20+ Tips for Handling Donation Requests:
a deep dive into what works for indie retailers, with examples
Let’s talk about donation requests. Many of you find them overwhelming and you hate saying no, but cannot afford to fund every request. I did a deep dive to identify best practices from many different types of retailers. Here’s what I learned:
Clear guidelines are helpful (when saying yes AND particularly when saying no).
Requiring an online request form is the most efficient way of dealing with donation requests. (Creating one is easy. I’ll tell you how in this newsletter.)
A “giving back” page on your website reinforces the mission and values of your business and serves as a reminder of your commitment to your community. It also affords you the convenience of directing those seeking donations straight to your guidelines and online form.
There are ways to give generously to worthwhile organizations while avoiding the donation request process all together.
Follow-up is helpful for measuring success and for planning future donations.
There are many reasons and benefits to donating locally.
Keep reading for specific examples and links to retail store guidelines and websites.
Note: Premium subscribers can also look forward to an upcoming newsletter about Cause Marketing and in-store charitable opportunities that drive sales and attract new customers. Subscribe today to make sure you will have full access to this valuable resource.
I know retailers who receive dozens of donation requests every month and others who only get a few, but I have never met a retailer who told me no one asks. Today’s retail tips newsletter is designed to help you streamline your process, maximize your efforts and introduce you to solutions or alternatives that you have not yet considered.
