Talk:Scripts

Front Desk

When explaining suggested donations

"Based on what you've brought in, there is a suggested donation of ($X) today. This voluntary donation would allow Free Geek to refurbish what we can for reuse by our volunteers and community organizations. It will also help us recycle what we can't salvage to the highest possible standard."Tonyc 20:20, 23 April 2009 (UTC)

"But you're going to just sell it in the store. Why should I give you money?"

"Last year we granted over 1,200 complete computer systems to our volunteers and community organizations. We are able to reuse over 25% of the material we receive, which is a huge number compared to any other organization. But the bulk of what we receive is beyond our ability to salvage, and we recycle it to the highest environmental and ethical standards. Sales alone are not enough to cover the costs of these programs. We rely on voluntary contributions from our community to keep Tonyc I know this is way to long to be utilized as a script. Could be pared down to 1-2 sentences. Might find a home in a brochure or on the webTonyc

Thrift Store

"Is there a list I can put my name on?"

"There isn't, but that's good news for you. If there were a list, it would be very long, and your name would be at the bottom of it."

Minutes from Front Desk Meeting on 1/9/2010 (w/ some edits)

Scripts

• • GOAL 1: Accurate Gizmo info AND accurate Donor info in Database**
  • GOAL 2: Keeping the donations process positive for donors & educating

them about Free Geek**

Remember, all of these are equally important to us:

• $$
• Gizmos
• Data info
• Addy info

Please get accurate info for these items.

A. Gizmo Data Accuracy: - read back tally slips in receiving - recheck with donor at donor desk for accuracy on tax receipt - pair up new & experienced volunteers in receiving

B. Donor Contact Info: Tell them we collect info for: -- ease of future visits -- tracking where donations come from (for annual % by zip code report) -- eCycles tracks info by area and this requires accuracy on our part -- for future mailings: none now, but may do in future --- can mark "NO MAIL" if do not want, still get there address --- assure them we do not share theri info with other organizations - & Do keep a happy, easygoing attitude giving the donor the benefit of the doubt! :)

C. Explaining Tally Sheets: - not IRS value - not $$$ we pay out to the donors

D. What is the 1st question we ask?

• • How are you doing!** Always greet the person first.***

• Then as, "Have you ever been here before?"

--> Yes.

--> Do this:

- find out how much they know about FG - determine their receptiveness - look them up in the database, enter if not in there - give more info on FG, chat them up. Small talk.

--> No. Elizabethwt 02:37, 5 February 2010 (UTC)llow --> Do this:

• 1st: "Thank you for coming in!"

Then: "Do you know what we do?" - refurbish - teach job skillls - provide volunteering opportunity plus free computer for time

OR

• "Where did you heard about us?"

 -> small talk
 -> give more info on FG, chat them up.

This is prep for why we ask for a donation.Elizabethwt 02:37, 5 February 2010 (UTC)llow TELL THEM what you are doing as you doing it. (Don't ask them.)

scripts: 1st question: if they've been at FG before

--> no -> talk about who we are and why we ask for money, thank the donor for bringing stuff to FG

• job skills, refurbish, volunteering,
• putting them in the database, ask for money,

2nd: "We are putting you into the database. What is your first name?"

--> Yes. Look in the database, small talk, recite back items, etc.

• Where did you hear about us?

E. Asking for $$$$

• Why it is difficult:

- some donors are irate when we ask for a monetary donation b/c their hardware is already a donation - it is hard to explain the difference between the hardware donation & the monetary donation & why we ask for $$, too. - donors who have a pre-conceived notion about the value of the item to us, or assume we will sell it - the pause and silence after you ask for a monetary donation - people who are unable to give $$, & reassuring them - the fact that a 1986 laptop or one from last year are both a hash mark on a laptop line - "All my stuff still works!" - "I just donated!" (meaning gizmos) - the tough disconnect between associated a dollar amount with each gizmo then explaining the amount is actually for services and programs

• Script solution: "Your monetary donation helps cover the costs of

processing items, as well as some recycling costs. By giving money, you are support our mission and our programs. These programs help volunteers build job skills while also earning a free refurbished computer made from items donated by you and other donors!"

• Silence solution: "Do you have just a few dollars to throw toward our

cause? Anything helps and it will also be tax deductible on your receipt."

F. Explain tax receipt:

• Why do we (FG) leave the estimated amount blank?

- It is for the donor to determine the amount. The IRS does not a-- non profits to determine the monetary value of donations.

• Script solution: "That is a questions for your tax preparer or the

IRS. It is up to you to determine the fair market value of these items for your own tax purposes."

• Other suggestions:

- tax preparer can help with that, - IRS has worksheets - look it up on eBay