Junkan — AI-powered E2E resale for charity retail
A comprehensive charity retail technology platform that transforms how charity shops manage donated items from receipt to sale, using AI-powered identification, intelligent pricing, and multi-channel marketplace management while empowering staff rather than replacing them.
The problem
Charity shops struggle with fragmented workflows across multiple systems, while existing solutions like Shopiago refuse to integrate modern features. Standalone pricing tools are perceived as job-threatening by volunteers, and organisations miss revenue opportunities by not listing on platforms like Vinted.
The solution
Junkan positions AI as invisible assistance within a familiar inventory workflow. Staff capture photos, AI identifies and prices items seamlessly, and a three-tier colour-coded routing system (Orange/Blue/Purple) directs items to optimal sales channels — shop floor, hybrid, or e-commerce centre.
The approach
Following an “inventory-first, pricing-invisible” philosophy, the platform embeds AI capabilities within familiar workflows. The design prioritises volunteers aged 45–60 with varying technical comfort, using warm, approachable interfaces that make technology feel like assistance rather than automation.
What was built
- AI-powered item identification using GPT-4 Vision
- Intelligent pricing via Thrift API with AI fallback
- One-click multi-marketplace listing (eBay, Vinted)
- Three-tier colour-coded routing system
- Unified AI messaging with human handoff
- Gift Aid capture for HMRC compliance
- Tote-based tracking for e-commerce centres