Charity Envelopes/Free Pens

[Wispy68]

The postman's just delivered another letter from a charity, including yet another free pen. If these charities are so desparate, why are they wasting money dishing out pens, which, I would have thought, get thrown out by most people and I really can't believe anyone would open one of these letters, thinking, 'well, I'll give to this charity, as there's a pen to fill out my bank details with!' How much must it cost them per year? I realise they're cheap pens, but it all adds up!!

[coggles]

Hello NJ! I have often thought the same thing. It does seem to be a waste of money that could be used elsewhere.

[thewillow]

I would presume that they have carried out their research and have discovered that a certain percentage of people do respond. Even if it's only a small number, it must be worth it or they wouldn't do it.

[robber1]

The pens they give away will work out a few pence each. They do work out how cost effective it is and they must get many replies with the minimum �5 donation (cheeky innit?) . I have replied and given (once) but then I was pertered endlessly for more. I now put in collection tins (Sally Army esp.) so I am not hassled for more.

[IggyB]

as you say the pens are not going to be that exPENsive, but i was shocked when i saw an advert for those charity muggers that hang around every street corner these days trying to make you sign your life (or at least your bank details) away... �10's an hour! I really hate those guys and they put me off giving to charities SO MUCH because you have to think about the proportion of your money that is being spent on yet more of these annoying fund raisers

[FTVS]

Of course if you do pay by direct debit ("sign your life away") there is some kind of tax break for the charity which means they get more of your cash. When I was a charity collector in Aus, I got 40% of the takings...(Sorry Nicola I have hi-jacked your question)

[Raziya]

I think the theory is that if they give you a gift (such as a pen), you might feel obliged to reciprocate by giving them something. Robert Cialdini's book, Influence: Science and practice has a chapter about this sort of thing(and lots on other marketing techniques too).

Personally, I think it would probably work better if they gave away nicer pens.

Or maybe not. After all, a charity is not a business - their money comes from charitable donations rather than being "earned" and many people probably think the same as you - that they shouldn't be "wasting" their money on free pens. If that's what people think, then their marketing ploy has failed.