cause.

I've spent some time on ETSY this morning. No, not shopping. Um, doing research. I was just curious how many sellers were creating and selling items in "support" of breast cancer awareness, research and/or "cure"- and how much of the merchandise was pink and/or exploiting women. 27 pages of STUFF, 403 items! And just when I didn't think it could get any worse than this I discovered this. I'm not sure which one is more blatantly irresponsible, offensive and oppressive.

Most of the products simply claimed to inspire breast cancer awareness by using the color pink with or without ribbons or with or without beaded, pom-pom cutesy breasts forms. Piled within the barettes, keychains, necklaces, bracelettes, cell phone covers, wallets, checkbook covers, stationary, tags, bibs, burp cloths, and quilts (just to name a few of the items) I even found a two-tone pink "awareness" crocheted toilet paper cover. So many seller's claim that they will donate anywhere between 10% to 50% to the mysterious pirate ship "breast cancer research". Amongst the sellers proposing to share some mysterious amount of their profits to some mysterious charity I found a seller that claimed that 10% (the magic 2-digit percentage) of their proceeds would go towards the "fight against breast cancer". Whhhhat? Shouldn't we be informed of WHICH fight (i.e. foundation, organization, etc.) they are referring to.
In any case:
10% of $10.00 is $1
10% of $20.00 is $2
10% of $30.00 is $3
etc, etc, etc. You see where I'm going with this, right? Spend $250 at this seller's store and the charity of his choice might eventually get somewhere. Meanwhile the seller is $225 richer. Would a person ever send a $1, $2, or even a $3 check to any charity? Why does it take buying STUFF to help out. So my newest project is to send the following thoughtful, inquiring letter to each seller on ETSY claiming to share a wittle bit of their profits to a breast cancer "cause":
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Hello there,
I hope this note finds you well and in good spirits. Would you be so kind as to inform me of which charity and the EXACT amount of dollars or percentage of sale goes to the charity? "Cause Marketing" is a disease growing by epidemic proportions in this country- especially in regards to breast cancer. Each time I see something claiming to share profits with a charity I practice my consumer right to inform myself of this information before I make a purchase.

Kindest regards,
Jacqueline
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So far I've covered three pages of the 27... Lets hope I don't get kicked off of ETSY anytime soon- I sell stuff there too.

--->Update: Below are some responses received so far from sellers that received the above letter;
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seller's claim: "Part of the sale goes for brest cancer charity." item cost $128
"Hi, I would really be glad to answer this question? I would feel the same way too. Tonight I am attending this dinner in SAN FRANCISCO- Celebrating cotour for the cure. By Susan g Komen for the cure. As Pay pal does not allow me to do anything on line I will collectively make a CQ to this organisation. I can definately post you a copy of the CQ. 5% of the total sales will be for the Breast cancer. Hope you are satisfied with my answer. Please feel free to email me anytime."
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seller's claim: "Proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Society of Canada." item cost $3
"Actually I just take the whole thing (minus shipping) and donate it :) I use my own credit card to make the donation online along with my own donation. You can view more info on bcsc.ca - Actually, if you prefer, I can change the price to $.20 and you can donate the money yourself to breast cancer if that makes you feel more comfortable. I have never done any 'direct' monetary donation, I usually just make the crafts and donate the supplies and labour and whatever money is made is donated by the event coordinator himself/herself."
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seller's claim: "...will donate 10% of all sales of this collection towards the fight against Breast Cancer." item cost $40
"Thank you so much for your message and interest in my jewelry! I think that is wonderful that you practice your rights to be informed on items you purchase! I am passionate about donating 10% of all sales for Breast Cancer to the Jonsson Cancer Center for Research at UCLA... Charities are very important to me in general! I also contribute or participate in charity events of the following charities irregardless of jewelry sales:" (15 various charities were listed)... "It is my hope and intent that each customer who purchases from my awareness line will not only have a beautiful and unique gift to enjoy, but also know that they have helped (via 10% donated through their purchase) in finding a solution or an end to the many causes, issues and diseases that our society is faced with today. I have heard of so many wonderful stories of great outcomes for women who were able to get into research studies with Jonsson Cancer Center due to the support of their cause and charities!! Wishing you a wonderful weekend and If you would like to make a purchase and have the profit designated somewhere else or in honor or memory of someone specific I can absolutely do that!"
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seller's claim: "...benefits breast cancer research at Baylor Health Center." item cost $5.50
"I understand your concern. Great question! The contribution has already been made from the proceeds when I made on the purchase of the fabric at full price. It works like fabric printed that benefits St. Jude. I have other items made from the 3 fabrics I chose from the collection."
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I intend to donate the tithing portion of the sale of the phone charm to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. If you were interested in purchasing the phone charm and have another Breast Cancer Awareness Charity in mind, feel free to give me the link and that portion can go there. I have no problem allocating the tithing portion to a charity of your choice.
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