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Charity Auctions - How to Get Free Products

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Freebies for Charity Auctions

A few years ago I asked PR agencies to give away products they didn't need any more for charity. I then gave away all my own freebies in a charity auction. These two events show that if you're hosting an auction it is possible to persuade companies and people to give freebies for you to then give away. But how can this be done? That's the question reader Etta asks, and I explore in this article.

So first we have Etta's query:

"I just came across your blog whilst looking for free stuff for a charity auction in November, and I was wondering if you would possibly be able to give some advice... From past experience, the larger companies don't tend to donate much and I was wondering if you could possibly give me any ideas?!"

I completely agree with the comment about larger companies, in fact when I first started to get stuff for free many of the rejection letters were from large companies who "didn't give to charity". At the time I wasn't even a charity so I can see how gathering free stuff for an auction must be tough. There's some logic to their denial because as they see it a) if you give something away to one cause, others will also want stuff and b) they may already donate to a charity which is the "tick in the box" they need to feel good about themselves.

Thankfully for Etta, and anyone else in a similar situation there are companies who have given to charity auctions big and small, and as my above example shows all you really need is a bit of time. Here's some good examples Etta could use:

Help a Reporter Out

I come back to these guys as a source of freebies quite often, and it's their weekly free goodie bags section that yields some great results for those collecting products from multiple companies that want some exposure. You simply sign up and there's a weekly gift bags email where you can submit your request. Companies read the email and pick causes they want to send their product to. Simple, but effective. They get their brand out there, you get stuff for a good cause. You can sign up at helpareporterout.com.

Free Stuff from Local Companies

Whilst big companies may be a long shot, Etta has a far better chance of getting companies in her local county to donate because they will be donating to a cause within their community. That may seem an antiquated concept in these days of 24/7 online global connectivity but there is still something to be said for engaging with local businesses, popping in to see them and explaining your cause. An example in my local area recently was a drive for unworn underpants to donate to third world countries, which had a fantastic response.

Classified Adverts

In my article on Five Free Furniture Websites I stumbled across a lot of free classified websites that let you post wanted adverts. This is another chance to exposure your auction, this time to the general public who may be willing to donate to the good cause. As a reminder the sites recommended were:

http://www.snaffleup.co.uk
http://www.freecycle.org
http://www.recycle.co.uk
http://www.preloved.co.uk
http://www.gumtree.com/

The Media

Whilst using the local area to her advantage Etta should also pick up the local papers and contact them about her auction. Local papers are typically very good at including articles that have a human and a charity element so this type of story would go down well. Etta can explain that she is seeking products for the local area and then this works in two ways - 1) companies will read it and contact her, 2) when she goes to other local companies she can mention that the auction has been in the paper. A double benefit of promotion.

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In Summary

All of these tips combined should play nicely off each other and be useful for anyone who is trying to get freebies for an auction. Etta's charity of choice is RSRT and I've included their details below in case anyone is inspired to help her cause:

"RSRT UK was launched in July this year by several parents of children with a neurodevelopmental disorder by the name of Rett Syndrome. The aim of the charity is to channel as much as is humanly possible directly to current exciting research. It's US equivalent currently donates 94% of every dollar directly to research. RSRT UK's website is here : http://www.reverserett.org.uk/"

Ultimate Free Stuff Guide

Free Stuff Everyday: How Customers And Companies Can Unlock The Power of Freebies

by: Mike Essex

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)

If you found this article useful then you'll also enjoy my eBook "Free Stuff Everyday". It's compatible with iPad, iPhone, Kindle, Android phones, PC and Mac and contains over 90 examples of ways to get free stuff. I guide you through the process in simple steps, including how I got over 400 products without spending any money. A simple step by step guide.