[inda50]

Originally Posted by ojm

This seems self-evident to me. A primary function of a retail business is to make sure that the customer is satisfied. If the customer is not, then you have a problem. Some of you are not embarrassed, annoyed or feel pressured when asked to make a charitable contribution. But others are. Those not so pleased customers find that their shopping experience was diminished. They might decide to shop somewhere else next time.

One respondent indicated that she avoids shopping at a particular supermarket on Saturday due to the solicitations that take place outside. One solicitor even insulted her. This can't be good new for that supermarket.

Finally consider how McDonalds handles this. They keep a container at the counter with a sign suggesting you give up some of your change to help the Ronald McDonald House Foundation. I gave them my change when I made a purchase this morning. I was not solicited, pressured or embarrassed. This seems like a much smarter way to help while building your business.

I fell better about this approach, thanks for the suggestion

[chelsea24]

I can't believe this thread is still going on, but I'll jump in.

Truth be told, that cashier doesn't give a "rat's behind" whether you contribute or not. She's thinking about what's for dinner, her feet hurt, her kid has a cold, probably many, many things. You are not the center of her Universe.

It's very simple to say "no" or "not at this time" or "I did already" which ever applies.

I personally have two charities I always contribute to. They are reliable and over 95 percent of what they collect actually goes to the charity.

So, if you don't want to contribute, just suck it up and say NO!

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by barb1191

My favorite charity is the Salvation Army whom I always give to when passing their kiosk. They are never imposing and so very polite, and best of all, they are honest. I don't recall ever hearing any negative commentary about this organization.

Also, I would never feel embarrassed to say no thankyou at the register in Publix when asked to donate. Nothing more need be said in your response. Your choice of donations is your personal business.

Barb, I like your cool-headed and dignified response.

And we agree on the Salvation Army - it is also one of my favourite charities.

[Talk Host]

Originally Posted by chelsea24

I can't believe this thread is still going on, but I'll jump in.

I think it's still going on because people have a sense of particiaption in this topic. That's what the forum is about, people talking about what interests or concerns them.

[MMC24]

Originally Posted by Talk Host

Is that always the "truth?"

Not always, but I figure if they have the balls to ask for a donation in front of everyone trying to pressure me into action, than I have the balls to lie to them.

But, I donate to the United Way which covers many of the local organizations. (IE Visiting Nurses, Boy Scouts, Home Health Care, etc, etc, etc.)

[conn8757]

I don't mind telling an adult no, but it sure is hard to say no to any kids in front of the Publix door - now how are you going to do that? If I do, I feel bad all the way through the store and have to give them something on the way out. I like to give to Salvation Army, Goodwill, or just a person on the street. He might go buy a bottle of wine with it, but at least I don't feel bad all day that he might really have been hungry.

[collie1228]

This was in today's Slate Mag on-line (Yes, I'm a very conservative Republican, but I do read that liberal rag, Slate). I think this is a very level headed discussion of this issue, from the Ask Patty and Sandy section of the magazine:

Dear Patty and Sandy,
I am growing increasingly resentful of the store clerks who ask me if I'd like to donate $1 to cure cancer, help homeless pets, feed the homeless, cure muscular dystrophy, etc., every time I shop. While they are all good causes, I don't donate to anything that I don't have an opportunity to look into myself. Should I just give? Invest the time to ask for more information every time I go to the store? Ask to speak to the manager? Is there a Web site that critiques the charities?
Eva

Sandy's response:
You’re not along, Eva. These supermarket “asks” have become ubiquitous. Here is an article featuring an annoyed shopper who is actually driving out of her way to avoid the please at her local Safeway. On the other hand, Safeway says it drummed up more than $40 million in checkout-line donations in 2007. So what do you do when you’re asked to cure cancer every time you need a gallon of milk? Start by looking at where the money is going. Recognize the name? Care about the issue? Respect the organization? Then give your nickel instead of letting it rattle around in the bottom of your purse. Would you rather give to homeless people than homeless pets? Then save your nickels, fill up a jar, and take it to a Coinstar machine, where you can choose from several well-known charities, from Feeding America to the World Wildlife Fund. According to the IRS's last published data (from 2005), there are 807,421 active nonprofit charitable organizations. It's no wonder we're being asked to give every time we turn around, and you absolutely shouldn't feel bad for just saying no. As my mom and I told Erica in a recent column, the best way to donate is to take the time to figure out a few good charities, make a giving plan, and stick to it. There are a lot of ways to rank charities: Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Better Business Bureau are good places to start.

Patty's response:
I've got an easier answer than Sandy's: Just say, "Thanks, but I've got my own giving plan!" and move on. You should feel great that you have a plan (you do have a plan, right?), and you shouldn't ever feel bad about saying no. I never give to these quick-change fundraisers myself, but I don't resent their presence, either. Most organizations that resort to checkout-line fundraising are trying their best to raise awareness and a bit of money at the same time. If it doesn't work, they'll get the message and try another approach.

[dillywho]

Originally Posted by conn8757

I don't mind telling an adult no, but it sure is hard to say no to any kids in front of the Publix door - now how are you going to do that? If I do, I feel bad all the way through the store and have to give them something on the way out. I like to give to Salvation Army, Goodwill, or just a person on the street. He might go buy a bottle of wine with it, but at least I don't feel bad all day that he might really have been hungry.

My late brother-in-law in Arizona had a unique way of dealing with a person on the street asking for money to eat. (Oops, not a good sentence...they didn't want to eat money.) He would offer to buy them groceries and would even to take them to the store if need be, but would not give them money. He did, too, if they wanted (take them). After he retired from Kawasaki, he drove a city bus in Needles, Calif. It was nothing for him to call his wife at work and have her stop by somewhere and pick up shoes for some of the ones who rode his bus or their kids. She would also pack extra sandwiches for him everyday in case someone riding was hungry. Some of the people were homeless and he would pay for them to ride around just to get out of the heat on the really hot days. He really cared for others.

[conn8757]

Dillywho - your brother must have been awesome - and I am sure he stored up in his treasures in heaven as the bible says with his good deeds and love for his fellow man. It sounds like he got right to the solution of the problems.

[captain1202]

How about a business card sized card you could hand to clerks that said some like: "Please respect my privacy and do not ask for donations. I handle my own charitable giving?"

Unfortunately, recent disclosures have shown that oftentimes very little of the donated money given to many charities actually goes to productive work and is often sidetracked to meaningless administrative expenses. Thanks, I'll do my own research.