Question
I was perusing Bluejay and found one of those listings that you'd like but really don't need.
It made me think that I would buy it if it was contributing to some cause.
I'm not sure how it would work, but if Blujay or Lunarbid, could somehow convince their sellers that some of the money from their sales should go to a charity.
It might bring more buyers willing to spend, and it might bring more sellers to take advantage of the extra sales.
I have no clue how you would prove the money your collecting is actually going to a charity. I imagine it would be a paperwork nightmare.
Anyways, I miss the charity auctions we used to have, if it brings a little more attention to these smaller sites, and helps somebody out, it seems like a win-win.
Answer
I think eBay used to do this, right? Or has, from time to time... I'm not sure if they were ever directly involved with the charity process, or just helping hype such auctions on their site.
I think the issue of verification would definitely be a difficult one... plus, not even everyone agrees about which charities are good ones to donate to. For instance, some people might not like the charity you picked, thinking they shave too much off the funds for themselves.
I recall with the recent tsunami, there were a lot of shady dealings of people trying to profit off of the disaster... starting up websites to collect money for donations, just as a short-term profit-making venture. With the recent boom of auction sites, and seemingly less accountability on the part of their owners, i'd be leary of charity auctions. but i admit, it's a great idea, if you can establish the trust needed to make it work!
Answer
Ebay donates funds raised from charitable auctions through MissionFish
These type of auctions must comply with the regulations of eBay's Giving Works
Answer
Are you talking about the auction site donating a portion of fees collected or sellers donating a portion of the selling price? Or both? Either way, it sounds like something that could pull in some buyers and sellers both. Especially if you could get involved in a charity that was especially needy.
Answer
I figured either way.
As most of the listings are free, I can't see the auction site kicking in much.
But if sellers were willing to put say one of ten items up as a charity item, it might create traffic.
If the site didn't charge FVF on items sold for charity, and made a big thing about it on the home page, I think it would have to do some good.
New sites need some kind of kickstart, I think its a reasonable idea.
Answer
If a business can afford to make charitable donations, they can afford to lower prices.
Answer
Originally Posted by Doofy
But if sellers were willing to put say one of ten items up as a charity item, it might create traffic.
If the site didn't charge FVF on items sold for charity, and made a big thing about it on the home page, I think it would have to do some good.
I think you're on to something there. If it doesn't cost the seller to list or to sell, they may be more willing to put a few items up for charity. And buyers would be more willing to buy, especially if there was a way the buyer could choose the charity.
Answer
If the site could give buyers a choice of 5 or 6 charities to chose from, and assess the sellers a small FVF (maybe .5 to 1%), this could bring good publicity to the site. Especially if the site somehow incorporated the statistics into the home page to show where the money was going. The seller wins by paying a reduced FVF, the buyer feels that supporting the sellers does "a good deed" and the site owner could attract some decent traffic.
Could work...
Answer
Originally Posted by forktender
If the site could give buyers a choice of 5 or 6 charities to chose from, and assess the sellers a small FVF (maybe .5 to 1%), this could bring good publicity to the site. Especially if the site somehow incorporated the statistics into the home page to show where the money was going. The seller wins by paying a reduced FVF, the buyer feels that supporting the sellers does "a good deed" and the site owner could attract some decent traffic.
Could work...
Haha, I think the only charity should be back to the sellers!!! For example: all proceeds of this auction will be distributed evenly in FVF refunds to all sellers! muahahha