Last year I rang to have a trampoline-base sofa bed and two matching chairs picked up and was asked if there were any tears or stains. No tears but the items in question were 20 years old and as soon as I said that I was told they were not interested because they needed furniture in "as new" condition.

Knowing what some of the local Ballarat Salvos have for sale in their stores, the following Monday my husband and I took the said items to the Howitt Street Salvos who gratefully accepted them. They were on the floor the next day for $90 but not there on the Wednesday because (and I asked) they sold on the Tuesday afternoon.

Is the number people having to ring for pick-ups located or answered by people working in Melbourne and does this make a difference?

GWEN WILSON

Wendouree