The Daily Ping

FROM: Paul
DATE: Tuesday December 3, 2002 -- 10:06:08 am

I won't spend anything at Wal-Mart, so I'll do the donation.

FROM: Chris [E-Mail]
DATE: Tuesday December 3, 2002 -- 10:56:07 am

I'll happily pay a little more to avoid contributing to the WalMart world domination plan.

FROM: Robert [E-Mail]
DATE: Tuesday December 3, 2002 -- 5:47:15 pm

Who in the hell wouldn't buy from the not-for-profit over a store? I want to meet these people so I can erradicate them from my earth.

FROM: Terry M.
DATE: Tuesday December 3, 2002 -- 11:26:53 pm

Does the not-for-profit have a generous return policy? Accept credit cards? Have a spacious parking lot? 24 hour shopping? If not, I'd probably pay a premium for the item at Wal-mart. Plus, I'm not supporting somebody's agenda (if it was the Church of Scientology would you still perform the donation?), but simply paying for the best service.

FROM: Ryan [E-Mail]
DATE: Wednesday December 4, 2002 -- 9:16:11 am

My question takes on a slightly different angle if you consider the item being offered might be one that you wouldn't purchase in the store -- would you be more likely to "buy" it from ___insert your favorite non-profit here___, even if it wasn't something you'd even bat an eye at at Wal-Mart?

FROM: Marcus Mackey
DATE: Thursday December 5, 2002 -- 7:08:03 am

Terry brought forth some very good points, as whatever charitable organization it was, I'd probably have to consider my stance on the organization's agenda. If it was within my constraints/beliefs, I'd probably purchase it. If not, then I'd probably opt from Wal Mart or a competitor. However, the possibility is also there that I'd take the sacrificial route, not buy the product at all, and give my $ to the Salvation Army during this holiday season. After all, is this not the season to be "giving" more than receiving? Shame on you Grinch-like people. ;)

I just wish to note too that it seems lately that more and more charitable organizations, or places looking for donations are getting "PUSHY" with their donation intents. The more they do it, the less charitable many of us tend to feel. My mom's already been hit up by the same firm about 5 times now for more $. I thought the point of charity was "give what you could", not "GIVE, GIVE, GIVE D$%N IT!!".

As far as the premium idea, to me those aren't elements worthy of a premium. Most stores out there provide those, it's part of the storefront shopping experience, it's "EXPECTED". If we wanted to take it that far, perhaps I'd just tune into QVC or HSN and purchase it on there, from the comforts of home. ;) Yeah, you'd pay a premium... but think of the gas saved, the less hassles dealing with people in the checkout, and all of the other endless possibilities for what I could do with the saved time. Time is $, correct? ;) Sounds like for the premium you pay, you're rewarded with a commodious notion of "ease of use".

Hell, even better... Amazon.com, Circuitcity.com, Outpost.com, Barnesandnobles.com, .com. Boom-ba-da-bing, and all from the comforts of your computer chair (or ::cringing:: Web/AOL TV). ;) Now that's a definite shopping experience advantage. :D No spacious parking lots to have someone rear end you in, no shopping cars to scratch your fenders, no walking 6 miles from the end of the lot in frigid weather. ;)

There's pluses or minuses to everything...