Hi there,
Can someone tell me what the overall best merchant company is to use for auction. I was looking into square, but I really dont like that you have to give your SS#, as a non-profit. Also, there is NO live support, they say its to "serve you more efficiently" but I have to disagree. I could have called and spoke with someone yesterday morning. Instead I emailed them and over 24hrs later I am now getting a response..... Hmmmmm.
I am from the Macomb County area of Michigan and would love to share/compare donation lists with both of you.
I have also had good luck with Tim Allen (last year we received 4 glass tool ornaments along with an autographed picture. This year we received an autographed magazine with him on the cover).
I have had much luck with:
DSO
Macomb Center for Performing Arts
Cranbrook
Meadowbrook
Shedd Aquarium
Texas de Brazil
Marvins Marvelous Mechanical Museum
I would love more contacts for hotels and restaurants or for a company that will donate something other then gift certificates or vouchers.
I got quick NO's from:
MIS
Detroit Lions
Michigan Opera House
Ann Arbor Hands on Museum
Boyne
Motor City Casino/Hotel/Soundboard
Morley/Sanders Candy Company
Waiting on (request pending):
Detroit Tigers
Detroit Pistons
Detroit Redwings
Southwest Airlines
Anne Petrous This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (please put donation list in subject)
Noticed some requests in recent posts for sample donation letters, so passing the link along from our File Exchange. You can download these files and customize the letters for your group.
Sharon - you have to win the item to go into the "dare to pay full price" drawing. That has meant that a few of our items have gone over value that would have stopped at 100% (or much less) in previous years.
This year, national company donations are down for us. Our auction is 4/20 and my usual team of volunteers has been unable to work on local companies with me, so we're well off our normal numbers at this time. I sent a mass email to all families, asking for assistance, but only one family responded (that has always helped in the past anyway). I think we'll be refocusing our strategy for volunteers next year! In the meantime, we're going to hit the streets once spring break is over and I may send out an "every family is responsible for something" appeal next week. Thanks for the ideas!
Another great resource for donation leads is Pinterest. Searching key words will lead you to great boards. I personally keep all my leads on the site to help other groups locate the larger company donors such as Build-a-Bear, Panera, Highlights etc.
