Donations at check out counters. Do you always say yes?
By bounce58
@bounce58 (17387)
Canada
October 20, 2009 9:38pm CST
Lately I've seen a lot of charity drives set up at store check out counters. Just before the cashier rings up your total purchase, they would ask if you want to give a dollar or two to their charity. Then you are put in the spot! Do you say no, and risk being perceived as a uncaring-cheapskate? Or do you say yes, and loose the dollar or so you saved from choosing their store in the first place?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@dlr297 (5409)
• United States
21 Oct 09
Most of the time i say no, unless it is something that i really want to give to. and i do not care what they think of me. I give to charities when i can but i make the decision on which ones.and i would never make my choices by what someone else thinks.
2 people like this
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
21 Oct 09
I wish I was like you!
But most of the time, it is a charity that I also believe in. How can I say no? Often times, I have my kids with me, so I also want to set an example to them. That I care, and I try to help.
But, I think I will try your approach too. I could also teach my kids not to care about what they think of me.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
21 Oct 09
hi bounce In this bad economy and on mylimited budget I do not give a hoot what they think of me, I say no thanks and walk
out of the store with my money still in my billfold. Let them 'think as they will,it is none of their business anyway. I' have to take care of me now.
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
21 Oct 09
You're right Hatley! We shouldn't give a hoot what they think. Specially in also my limited budget.
And I just realized now, that these people at the counters are just working there. They may not really care about the charity they are trying to collect money for. It could be just part of their work.
@shaggin (72021)
• United States
6 May 11
It is every store that I go in they ask if I want to donate my change to a certain organization. I dont have enough money to just give money away even change adds up. If anything they should be saying here have some of this money we know you are in need lol. Sometimes they will have wishing wells and things like that where the money that is thrown in is given to a non-profit organization and I will let my kids throw some pennies in but thats it and its just to let them enojoy doing it.
Maybe they'd attract more customers to their stores. Specially if words get around that they don't ask for money, but instead give some.
Thanks!
@maezee (41988)
• United States
21 Oct 09
Occasionally I will. If I have a big purchase to make, and so I'm spending a lot anyway (such as if I'm grocery shopping) - then yes! Because what's an extra dollar going to get me in that situation? If I'm going there just to buy a pop or a pack of gum, then no. And it also depends on what the charity is and what store is doing it. Every time I went to a certain thrift store in my area (where they were raising money to help out people in need), I would definitely do it because I feel passionate about helping homelessness and whatnot. So, it depends on a lot of things. But yeah! I definitely don't like how they put you on the spot - but I'm sure that's how they raise 99% of the money they do.
1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
21 Oct 09
Good on you maezee for being passionate about helping the homeless! I konw life has been hard in this tough economy, but for sure they are suffering more. And good on stores or organization that help them.
But now back to putting customers on the spot... I wonder who came up with this idea? In a small way, it feels like highway robbery!
@Catachrest (17)
• Canada
21 Oct 09
I usually say yes, as long as it's a charitable cause that I support. I waste one or two dollars almost daily on coke or snacks - far better that it go somewhere worthwhile. If I can't or don't wish to for any reason, I'll just say 'not today, thanks."
