Craigslist for proposing fundraisers

I know this is a long shot, but I am going to start trying to do some fundraisers with groups that are needing to raise money for one reason/cause or another.

The easiest way for me to do this, is to do an escrap fundraiser.

Basically, we would collect all the electronics, break it all down, ship it out or sell it local depending on if it is computers or not, and then after we take in all money, take a certified cashiers check to the people we did the fundraiser for, for between 50 to 55%.

I might up that a little. I know you all might think I am crazy for over 50% or more to the people, but the way I see it, it will be for a good cause, and I am still making money regardless, so win-win.

Anyways, other than letters/flyers to different organizations, schools, etc, I am thinking of putting up a few ads on craigslist, so that groups/organizations interested, that I don't know about it, can have a chance to see it, and contact us for program details.

Anyways, I am trying to think of what section on craigslist would be the best place to do this at?

Had that same idea recently. I think Julie here did something like that here back in the winter. Just keep in mind when electronics get mentioned and you advertise you might get a visit from the local EPA. I would research it a bit more before you put your name on some kind of advertising. Thanks for the post it reminded me to pm her about how she went about the fundraiser.
Instead. Of breaking stuff down and getting paid and then cutting the check, maybe you could buy what ever is turned in right there get them there money and still make a profit. I don't know if having a fundraiser waiting to get paid would go over to good. You never know what comes up during the time you take to break stuff down. After you pay them then you can take stuff apart on your time frame without having someone looking over your shoulder waiting for their money. Just a thought. Good luck.

Originally Posted by BRASSCATCHER

Had that same idea recently. I think Julie here did something like that here back in the winter. Just keep in mind when electronics get mentioned and you advertise you might get a visit from the local EPA. I would research it a bit more before you put your name on some kind of advertising. Thanks for the post it reminded me to pm her about how she went about the fundraiser.
Instead. Of breaking stuff down and getting paid and then cutting the check, maybe you could buy what ever is turned in right there get them there money and still make a profit. I don't know if having a fundraiser waiting to get paid would go over to good. You never know what comes up during the time you take to break stuff down. After you pay them then you can take stuff apart on your time frame without having someone looking over your shoulder waiting for their money. Just a thought. Good luck.

I thought she found this site, because of a fundraiser she was involved in, and was looking for ways to maximize their profits. Maybe I need to re read all of that lol.

Anyways, only reason I would pay that way, so they get more money. I will definitely be checking more into it all, but that is just a start off idea.

Yeah I am searching for her posts now. That's cool as far as the payouts. Just figure the faster they get their money the happier they would be.good luck.

Originally Posted by BRASSCATCHER

Yeah I am searching for her posts now. That's cool as far as the payouts. Just figure the faster they get their money the happier they would be.good luck.

Well for pc stuff, I figured it would take 2 weeks, since I already know the buyer I am going to be utilizing.

For stuff that is non pc related, I will use the buyer closer to me.

I will definitely explain to them in full detail of why the delay in payment, and therefore, we would ask for atleast 2 to 3 weeks in advance, if the money will be used for a trip, etc.

Better check the legality. Do you need to be a 501(3)c? (I think that's the right term.). What about taxes? I know there is some gov oversight on things like this.

My kid does haunted houses and they did a fundraiser this weekend...Here's the Craigslist add under general but they also had it under Events. I set it up so when you click the Flyer it takes you to the Facebook page.
Zombie Zombikini Carwash!!! Saturday 9/1

If you do get an organization to go in with, be sure to get the radio or TV involved for a live spot or at least free advertising.

Originally Posted by BurlyGuys

Better check the legality. Do you need to be a 501(3)c? (I think that's the right term.). What about taxes? I know there is some gov oversight on things like this.

501(3)c is for strictly non profit corporations/organizations, or at least the last time I checked with the Virginia Corporate Commission it was. We will of course have to pay taxes for the monies that VIP Recycling makes off the deal, as well as any permits, etc for hosting the events. The organization will be responsible for their own stuff.

Originally Posted by happyscraper

501-3c is a nonproffet organization. Whoever is running the fundraiser would have to be covered by the 501-3c, Goerge working for the organization. I think I would check with companies that set up fundraisers and maybe they would use your idea or work out a deal so you both make money. Just my .02

I plan to put some feelers out there for people who organize fundraisers for a living, whether part or full time. Then working something out for their compensation.

Originally Posted by hobo finds

George talk with your yard and see if they can give a better price for this fundraiser. If you could get a few more cents for steel. I think many people would bring in items in order to help raise money

Well my yard will receive all the metal items, and I am hoping to work with a buyer from here for everything worth shipping, and then non PC related stuff, but still electronical will get sold to a local buyer, who I am sure will up their prices for an event like this.

Originally Posted by IdahoScrapper

In addition to listing your ad on CL, you might browse the community section for upcoming events. I came across a few car wash fundraisers and thought about contacting them and working together. Bring your computers and get your car washed too.

I never did get around to doing anything like that for this summer, but if I had, I would park a trailer at their site, maybe with a banner that this is a electronics drop site so passer bys can see it as well.

That is a good idea, and I will look into that as well. Let them know that we will donate a % to their organization for letting us park a trailer there and letting people drop stuff off.

Originally Posted by LadyScrappers

Just my .02..

Another scrapper recently gave me the idea of doing an escrap fundraiser in which people drop off their stuff and pay, for example, $2/item. You then haul away the items when the fundraiser is through. This is less money to pay than if they brought it to a dump, and the organization is benefitting. Also a plus if you don't have the cash to pay for a lot of stuff outright (My scrapper friend says he's usually inundated).

Also, I'm sure there are plenty of organizations within your community that you could find without advertising on Craigslist. (e.g. schools, food banks, churches)

To be honest, I havent even thought of charging people to drop off items, except for maybe TV's and CRT monitors since we do have to pay to get rid of those. But everyone else they could drop off for FREE. One thing, that could happen as your suggest and others are suggesting is letting them do a "donation"...they drop off an item and pay a donation towards the fund raiser. Then, all the donations will go to the client, plus a % of what is made off all the electronics.

Originally Posted by KZBell

My kid does haunted houses and they did a fundraiser this weekend...Here's the Craigslist add under general but they also had it under Events. I set it up so when you click the Flyer it takes you to the Facebook page.
Zombie Zombikini Carwash!!! Saturday 9/1

KZBell,

That ad is awesome. I think you said you created it, but regardless of who did it, spectacular job! I can just imagine how they were all dressed with it being a zombi car wash!

Hope it worked out well for them.

Also, thanks for the category ideas. General, Community, and Events is what I was also thinking myself.

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

If you do get an organization to go in with, be sure to get the radio or TV involved for a live spot or at least free advertising.

We have a local news company here that is medium sized and has thousands of followers on Facebook. They love shining the spot light on things like this, so I am sure I can get them to do some free shout outs and provide a small add for free or reasonable cost.

Originally Posted by MvPElectronicRecycling

The best thing is to advertise prices per item for drop off. Were doing a event with our local little league. But stress in advertising that fees are strictly donation and not mandatory. People usually dig a little deeper in pockets for this stuff. Kids get all proceeds and we haul everything away even if it costs us to dispose of. We also got a local dump to donate big dumpsters for the event. Win win... last time someone I know did this fundraiser made $2800.00 for kids.

Right, I wasn't thinking of charging, like I mentioned above, except for CRT and TV's. LCD monitors we get paid $1/LCD monitor.

However, like you and LadyScrapper both have suggested, is that if they wish to make a donation, will accept it, but let it be solely voluntary.

$2,800? Not bad. I bet the kids were more than grateful for that!

No...I didn't do the flyer itself, just showed him how to post it on Craigslist so that it would link to the Facebook page.

Originally Posted by rocky

You can just contact a non-proffit organization and let them know that you are wanting to donate some money. Give them the details of how you are going to advertise and ask to use their logo on your advertisements. Ask if they will provide you with a donation reciept so that you can deduct the amount donated from your taxes. No organization is going to turn down donated money when they have very little involvement in acquiring the money.

Rocky,

All due respect, I don't think you get the idea, of what I will be doing. I am not just simply "donating" anything to any organization. I am going to be doing fundraisers with them, which gives them a means to make money for whatever they need it for.

They will get their cut, and I will get mine. I am not actually "donating" anything, except maybe of course my time. The money I give to them, is simply just their cut out of the fundraiser.

Originally Posted by LadyScrappers

Yeah, I wasn't too clear, but that money that they are paying is the "donation" for the fundraiser, not for you. It will add up to quite a bit as it is, and your profit is what you make off the scrap. If you then wanted to donate some of that as well, more power to you.

So, what your saying, is to do the fundraiser, and make it apparent that they have to make a donation of atleast say $1 per item. So, then all the donations (whether $100, or $1,000) goes to the organization I am doing the fundraiser for. Then, I just keep all the profits from the scrapped electronics, or to make it sweeter for them, offer to give a % of that as well.