This is something that has bothered me for quite a while now. And I am beginning to notice it more and more. Large companies that get us to buy something in order for them to give to a charity or cause. I can understand it when the little independent reps do it—they do not have extra money to just give away and they will not be able to take it off their income taxes in all probability. The large companies (I will not mention any names here but I am sure you all know who they are) not only are assuring themselves of increased sales and get the donation as a tax write off, but in my opinion are actually taking advantage of the consumer. These companies can well afford to just give to these causes without us pitching in!! Not all of them do it—granted these are smaller companies-but all they do is mention that part of their profits is given to one cause or another. I have much more respect for these companies and will buy from them if I happen to have the extra funds. I also donate directly to charities if I have the extra funds.
I wonder what would happen if instead of buying the products “for charity” we sent the amount to the charity itself that we would have spent on a product that we might not have purchased anyway. Would these large companies still give? I’d like to think so, but somehow I doubt it. This seems to be a big advertising plan on their part.
Have you ever wondered about this? I’d love to hear your opinion.
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31 comments :
Can you give an example here? Not sure what companies are doing this. Interesting though!
I hate when the fund raising calls come in and when you ask them how much does the charity get and they give you a low answer or dont know, I rather donate directly too
What I hate as much is when you go through a cash register and they want you to give $1 to some charity. I give to who I want.....
I think there are some companies that give back now batter what (tax breaks etc) and use additional purchases to promote their products and make sales. A good company will give back regardless!
I couldn't agree with you more! They aren't losing a thing, they get the write off and our money! There are lots of companies doing this just google it!
I totally agree with you. The same thought comes to mind when big actors or actresses are asking for charity support where in fact they can give a big portion of their income but they don't.
I understand where you are coming from but think you might be overlooking some considerations. Many large companies DO donate significant $ amounts to various charities in addition to campaigns they run to raise additional funds for charities. As a consumer, if I want to give to a certain charity, I just will. I don't buy products just because a portion goes towards one, though I may opt for a brand that donates over one that doesn't. It's a marketing maneuver to get you to choose one company over another or to make a purchase sooner rather than later, but it doesn't mean that this is the only way the company gives back.
A lot of groceries stores do that. They hit you up at the register. I'm ok with giving, but I like to be in control of what I give to.
My nephew has a chromosome problem. Often the money I give will go to support the non-profit that supports research for his condition.
When I do donate; it is directly to the charity. I don't want only a percent of my proceeds to go toward the charity of my choice I want my entire donation to go toward the effort. I try not to purchase something with a sales gimmick attached, only the items my family needs.
I think about that a lot especially especially when it's pink season. I just give directly to the charity I choose.
I do both. First, I only buy products I really need otherwise I just donate directly to a charity.
I see what you mean! It's very irritation, however it's better than giving nothing at all. What I REALLY dislike is finding out how much certain large "color shaped" non-profits actually donate... 50%. Even when it's an emergency disaster response fundraiser. Everybody is out to make a buck today... that's the bottom line =/
This is right on! I hate that bog companies are always trying to get their bottom line up as high as they can. I mean, I know there are things that large corporations have to pay for~ stock holders, etc so all the money they get in doesn't get to stay with them, but I feel that charity is charity. You either give or you don't. It shouldn't be dependent on how much you sell.
Tiffany
i agree it is one of the things i love about a musician i like he always encourages fans instead of spending money on gifts for him he rather you send that money to a charity and help those in need pretty awesome
I understand why companies do it. It is to increase sales. Marketing is huge and many people fall for it. I don't think they are wrong for doing it though. They got to be a big company for a reason--they sell a lot of stuff that we obviously want or we wouldn't have made them so big. Many companies do matched donations and things like that as well.
The only time I think this is wrong is if a company is forcing you to donate to something in which you do not believe in. I am not donating to Planned Parenthood and other organizations which defy my moral standings.
I have huge issues with the companies that put the breast cancer ribbon on products. A lot do and the consumers just assume that means a portion off the purchase goes to the cause. That isn't the case. The trickery is disgusting.
I quit buying stuff that had the breast cancer ribbon it and come to find out the proceeds werent even going to the foundation. That is disappointing
I have a son with autism and Autism Speaks is the BIGGEST thing for the autism community, so I thought. They only pay big celebrities to talk or sponsor big events. I think the money should go to research, education and not lining anyone's pockets. So, I contribute locally, my time and money!
Some companies will have a placed to donate rather than purchase an item. I do sometimes give to the charities at the cash register as the causes seem good.
I must say I never looked at it that way but you are exactly right. They should just give because they can. The part that bothers me is drawing attention to yourself when you do something good. I donate all the time and yet I do not advertise it, I do it because it is the nice thing to do.
I think they do give to the charities.
I do understand what you are saying. I admit I do support companies that give back to great causes. I contribute to different causes with my own money but I do like companies that give back. I guess I didn't think of it as a promotional "to buy" tactic but I guess it is.
I watch reality tv like housewives reality series shows and they do this a lot, the charity thing. They own huge companies and they have this charity programs too. Oh well, so long as they really contribute those funds to the people in need so be it.
when it comes to charities, I let my husband handle it as he knows the good and the bad ones. After that, I also give charity to my family in Philippines. I'm sponsoring my younger sister to finish her last year in college now so this is my way of charity to others besides my family as well.
Yes, I agree with you! As my husband always said "rich people are getting richer, poor people are getting poorer..." Big companies should just donate, because simply they can afford without any consumers help.
I definitely agree! If it's a product I was going to purchase anyway, then it doesn't bother me as much. I look at it as a win-win situation. But to purchase a specific item just for a portion of the proceeds to go to the organization - I'd rather donate directly to the organization. I completely understand when independent consultants do this as a way to raise funds and awareness for a cause - often they don't the extra funds to send and are looking for a way to help out.
In my stances, that's how they make our customer buy their products. So they want to introduce those companies that sponsored the event.
I prefer to do my charity personally when it comes to large companies. If a cash donation then that works much better for me.
I have certain charities that I donate to and I will go off that list if I see someone in need or there is a some type of disaster that has occurred. I never buy a product that is attached to a donation.
I understand what you are saying. I have often wondered why they can't just donate without us having to purchase first.
Sadly, a lot of companies do that because it's the most crooked and subtle form of marketing. It's sad but it's true.
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