scope charity shops launch their Great Donate campaign, asking people to have a clear out and donate their pre-loved items to their local Scope charity shop, this spring.

Scope executive director of retail and communities, Ruth Blazye said: “We often get asked if resale apps have affected the quantity or quality of donations we’re receiving. Our answer has always been “no”, in fact, we’ve seen a rise in donations over the last few years. Now we know why, people really do feel good about donating to charity shops.

“We’re very lucky to have such loyal and generous customers, but we still desperately need donations to ensure our shops continue to offer the thrill of finding a quality pre-loved clothing and homeware at brilliant and affordable prices," she added.

"If you’re having a clear out, we’d love you to drop your unwanted items off at Scope. You’ll love the space you get back and even more, you’ll love that you are supporting equality for disabled people.

“Charity shops are a national institution, but I believe a little bit of healthy competition from resale apps is good. It means charity shops need to work harder to ensure they’re giving customers even more reasons to support them.”

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