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Give Us Your Two Cents!

October 21, 2009
Dealers receive many requests for donations and assistance from local community groups. Tell us what criteria you apply in considering these requests.
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Not a week goes by that a typical tire dealer doesn't receive a request for a donation. Some dealers are quite generous with their money and their time. Others do what they are able. Regardless, budgets are only so big, and with so many requests to consider, how does a tire dealer effectively sort through all of the donation requests? Use the comment area below to tell us how you decide which groups get your support, and offer your tips on how your fellow dealers can make good charity decisions.
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avatar   Bill Hartwick   star   11/17/2009   7:41 PM

I make a budget and stick to it. Averages 300 a month. But some of the advertising I do, considering the response, is probably a donation.



avatar   Bill Glock   star   11/11/2009   12:03 PM

We try to be as generous as possible. Usually the request will be on some form of letterhead. I always look to see if the requestor or board members are customers of our business...if not, I usually toss the request.



avatar   danita root   star   11/10/2009   10:39 AM

We have an outside Marketing Director (a nominal fee) and we refer requests to her. It is easier for her to say no than for us.



avatar   Tom Duke   star   11/10/2009   10:10 AM

Donations to worthewhile causes can be helpful to dealers -- but only if they have written a donation policy and adhere to it. The policy should spell out which categories of organizations will be considetred for a donation. These categories should be, in descending importance: health and welfare organizations (United Way, American Cancer Society); community betterment organizations (YMCA, Urban League); recreational organizations (youth athletics). A budget for making contributions should be established in the prior year and a plan for giving should also be developed. There should be only a small contingent fund left for unplanned donations. Groups requesting a donation should be asked to complete a simple form specifying who they are and the purpose of their request. The dealer then should determine if the request should be fulfilled, possibly through a Contributions Committee. Whe the budget is used, further donations should be declined by telling the requesting organization that the budget has run out.



avatar   Ed Bluebaum   star   10/22/2009   2:30 PM

I avoid giving to people who just ask for money for people with cancer or similar health problems unless I am familiar with the person asking and receiving the benefit. I believe some are frauds, especially home schooled kids without parents from another community during the school day asking for money to buy school supplies. I am pressured to give to those who are good customers. Rather than money, I offer a stated value coupon for services such as 4 rotations. I have given a coupon to the local car club for several years for a "Muscle Car" alignment. I have never had it redeemed by a recipient. Once, some young boys were asking about a donation for sponsoring them to a paintball tournament. I told them to come by my house where I had them rake up some twigs and limbs following an ice storm. They appeared to be happy; they earned their donation and didn't ask again.



avatar   JOHN HOPPE   star   10/22/2009   10:20 AM

I have certain area ones that I budget for every year.I have others that approach me,and if they are a current client, I will listen to and possibly donate a small amount. If they are not customers or mom or dad is doing it for the kids (why isn't the kid doing it), I explain that my budget is set in January and I am not in a position to do this.