OzBargain community "Giving Back" (at someone elses expense) to charity idea

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  TheAviator on 25/05/2013 - 22:54

  +2

  Definitely well intentioned, but I don't think it is ethical (possibly illegal) to send mail to other addresses like that. By all means get the stuff delivered to your house and donate it to charity :)

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    MITM on 26/05/2013 - 11:29

    Coinsaver below is practising your suggestion.
    The intention would be to semi-automate getting the goods to the organisation by clicking (and entering appropriate address)using existing systems en masse.
    Physically collecting and distributing as an individual would be too time consuming, and probably costly (postage/petrol/packing etc).
    Ethically, I'm sure the companies factor in a percentage of samples garnishing no benefit to the company.
    (We're good at that at OzB - I still havent used my teeth bleach sample, probably wont, but they have my details, or did I use a throw-away email address)
    Also, as an example I buy a TigerAir $10 return ticket ($10 + $10) and have it delivered to you (I'm guessing you love flying Aviator). Whether you use it would be your choice, or you could give it away or even sell it and use the proceeds for another purpose. Nothing illegal there.
    Thanks for the support though-I'd like to make it happen

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  MatrixM on 26/05/2013 - 05:46

  +1

  It'd require some work.
  For example if we sent stuff to the sccouts we'd need to find out if their HQ usually distributes supplies to the units or the units buy it themselves. If we can't get it shipped directly their, we'd need to figure out a way to get ozbargainers who live close to each other (or close the destination) to meet-up and drop off their items to save on postage costs.
  We'd also need to find out how much they'd need and keep a COUNTER/POLL for each donation so we don't swamp the Animal Welfare League with 2 tonnes of cat food.

  I'm all for the idea, though.

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    MITM on 26/05/2013 - 11:40

    Point taken Matrix - we'd have to make sure the organisation would benefit and not cause a problem.
    However, for example, the Animal Welfare League would have multiple delivery adresses which could be included in the original post. Then we'd have a choice as to where we want our sample sent to - presumably locally.
    I'd also add that it would be likely a sample would be OzBargained before it reached 2 tonnes. The promotion would be pulled well beforehand, otherwise, it would be a NICE problem for AWL to have.
    Thanks for your support - I'd like to make it happen

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  coin saver on 26/05/2013 - 06:16

  i could only see this working if you ditribute the items yourself as the companys are giving or selling you these items cheap to get you to try there items it would be very doubtfull they will deliver a large combined order to charity good well intentioned post thou positive vote from me … i keep a small box of samples i dont want and when it is worth it take it and put it in a charity bin…some of the more active scout groups would also be interested in small samples shampoo soaps toothpaste and foods as these are very handy for packing light

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    MITM on 26/05/2013 - 11:53

    I commend you on your sample box donations CoinSaver. Now how about we upscale and automate exactly what you're doing, and have it delivered directly to the organisation/s in perfect condition.
    This will save you time and expense, and with the multiplier effect of other OzB'ers joining your efforts, could be beneficial.
    Yes, the companies are trying to get you to try their products, and also in return for your details in some cases (hence I use a throwaway email address), but my guess is they expect a percentage of the samples given away gain no benefit to the companies. Same as placing a newspaper or TV ad - not everyone who views it are going to purchase it.
    Incidently, it costs companies significantly more to advertise than distribute freebies, agreed that they wont combine postage, but companies dont act like OzB'ers :-)
    Thanks for the positive vote - I'd like to make it happen

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  tonka on 26/05/2013 - 14:10

  I sent unused bargains from last year in a care parcel to the overseas soldiers. Easy enough to put it in a box under the wishing tree at Christmas.

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  altomic on 26/05/2013 - 16:02

  +3

  any time I stay in a hotel I grab all the shampoos/soaps etc and then put them in a box at work which goes to womens shelters.

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  MITM on 26/05/2013 - 21:54

  Thanks for your input Tonka & Altomic, great variations to the same theme. You've inspired me to start a sub topic of individual acts of kindness OzB style under General Discussion. It would be great if you could re-comment to start the ball rolling and for any other readers here, please add.
  Perhaps this could inspire other OzB'ers to think about alternative methods of "Giving Back" the freebies.

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  Tnetennba on 29/05/2013 - 01:43

  If I can say one thing, it'd be not to give it to the Salvos. They spend a lot of donations on lobbying the government to support their own agenda due to the nature of their church. I'd rather see it donated to the Smith Family or something, but that's just me.

  Either way, I guess if it's non-monetary donations they can't really do much with it except give it to those who need it.