Radio 5-live. I’ve got no more information than that, sadly, though it is something I’ve long been meaning to do.
I’ve noticed a few questionairres from the charities hinting at it recently though. “How much do you think it costs us to get a new supporter?” style things.
pan
Indeed, but not always the case. I’ve checked up after hearing that and not all of the sellers work on that basis. Some companies pay a good rate per hour rather than the comission per signing.
I really, really hate chuggers.
Concern is one of the companies that pay an hourly rate rather than a comission.
Sight Savers also hassle you quite a bit after you set up a DD with them.
I made the mistake many years ago of donating to the ACLU. Even after changing residences twice since then, I still get the begging letters calling me a “valued contributor.” I wrote 'em a short note once and stuck in the return envelope talling them that when they finally recognize, and lobby for the rights of individual gun owners, giving the second amendment equal weight with the others, I’d consider donating again. No response, of course. Except for more begging letters.
The bean counters will, indeed, have calculated the breakpoints (“how much can we get from extra mailshots” vs. “how much will we lose by pissing off existing supporters”).
And, of course, charity fundraisers tend to be committed to the ideals of their charity … which means, well, how can you not be concerned about (Very Bad Thing)? It’s the most important (Very Bad Thing) around! Surely nobody could object to being asked to give a little more, to deal with a (Very Bad Thing) like this one … ? After a while, everything starts to look like a special case.
UncleBeer, your letters will, if I am any judge, be getting the “this person has a hobby horse” treatment. Which is, essentially, heave a sigh and ignore. Believe me, the drone opening letters and taking the cheques out has nothing to do with organizational policy … I know, because, once upon a time, I was that drone. (Not on commission, or indeed any money at all, but I was out of work at the time, and it got me out of the house.)
Nice to know they’ll be contacting me ‘regularly’ to attempt to help.
Isn’t it?
RING
Hello?
Is this Mr Chance?
Yes, may I help you?
I’m XYZ from Amnesty International…
Yes?
We’re hoping you continue to support our activities in reducing the abuse of human rights across the country and could continue to show your support with a donation…
click
The count so far:
In 3 months…
14 contacts for donations.
1 magazine
Zero action alerts
I also used to donate to AI. I stopped after the incident where their telephone solicitor became rude to me when I turned them down on yet another request.
I hate telephone solicitations. I use a standard script. “We do not accept telephone solicitations of any kind. Please place this number on your ‘do not call’ list.”
A couple years ago I felt guilty for enjoying free PBS for my entire life and FINALLY pledged a year’s membership. Since that time I’ve gotten no less than 25 requests for more money, which when you figure what it costs in postage and paper and printing costs is probably double the amount I originally pledged to them. I don’t feel guilty now, they obviously have PLENTY of money to waste.
The ASPCA is super bad too. First they show and tell you (in graphic detail) all the terrible things happening to animals, and then they send you crappy thing after crappy thing and follow them up with “did you get our lovely gift of crappy thing? I mean since you weren’t moved by our generosity so much that you plied us with more cash you must NOT HAVE gotten your crappy thing. Won’t you please let us know you received your crappy thing with the enclosed reply coupon?” Reply coupon states: "Yes! I received my crappy thing and wish to contribute:
$10 $35 * [ ] $50 $100 Other _______
*This amount will be most helpful!"
How do you figure? I’d think the $100 would be most helpful! Or other, assuming it’s not going to be less than $10. (I’m always tempted to say “oh I wanted to send $1,000,000 but the “other” line was too small!”)
Jonathan Chance, I know several longtime volunteers (area coordinators, group coordinators) that get annoyed by the tele-fund-raising efforts.
But if you are looking for actions, may I suggest using the website?
Try first signing up for the AIUSA action center.
Arnold, you know we’re together on this.
I’ve been on that list for a while. Still, since I forked over the loot…no actions…just begging.
It’s like I moved from ‘useful helper’ to ‘goose that lays golden eggs’.
I do that too. And last fall, I put my name on the national “do not call” list.
And for those charities I donate regularly to, I do it through the Combined Federal Campaign, and ignore whatever junk they send me in the mail.
Jonathan Chance, that doesn’t sound right. I’ve e-mailed you with a couple of questions. You should be getting the actions at least.
Probably not. Using the non-profit postage rate and the small cost of printing, they made money. They did this to me for years after a one-shot donation.