Why won't they take my money?
Last night, I was door knocked by a development charity. I didn't know much about them, having never written for them, but after giving the guy a good grilling, I was impressed.
They ticked all the right boxes for me, so I offered to sign up for £2 a month.
I don't know what I expected - maybe a 'thank you, that's great. Here's the form - you won't regret it.'
But instead, I was told that my £2 a month wasn't good enough and that they could only accept £5 a month minimum. And really that was pretty cheap - they usually only take £10.
I'm sorry, but WHAT? You're a charity and you DON'T WANT MY MONEY?
I understand that there is a cost associated with coming to my door, administering a Direct Debit, giving me feedback, etc. I made the point that I didn't know them and that if they continued to impress me, I would happily upgrade my gift.
He walked away without my money and I went to bed feeling like a nasty cheapskate who doesn't care enough.
I don't want to feel like that. I want to do my bit and I want to feel great about it.
No wonder so many people are left with a bad impression of charities. Has anyone else had this experience?
Francesca Boardman
Comments
I had a similar thing last week - a guy called me and tried to upgrade a regular gift I make (only £2.50 a month) to £5, I said that I didn't want to and he was not at all understanding - he actually tried to guilt me into it by telling me how much the cause needed my money, but then failed to be able to answer a simple question about what projects my money went to - I was also left feeling mean spirited and like what I give now is not really good enough!
Posted by: Dawn Howarth | April 2, 2008 10:39 AM
Dawn, I have to say I admire your calmness, I would have cancelled my direct debit there and then.
Again we just need to be so careful about who we let out to "sell" on our behalf, don't we.
My worst experience was walking up a busy shopping street and being asked if I had a moment to talk about charity x. I am always really careful to be polite and make eye contact and say no thank you (I like to make my donations directly). Anyway this girl mumbled after me.....you should, it would make you feel good!! Aghhh. I couldn't believe it. I have had such a bad feeling towards that charity ever since, and its been 4 years!
Posted by: Conor Byrne | April 19, 2008 09:37 AM