Opinion: Are Charities Getting Too Greedy?

We've got so many excellent local charities in Dorset (and a few stinkers too!) One I liked was Julia's House. I say, 'liked' because I think they are just getting too greedy. Yes, I understand the outstanding value they bring to the Community, and I still support that, but they certainly know how to alienate their fans and customers!

Today was a cracking example. We'd been looking at some furniture and had been umming and ahhhing about buying a significantly priced piece. We finally made the buying decision and made the trip specifically to purchase this.

The piece is so big, I needed it delivered. The advertised delivery price was ￡20, so, whilst this was nearly 20% on top of the cost, I'd resigned myself to it. Anyway, I weighed up the cost-benefit advantage and decided to pay for delivery.

Turns out the price of delivery to my location was not the advertised ￡20 but double that. It was OK, though, because the staff member informed me that they already had a van booked for Swanage, so they'd only charge me ￡30! Trust me, I didn't feel grateful for this 'bargain'. Result? I walked out, having driven to the shop specifically for that one outcome.

When will these charities get wise? Interestingly, I've supported local charities for free - but my goodwill towards Julia's House has (temporarily) evaporated.

The Solution

Charities need to realise that 'goodwill' is a currency, and it's one with a life-time value. As such, frontline staff need to be empowered to make liberating decisions that close the deal. I had no intention of 'negotiating' a better price on the furniture - I want to support the charity, but to be then given such an unbelievable option destroyed the credibility of the opportunity. The result was a lose-lose, and a bad taste.