Message-Id: <617D30B8-5A53-408C-83BC-411EFB16EC97@mac.com> From: Nancy Frank <oppty@mac.com> Subject: Re: Museum visitor sign in log and donation container Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:10:27 -0500
Paul -
Glad you put this information out, and I will piggy-back one
suggestion. Consider carefully before having a Life Member
category. Studies show that it makes people feel like they never
have to give again. Unless the number is a REALLY large one, I would
advise against it. Just my opinion, and would gladly hear other
points of view.
Nancy
Nancy Frank
On Jun 9, 2009, at 10:03 PM, Paul Wolter wrote:
> This is kind of related to the donation jar discussion...but the
> best thing we ever did was make membership categories above just
> basic. Our basic individual membership is $20 (don't sell yourself
> short here either...the cinema these days is roughly half of that!)
> and then we have a family membership at $35 and then other
> categories like Friend - $50, Supporting - $100, Patron -
> $250...right on up to $5,000+
>
> We don't give any coffee mugs or mouse pads or anything special to
> the upper levels. They just get their name in a different category
> in the newsletter list of new and renewed members. (we do invite
> our $100 and up members to a special Christmas social)
>
> We discovered that people will almost never fill in a membership
> form as a basic member ($20) and fill in the "Donation" line with
> an extra $80. What they will do however is sign up at the $100
> level because it is there and there a little box to check next to
> it. It has worked like a charm for us.
>
> If you can come up with incentives all the better I guess but we
> have not found a need. Plus some people are turned off by the
> "free" gift you are sending to them at upper levels when we all
> know that it cost something. (money which many people would rather
> see put to good use in the organization)
>
> Another point while I am on the subject...you must have an
> aggressive membership retention program (i.e. renewal letters,
> thank you for joining letters etc.) If they don't respond to a
> membership renewal letter the first time, try it again in a few
> months. If they don't respond after a year drop them off your list
> and for heaven's sake don't give away newsletters to people that
> aren't in relatively good standing. They'll never renew if there
> getting the newsletter for free anyway.
>
> Donation boxes are great but you must tell visitors that donations
> are greatly appreciated. Don't expect too many people to give just
> because it's there. We all have to be unafraid to ask. Also push
> membership at that time.
>
> Paul Wolter
> Sauk County Historical Society