My nonprofit gets old bikes, used parts and unsold merchandise given to us by local bike shops. Evidently when customers purchase new bikes they ask the bike shop to dispose of their old one. 

Sometimes partially good merchandise comes as part of warranty returns. For example, I got a high end Mavic road wheel set where the rear rim failed but the front wheel and both hubs were fine. 

Other times shops donate obsolete merchandise with limited value. For example, I got some old rear hubs with power meters built in, that I have not been able to sell on eBay, because the required receiver is not included. 

Establishing and maintaining a good flow of items requires someone who is friendly and outgoing.  Ideally, this contact person stops by regularly to see if the bike shop has any donations available for our non-profit. 

—Gordon Hamachi

Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange

Palo Alto, California