The landscape of fundraising has witnessed tremendous evolution over the years. As with many sectors, technology has continually introduced tools meant to ease the process, making it more efficient. One such tool, which once felt revolutionary, is the Point of Sale (POS) system. Yet, in today’s dynamic fundraising environment, relying solely on POS at events seems rather old school. Let’s delve into why.
- The Intrusive Sales Pitch: Events meant to inspire and unify under a cause can quickly feel like a marketplace when organizers brandish POS machines, moving from one guest to another. This approach, albeit unintentional, brings about a certain ‘salesy’ ambiance, transforming a gathering of purpose into what feels like a transactional bazaar.
- The Unwanted Pressure: Having organizers approach potential donors individually with a POS device can unintentionally exert pressure on the attendee. While the intent might be to facilitate giving, it can sometimes come off as a hard push, making donors uncomfortable.
- Repetitive Efforts: Organizers often find themselves revisiting their pitch as they move from one donor to the next. Not only is this exhausting, but it also diminishes the impact of their message. Having to “make the case” repeatedly can water down the genuine passion and urgency of the cause.
- Logistical Challenges: Let’s not forget the technical hitches. From connectivity issues to transaction errors, POS systems, especially in large events, are not foolproof. Such glitches can lead to delays, frustrations, and a potential loss of donations.
- Loss of Dignity: At its core, fundraising is about humanity, compassion, and mutual respect. Watching organizers chase potential donors around an event, POS in hand, can be a somewhat humiliating sight. It detracts from the nobility of the cause and might even deter potential donors who dislike such tactics.
In the words of digital strategist Brian Solis, “Each business is a victim of Digital Darwinism, the evolution of consumer behavior when society and technology evolve faster than the ability to exploit it.” While POS systems once represented a leap in fundraising efficiency, the evolving ethos of charitable events and advancements in technology suggest that it’s time for a more tactful, dignified, and effective approach.
Embracing modern fundraising platforms that prioritize the experience of both donors and organizers can usher in an era where contributions are made seamlessly, without detracting from the event’s core message and purpose. After all, in the realm of philanthropy, it’s the cause—and the human connections it fosters—that should always take center stage.