Teach Soap

And, I've got mixed feelings about it. Here's the scoop: the gal that asked me to donate, did so via email. She is my neighbor, and acquired my email because both her husband and I were on the HOA for our community. Prior to that, she was always tagging my mailbox (snail mail) with fliers about "come to my pampered chef party!" and "Do you love Avon?" The first time, I really had something to do. But I've gotten no less than 5 invites to various stay-at-home business opportunites. Ultimately, she (IMO) HAD to get a real job, and the flurry of invites stopped. She now works at a secondhand store that supports battered women and their families. She also seems to be "in the know" about things happening in our little town.

To be sure, I have very little in common with this woman. I rarely see her. We don't chit-chat on the phone, but if we're walking we stop and make small talk. But it's a few times a year, if that.

So, she asks via my personal email if I would donate, suggesting that "it would be great exposure" for me, and blah blah blah. Which it is, but have you ever had someone try to sell you cleaner door-to-door or get stopped at a mall kiosk and they say "Can I just ask you one question...." to hook you? It felt kinda like that. But again, because she's connected, I think Okay, even though she's trying to use her mind powers to "talk me into it" I will donate. I donate 6 soaps. I know ahead of time that they are trying to do spa baskets or something, and the soap would be "a part" of those baskets.

Here's the pics:



Do these seem "tossed in" there to you? The white basket especially....I know (from blowing it up) that one soap the BACK is facing up. I'm all for giving to charity, but I'm trying to get over this icky feeling...

FWIW, the items were auctioned at a black tie function that has been in existence for a while. Like 20 years. Somehow these baskets don't scream "black tie" to me, kwim? So, the quandry: Since I donated once, I *know* I'm on the list for next year...that's how people keep pulling off fundraisers, right? Do I just let my lovely little soaps be tossed into a basket? Am I being too protective?

Vinca,

That is so wonderful that you donated your soaps. And yes, I do think the baskets were thrown together without much creativity in mind. It goes to a great cause and is very needed in your community as throughout this country. Once the baskets are open and they use your soaps I know the person using them will enjoy them as I have in the soap swaps! Hopefully, that person will recognize the great quality of your soaps and the kindness that you put forth in donating your soaps.

Take care.

I can sympathize with you, as I am very picky about how my "creations" are displayed. I even get squirmy over where my retailers put the price tag!

Yes, these might have been placed better, but knowing how charity auctions go, the bidders don't really care. They are there... 1) to be seen, 2) to show off how much they can spend, 3) to support their favorite charity, and 4) to have a good time at a function. They may not even look very closely at what they are bidding on. Apart from that, this is an extremely worthwhile cause.

My daughter is director of a large crisis center for women and children, so I hear a lot about what these women go through and know that in many cases there is not a big budget to take care of them - salaries are low, etc.

I personally thank you for doing this, and would encourage you to continue. If this continues to bother you, may I suggest that next year you tell them that if they will provide you with the items for the baskets, you will put them together for them. If they won't... don't sweat it. Just think of your donation as both advertising for you, and helping to care for a woman or child that has literally gone through hell (and still is). In the scope of things, it's not a big issue. Best wishes...

_________________
Barbara at Oasis Soap Co.
http://www.oasissoap.com

Good for you. When I make gift baskets, I fill the basket as much as I can with paper shreds. Then my products go on top of that. It raises my products up so they are easier seen.

_________________
Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I'm sorry, but I disagree. First, let me preface by saying that you donating IS a wonderful thing and, IMO, particularly to a charity such as that.

However, I respectifully point out the following:
1. You've obviously worked hard to make and provide a quality product.

2. Your company and everyone of your products is a represented by the way your products are presented. I'm not a marketing expert by any means but I am a professional in another industry and know that every single representation of your company should be a positive one. People will remember what they see - good OR bad. (please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe this is called "branding" - not sure). The products were put in the basket(s) in a less than favorable manner (IMO) and this reflects directly on your company in some manner. If these were for a black tie affair, your products were clearly seen by many influential people.

3. Their total lack of respect for your donation is a direct disrespect to you.

If it were me, I would KINDLY AND RESPECTFULLY contact her (preferably in person) and explain to her your thoughts and feelings on this issue. I would simply tell her than you are (if this is the case) severely dissapointed by the way your products and company were represented and obvious lack of care and respect. I would, again in my opinion ONLY, further politely indicate that should you choose to dontate in the future that you would have to INSIST on having a say on the layout of the final product (i.e. baskets) before they were presented to the public.

I'm sorry, but I don't take disrespect well and thats obviously what was done to you. Again, however, I do applaud you for donating and encourage you to continue doing so.

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Sunkawakan
---------------------------------------------
Finally open!
Blog -

Vinca, having been to a number of these charitable events in my life time, I think Baraka is "spot on" with her comments and recommendations.

I hope I can give another perspective.

I understand feeling your product wasn't shown professionally and my advice is you donate (and package) a whole box yourself next time instead of having it lumped in with a whole spa and body basket. The problem with this situation is that you aren't clear whether you donated because you wanted to help the organization or because you wanted to promote your business.

I have sat on numerous committees and attended hundreds of dinners. Having to get donations for an auction is my least favorite thing to do as it is embarrasing and painful to ask people for donations. I am sure you can imagine that by working in pro sports, I am asked to get sports tickets and auction merchandise for dozens and dozens of organization in my county. And it stinks having to go out and beg, borrow and steal. Consider this person is giving her free time to help make an event designed to raise money more money with as many silent auction items as possible. She certainly isn't thinking about how best to display your item--she is just trying to get the largest volume of items possible. Poor woman has to ask dozens of companies to donate, all on her free time, in order to have a good outcome. Forgive her for not being sensitive--and again, donate a whole basket the next time if you feel like you like the organization.

Second, the people buying these baskets are really just trying to get something they want in a basket because you are almost browbeaten to bid on things. Most often, I regift the baskets to my assistant or someone else. In other words, they aren't buying your brand or your item. They HAVE to bid or be embarrassed that they didn't contribute.

Many, many service providers have launched their businesses on silent auctions, notably photographers who offer you a free sitting and one photo as the auction prize hoping to get you to buy more copies of photos. Perhaps a better way, if you are doing this to launch your business, is to offer 10 free bars customized for a wedding or baby shower (like party favors in a box) so you can promote your business.

Anyways, sorry I am on a tangent, but I think you have to be clear if you are doing it for charity or you are trying to promote your business. Either way, she was just a messenger and probably didn't package the baskets herself.

Sorry if I am a little too direct.

No, this is a great discussion, I appreciate everyone's input!

And, I had thought of that....making my donation being a stand-alone basket. That way I have control over what exactly the finished product looks like. That may be what's in store in the future. You guys have seen my soaps. They're simple, but pretty.

For me, when she asked it was an immediate yes. I didn't make her follow up again and again, seeing if I "saw the email" or if "I had considered her request" or anything...from the get-go, I said yes. Because I, too, hate more than anything to fundraise, to get donations, to ask people for anything. She knew she could depend on me for a contribution. I *know* how exhausting and sucky it is to try and inspire people to jump on board.

I donated without expectation. I donated for a worthy cause. And that's part of why I feel icky, I think...because it's like once they leave my hands, they should be free to be whatever kind of soapy they wish. Even if it's an upside-down soapy, crammed into a basket all lopsided. I, personally, wouldn't treat a soap that way. And, if someone gave *me* an item for my cause, I'd want them to know I appreciated it. And to display it proudly. Heck, I dunno...maybe if they did 2 baskets instead of 3 it would have looked better.

And yes, in a way I'd expect someone to be able to find me and say "Oooh, I won a silent auction basket with your soap in it!" That would give me a kick. If they never bought from me again, no harm no foul. I think to meet them would be neat though, because I just put my soaps out to the universe, kwim? I didn't donate with the primary reason to secure residual sales.

I guess another thing, is my heart kinda aches because we know that packaging and presentation really do something for a product. I can't help but wonder if people would have tossed some more money their way if they had took the time to just be a little more fancy-schmantzy. I know *my* presentation didn't bring down the look of the basket, kwim?

As someone who goes to many different fundraisers with silent auctions, I applaud you for your contribution. It is very difficult for these organizations to get any contributions in these economic times. My suggestion would be for you to put aside products for the next year and make your own basket. If you are asked again you will be ready, if not you have a great gift for someone. Remember you can always decline. You may feel bad but more people say no than yes and yu have nothing to feel guilty about.
the size of the basket or whatever is not important, but presentation is everything.

_________________
Diana
Butter Babies Soap
bbsoap.com

You did a good thing for a good cause and I have no doubt with all good intentions.
As you said, once they were out of your hands they were out of your control.

So if someone else (your neighbor or another person) dropped the ball and showed your pretty soaps for less than they could be, you can't let that diminish the value and importance of your donation. You can only learn from it. If it comes up again you can choose to donate elsewhere, choose to mention your concerns based on your experience, or as suggested... solve the problem by putting together your own baskets.

Let the icky feeling go and know that some money was raised for something you care about as a result of your actions.

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- Mickey!