REDUCE consumption of fresh raw materials
REUSE anything that is not damaged terminal
RECYCLE waste into new products
We've all heard the mantra before 3-R, especially in the context of waste. And more than once we were asked to promote or assist in the spread of the 3-R promoting composting of organic waste and glass separation, metals (aluminum cans) and plastic. The administration of Jakarta has even set up small orange and blue containers on the small side many roads in an effort to provide the physical facilities to sort and dispose of waste in a manner respectful of the environment. Unfortunately, the containers are empty while their heads were hacked, likely to be recycled.
There are also another 3-R activity, often overlooked, but no less important to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce energy consumption: the extension of the useful life of consumer products. Reuse white goods such as refrigerators and washing machines, furniture, sports equipment, electronics, chairs, tables, sofas, wardrobes, beds, and do not forget clothing, could make a considerable difference the protection of the environment.
In Western Europe and North America, household goods turnover is surprisingly high. Not because they are no longer usable, but more because the owners have taken the bored watching, and now opt for a different color. And the old products accordingly are left in special landfills or are given a second hand where they are sold, or if necessary, repaired and refurbished before sale. The goods left to the special waste are free to be taken by anyone. Garbage collectors are usually the first choice and delete the best elements before the fans arrive on the scene.
Expatriates, especially types that are sent globetrotters every few years to a new country and another assignment, often have too bulky to carry items to the new location. Leaving these products are, in most cases, given the staff of the house as a bonus. Maids, nannies and drivers are, however, not entirely accustomed to handling a wardrobe or second hand office chair, and would prefer to see money as a parting gift.
Departure expatriates could, of course, make use of the many websites where sellers and buyers of used furniture, electronics, white goods, golf clubs, clothing and other, can meet . Some of these sites are listed below. The disadvantage of this way of selling surplus items is that it could be a long process.
In Jakarta there is a third way of disposing of surplus products before moving. He is the second-hand goods store called Toko Chris Angel and operated by a young girl with a very friendly smile named Christi.
She speaks very good English and will come and evaluate products and buy them if a price can be agreed. She has been in this business since 2010 when she joined her mother, Jaqueline, who started the company ten years ago.
Asked about the changes during these 15 years, said Christi then there were four outfits that buy second hand expatriates goods, and selling almost exclusively to Indonesian customers. Now, it remains only two. The reason is the passage of an arrangement of the house and garden apartments, which are usually rented fully furnished. Refrigerators and ovens, for example, are no longer on sale. And likewise, complete sets of home - to sleep, eat, live, study - are not offered more. The extra bed and a table can still be found, but the volume has decreased.
Curiously, though Toko Chris Angel began shortly after the 1998 financial crisis, increased levels of economic well-being has not been accompanied by an increase in product quality required. Prices have therefore stagnated. Christi will, however, strive to maintain the highest quality and is looking for products that are not less than 80 percent of their new condition. If minor repairs are needed, they can arrange for that to be realized.
Christi who runs the store used furniture in Jakarta Toko Chris Angel
She said Indonesian customers do not care about brands articles used, and do not even mind minor damage. But second hand is second-hand, and therefore, regardless of the brand or the state, it does not deserve more of a price between 25-50 percent of their new value. This is something to keep in mind when negotiating a price for the items you wish to sell. It is therefore not surprising that margins Christi are paper-thin.
Christi buys a wide range of products, especially furniture, electrical and electronic goods, clothing, shoes, handbags, watches, sporting goods and fitness. So rather than try Internet auctions, or burdening your house staff with a dining table and six chairs, the easiest option would be to sell Toko Chris Angel and give the money to staff.
She managed to build a customer base base, which she buys in the Japanese community in the city. Jakarta among providers of goods and services, it is a well known fact that to attract Japanese customers very quality conscious, the best promotion is word of mouth. The overwhelming share of Japanese among its customers is an indication of the quality of service provided by Christi.
Goods buys Christi are sold from his shop in Bintaro. Not a predominantly expatriate residential area, and not easily accessible.
A visit could be interesting. Clothes, for example, are branded and in very good condition. Any clothing that does not meet the quality standards of Christi is given to charities. The wardrobe or other items you need for your period of Jakarta may be on offer in the shop. Check it out and good hunting
The websites offering second hand items for sale:
www.bekas.com
www.elvenia.com
www .tokopedia .com
www.olx.co.id
Toko Chris Angel
Bintaro, Pondok Betung, Gg. Mandor Kecil, West Jakarta
Tel: 081 3193 42224