More than half of charity shops are selling items online

A recent survey conducted by the Charity Retail Association found that 56 percent of charity shops are currently selling items online. The survey also found eBay is a top site charities use to raise funds through trading.

Providing more than 17 million unique UK shoppers a secure way to donate to the charity of their choice, eBay for Charity has worked with charities of all sizes to raise awareness and money on the eBay marketplace. The data showed this feature made eBay the most commonly used site, with 94 percent of charities selling on its marketplace.

In addition, 25 percent of charities said their online sales accounted for 3 to 5 percent of their total sales, and 87 percent of charities expect online sales to increase in the next year. Wendy Mitchell, head of policy and public affairs at the Charity Retail Association, said charities are finding they can raise more money from books and collectables through online sales than in shops.

"People who are looking for that particular item will pay more than a local person who walks in off the street," Mitchell said. "The optimism shown by charities about future growth in internet retailing suggests that more and more sales will be moving online in years to come."