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AIBU?

To think that The Red Cross should not waste their money sending out pens AND two coasters AND two greetings cards AND a bookmark!!!!!!!!!!!!!

92 replies

LottieJenkins · 11/03/2014 10:30

Shock Hmm Shock Hmm
I got one. My Mum had one when she went to get the post at her old house and the lady I work for had one with her post when I let myself in yesterday!!! I cant believe they can justify spending that much money!!!

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Cleartheclutter · 11/03/2014 10:38

It is a method that works apparently

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NorbertDentressangle · 11/03/2014 10:41

This really annoys me too.

If I want to donate to a charity I will do so, I won't be forced into paying for some unrequested cheaply manufactured tat that gets sent via the Royal Mail only to end up in the bin/recycling/landfill.

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prh47bridge · 11/03/2014 10:44

They justify it because the increased donations they get as a result of sending out these packs more than covers the cost. Very simple really.

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LottieJenkins · 11/03/2014 10:46

Well it hasn't worked here!!!!

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Theas18 · 11/03/2014 10:49

Annoyed here too! that really puts me off, that and chugging!

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PorkPieandPickle · 11/03/2014 10:50

I just imagine there to be a massive Red Cross coaster pile at landfill!

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ChaosTrulyReigns · 11/03/2014 10:51
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LadyBeagleEyes · 11/03/2014 10:51

It's always handy to get a pen as I never seem to have one, but they're rubbish.
And no, this doesn't persuade me to give anything, but if it works for others, fair enough.

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NorbertDentressangle · 11/03/2014 10:52

The increased donations may cover the cost of the packs but what about the environmental impact of resources used to manufacturer and distribute them and the landfill costs to dispose of them after they land on your doormat?

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mrsjay · 11/03/2014 10:55

Oh it is annoying i do like the coasters though

it is seen as giving to recieve a nice gesture IYSWIM,

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LottieJenkins · 11/03/2014 10:58

Blush Sorry Chaos!

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sebsmummy1 · 11/03/2014 11:06

I liked the Christmas coasters very much, but I didn't donate off the back of them. I do have charity guilt, but it's across the genre as a whole, not because I didn't give to one particular cause.

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fluffyraggies · 11/03/2014 11:07

We got a pack like this last year. It really works does it? We were Shock and Hmm

It crossed my mind that some older folks might worry that they had to send money - to pay for it all, or try to send it back.

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FabULouse · 11/03/2014 11:09

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Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

ArsePaste · 11/03/2014 11:10

It's a VAT thing. Charities get rebates that are more than the cost of the items, if there isn't just a begging letter in the envelope. It's called the "pack test" VAT law is incredibly complex, and this is just one of the ways that giving you more than you would expect actually has benefits to the charity than you would ordinarily think.

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funnyossity · 11/03/2014 11:12

It just feels so wasteful of resources.

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FrancesNiadova · 11/03/2014 11:34

I taped up the envelope & sent mine back, return to sender.
Bah Humbug!Wink

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arethereanyleftatall · 11/03/2014 11:42

That people don't realise that this brings in more money than it costs, obviously, beggars belief. Yabu .

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eddiemairswife · 11/03/2014 11:42

I seem to have a drawer full of Red Cross cards that I can't use because everyone would know that I got them for free. I also have a growing collection of coasters and matching bookmarks! The pens come in handy but don't last long.

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soverylucky · 11/03/2014 11:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

funnyossity · 11/03/2014 11:46

I can appreciate it may work financially but I hate junk mail and judge them on that. I am a supporter of The Red Cross, just in other ways.

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littleducks · 11/03/2014 11:47

I refuse to donate money to charities that pay people to request donations or send out promotional gifts as I really disagree with those practices.

It is a total waste of resources.

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Joysmum · 11/03/2014 11:48

I won't donate to charities that do this on principle.

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silverten · 11/03/2014 11:48

I hate the pens. They hardly ever work, and feel all cheap and nasty. Hence: straight in the bin.

I use the cards. The way I see it is: if they are giving me them without me asking, then why should I feel guilty about using them?

I know it's a cost-benefit decision that is tilted in their favour, so I don't feel guilt.

Which makes me wonder: are these mail outs changing people's attitudes to charity?

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LaGuardia · 11/03/2014 12:15

Marie Curie sent me a daffodil pin, a notepad, a pad of post-its, a postcard and a coaster. No need to buy a daffodil pin this year now Grin

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