Charity Christmas Cards - through the post

[dexterdoglancashire]

We've just had a pack of charity christmas cards through the post. No pressure to buy at £5.95 but they have been made by people associated with the charity. You don't have to buy them. But you don't have to return them.
Why do I feel like I'm being forced into paying for something I didn't want, and did'nt ask for?
What would you do in this situation?
Many thanks

[bubblewrap]

Not a problem you never asked for them, so use them & don't pay for them.
We have done so in the past.
With a bit of luck you will not be sent any next year.

[Rhona]

Maybe send a donation, if you so wish, and a polite request that if you want any more cards from them in future then you'll let them know.

That's probably what I'd do. If you don't want them then send them back. I know there's an argument you didn't ask for them etc. but I'd feel a bit uncomfortable, knowing it's for charidee an' all.

[Jeanied]

Won't it depend on which charity it is and whether you would support them normally?

[bubblewrap]

Another point is the cards I get I wouldn't dream of sending anyway.

[jackie j]

There was something in the news about charity cards recently but I didnt take much notice, something along the lines of not what they seem.

[grannymem]

We've just received cards from the foot and mouth charity (wrong name, I'm sure, but you know what I mean!)
We always buy charity cards (charities which we particularly support) but I did object to receiving the parcel and I'm afraid I simply re-addressed it to the charity adding 'unsolicited mail' message to the envelope. I felt very guilty but this charity have sent me cards in the past - cards I don't wish to send - and this year I decided to be strong and not to succumb to what I felt to be almost moral blackmail.

I know - Scrooge comes to mind - 'humbug!!!!'

[bubblewrap]

We've just received cards from the foot and mouth charity (wrong name, I'm sure, but you know what I mean!)

May be you should report them to DEFRA!

[grannymem]

You know what I mean - although I confess that I thought of the Ministry of Agriculture!

Oh dear, this sounds so politically unsound and downright unkind but I did object to the way the cards were marketed and can't help feeling that this method really doesn't assist the charity in the long ruin.

[Shadylane]

Not at all. People should be able to choose to donate or not donate and not be pressured or 'guilted' into buying something they don't want. I think it's unethical of the charity to send you something you didn't ask for and expect you to pay for it out o guilt. There must be better ways of raising funds and awareness.

[Bren In Pots]

I've got an idea if you don't want the cards drop them off at your local charity shop, that was someone else might buy them rather than you binning them.

[zazen999]

Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists of the World - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I wouldn't feel guilty not buying them; just put 'return to sender' and pop them back in the post or do the charity shop thing.

[Two_Sheds]

drop them off at your local charity shop, that was someone else might buy them rather than you binning them.

that's the best option, in my book. You're still donating to charity, but not the one that sends unsolicited mail.

I had a quick google, and lots of people are miffed about these devious tactics. It's like chugging, but through your letterbox

[pdblake]

I know there's an argument you didn't ask for them etc. but I'd feel a bit uncomfortable, knowing it's for charidee an' all.

That's the plan.

[snuffer]

The charities concerned must send out hundreds of packs for which they recieve no payment. If they can afford to do that, how in need of your donation are they?

Choose the charities you wish to support and don't feel guilty about not responding to unsolicited mail.