Suggested Protocol when Seeking Donations & Door Prizes:
Remeber to show respect and common sense when approaching a potential donator.

DON'T:
A)Call on the phone. ALWAYS GO IN PERSON! It shows respect for the donator...who works hard for the money/products they are donating...even if they are donating time & energy.
B)Don't say "this is my first time in here" because it's insulting. Businesses are run by people. These people do have feelings.

DO:
1)Visit the business at least 3 times w/i two weeks BEFORE approaching for donations & such.
2)Or send reps that frequent that business.
3)Visit the store & "browse" w/i a week AFTER the event has occurred.
4)Send a thank you...even if it was a $5 donation or an outdated/ugly product.
5)Take into consideration that there are many others seeking donations from the same business that you are approaching. These include anything from school annuals, tournament books, raffle tickets, clubs, medical & catastrophy fundraisers, annual banquets, conferences, senior parties, and more.

Side Note: I'm not knocking donations. I'm just suggesting some respectful, common sense protocol. Thank you for considering these points.

.

Kari Prewett

POSTED: 2007-03-16

I love this post. Thank you, Kari, for trying to instill some manners into the people who are always asking for donations!.

Guest : 161.7.2.160

POSTED: 2007-03-16 12:54:30

Hooray!!! This should be posted on every Business door..

Guest : 216.146.123.42

POSTED: 2007-03-19 16:02:03

I guess this isn't a very important issue for donators/donation seekers. Oh well, I tried..

Guest : 65.19.230.215

POSTED: 2007-07-19 21:10:10

Geez, I can't believe how arrogant some of the freebie seekers can be. I had a few, lately, whom I only see once a year, that act as though they are doing me a favor...instead of the other way around. I'm afraid to say it, but I'm starting to get a sour taste from this donation thing. Anyone else?.

Guest : 65.19.229.28

POSTED: 2007-10-03 10:03:42

I agree it would be nice if the people asking for a donation would show some respect and not think they are "owed" something. All these businesses work hard and pay a lot in advertising and for some it is a lot more than others. Remember the hand that feeds you when bashing the product(s) they sell or supply the community with..

Guest : 66.113.35.9

POSTED: 2007-12-30 18:01:24

Remember what Kari said, there are lots of people seeking donations all of the time. We are a small community and not that many businesses so they get hit up ALL the time. Be very grateful if they say yes and be very understanding if they say no..

Guest : 65.19.229.210

POSTED: 2008-09-09 00:37:51

I wish I said that!to the people I said no to I still mean no,.

Guest : 65.19.229.183

POSTED: 2009-05-18 22:09:23