Is it poor business etiqutte as a business owner to solicit charitable donations from customers?
Without being too specific, I am part of a recreational vehicle club which cost a me a large upfront payment and requires me to pay a couple if hundred dollars in monthly fees to use the vehicles. The main headquarters has sent me several emails to help a specific employee raise money for a large charitable organization, one that I already contribute to for the last 25 years. They also have local gatherings in each city where they are located and they solicit for “door prizes” from the “members” of this pay for use “club”. I have asked several times for them to stop sending these emails and on my last request the person gave a very shallow apology and tried to tell me why this charity is amazing. When I complained to the President and owner of this company he became very irate with me making it sound like I’m out of line for addressing this. When does soliciting for charity go too far? I pay this company every month on time and I don’t have an issue with the local people that operate at my location. I give quietly and as much as I can each year to local and national animal rescue organizations, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Race for the Cure, my church, The Fresh Air Fund, The American Olympic Training program, and so many more. If I get another email of this nature how should I handle it? They are breaking the law by not adhering to my opt out requests.
l agree that it is poor business practice to solicit money from you for charity. They are not breaking any laws by sending you emails about it, though. You may be confusing the Do Not Call list with that. You’ve given them your email address willingly, so they can send you whatever they wish.
If I were you, I would send the company a polite letter requesting that they refrain from soliciting you. If they do no honor your request, then you can decide if you should quit the club.
I think that’s very poor etiquette. If it continues, politely let them know that you are legally entitled to opt out. Hopefully that will get the message across.
If you are offended, and they ignore your requests to be taken off of their lists – I believe that they are exhibiting ‘poor business etiquette.
Do you still want to be a part of the Club? Is there another club that offers the same benefits, but will respect your privacy?
Unfortunately, the only solution may be to leave the club, as they are breaking no laws.
…sorry…
I understand your pain as I too get several request for donations and I, like you, also contribute to many organizations that are of personal importance to me. My standard response to those that I don’t care to donate to is “While I am sure your charity is a fine organization doing a much-needed service it is not a charity of my choice and I respectfully request that you no longer seek donations from me as I am currently donating to the charities of my choice.”
They aren’t breaking any laws. They solicit donations from MEMBERS. You are a MEMBER. They are doing exacly what they told you they do. If you don’t like it, leave the club. You haven’t ‘opted out’ of anything, you’re still IN THE CLUB, and that includes solicitations.