posted on September 13, 2000 02:05:29 AM
Every year we give money to charity Kidney Foundation, Cancer Research and Aids Research. This year we did our normal contribution and I got to thinking. I would like to do more locally. Well I am new to Ebay selling and it hit me. Is it legal to put in my auction message that the money from the auction goes to charity? I do my Ebay selling mostly as a hobby so I would list half or more of my auctions for the local place that gives to needy families during the Holidays. How would I go about doing something like that? Buyers would get some pretty neat items and feel good about their purchases and our less than fortunate families would have a nice Thanksgiving or Christmas meal.
The community has really helped me out during my recent family crisis and I would like to give something back.
Any thoughts on this?
For you more experianced Ebayers Can it be done? Has it been done?
posted on September 13, 2000 03:22:31 AM
I'm new at selling so I don't know about the can it be done. I just wanted to say congrats on a wonderful idea. We need more people like you in the world.
posted on September 13, 2000 05:16:45 AM
Angel -
Are you willing to accept 2 checks ... one MADE OUT TO THE CHARITY and one to you for the shipping?
I am very sceptical about "charity auctions" because unlike local charity fundraisers that are registered and supervised, online ones are totally open to abuse. I don't bid on them at all, unless they allow me to send a check already made out to the charity for the donation part.
posted on September 13, 2000 12:28:39 PM
I think you are a very generous person to do this. One thing you might consider is a separate ebay ID for the charity items, and you should probably give some thought to how you will handle things at tax time.
Sorry, I seem to be adding more questions than solutions.
posted on September 13, 2000 02:29:06 PM
Abacaxi, See there was a reason I ask all you great sellers for thoughts! That is a great idea and duh I didn't even think of it!
Will call the local charities tommarrow and see what their thoughts are on it.
Blondesense, cute name The taxes won't be a problem thats what I normally do for a living. I don't take deductions for charity donations on my taxes. Whats the point? I find it a bit contradicting. Just my opinion of course. The buyers couldn't use it as a tax deduction either as they recieved something for the money and you have to donate a certain amount before you can deduct anything anyway.
I am also wondering if the fees would be waved for such auctions. It doesn't matter.
My point is this
there are how many million sellers on Ebay? If just a handful donated a few auctions to charity. Imagine how much money could be collected and how many people could be helped? One person can make a difference in a persons life.
At one time i was a young mother of two babies and a very nice lady brought me a big turkey and 3 bags of grocieries for Thanksgiving. I was thrilled and so were the kids. They got a great big dinner rather than a puny turkey and some green beans. It really lifted my spirits. I think it is an excellent program.
Whats 30 dollars for a bag of groceries when you see the smiles on the kids faces.
Maybe I am just a sentimental ole fool.
The taxes won't be a problem thats what I normally do for a living. I don't take deductions for charity donations on my taxes. Whats the point? I find it a bit contradicting. Just my opinion of course. The buyers couldn't use it as a tax deduction either as they recieved something for the money and you have to donate a certain amount before you can deduct anything anyway.