may be an odd question --- but maybe someone can help
 

i'm going to be hosting a weekend getaway in september - a fairly large gathering of stampers and crafters - possibly 2 weekends if enough are interested -- a 2 night weekend retreat sort of thing.

here's my question -- i want to do "goodie" bags to give out to those that attend -- is it inappropriate to ask stamp companies, or stores for items for them? as a "donation" or "sponsor" or something?

how would i go about doing that? are there any companies you would recommend?

thanks for any help! :)

hi billie --

no on all accounts ---not affiliated with any one company in particular.
i guess that's what makes it interesting -- lol.

Are there companies or stores that you purchase from frequently? I'd agree with Billie that you'd want to contact companies with whom you've already built a relationship through your patronage.

thanks billie --
LOL - makes it sound sort of hopeless, huh? LOL

decided not to invite demos or companies this time around -

thanks dina ---
i do most business online - we live in a small, rural area -- so it's just easier.

will have to put, my thinking cap on -- there has to be a way to do this ---

I helped host a successful shoebox swap several years ago. I just asked every company I could think of for donations. Of course, the economy wasn't then what it is now. I will give you this piece of advice... many companies are asked for and contribute donations and budget for this IN ADVANCE. So, don't ask at the last minute. Plan far in advance, I'm talking months and months in advance, and know what your numbers are projected to be. If you have any local stamp stores, perhaps they can't donate much but see if they can offer a coupon for say, 10% or 20% off a purchase with coupon or maybe 40% off one item.

thanks novell!

the event is in september, so i guess i should get on it right away. any tips on "how" to ask to get the best results?

What about companies that you've ordered from and blogged about before online? If there's a way that through their contribution you could encourage some business back to them, that might give them some incentive to participate... like using their stamps or products in your demos?

I have an idea - I'll PM you. :)

dina - thanks so much. that's kinda what i've been thinking - - "we'll be using some of your products. . . "

i'd also like to highlight some small companies - little "mom and pop" sort of places. anyone have any that i might not have heard of that you think might be a good fit???? PLEASE let me know and i'll check them out.

i'm looking to fill about 50 bags.

I wonder if you could post some you-tube videos of the crafters using specific products from your favorite craft stores and send your crafters and future customers to their websites. Of course craft tutorials and product highlights are the videos I watch the most.

hmmmm - maybe.
might be tricky - i'm going to be the only instructor - so might be tricky to "do it all" - but maybe. something to think about.

I would just make sure you state who you are, when you are holding your event, what your event will encompass, what your expected headcount is, then ask if they would consider a donation. You don't need to send a long-winded letter. They don't have time for it, really. Short, sweet, and to the point.

In addition to this advice, I would suggest your send a handwritten thank you note to each person/business who makes a donation. Also keep a list of the donation and the person/business who donated something. This way next year you can say again thank you for last year's donation of "X" and would you be willing to donate a similar item this year. Have a fun event.

If you get donations, make a flyer for the attendees listing the companies and their website. You might ask the companies if they want to give a discount coupon as an incentive for the attendees to visit the site.