Pink packaging has become almost as prevalent as orange and black in October, designated as Breast Cancer Awareness month. But some pink products may provide limited benefits to breast cancer charities or research, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona advises.

“The fight against breast cancer is dear to the hearts of many women and those who love them,” said Kim States, BBB President. “But companies need to do more than change the color of their packaging if they are going to market themselves as benefactors of breast cancer charities.”

BBB has studied pink products ranging from lint rollers to teddy bears. BBB found that some products promise significant donations to breast cancer charities while others do not. Many products lay out the amount they contribute to charities on the packaging, which BBB believes is the best way to inform consumers who are interested in buying products to support those charities. However, other products make only vague claims, or they require consumers to mail in proof of their purchase before donations can be made.

If you want to support breast cancer charities by purchasing products, BBB advises that you look into how that purchase will benefit a charity and which charity will get the money. More tips:

• Inspect the product for information.  Many companies clearly report on labels how much of their sales go to charity and specifically where the money goes.
• Check the company’s website.  If the information isn’t on the product itself, it often can be found at the website address printed on the product packaging.
• If you still can’t find the information, call the company and ask for it. Firms that use charity tie-ins to market their products should be transparent to consumers.
• Contact the charity directly if you have doubts they are receiving proceeds.

Consumers can find reports on charities at the BBB website (bbb.org/charity). BBB’s Charity Information Service examines the percentage money a charity spends on programs, its governance, fund-raising, informational materials and effectiveness. Charities who meet all 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability can become BBB Accredited Charities. Some tips for avoiding charity scams include:

• Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on describing what the charity will do.
• If you contribute, do not give cash.  Make a check or money order out to the name of the charitable organization, not to the individual collecting the donation.
• Watch out for excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations.  Be wary of any requests to send a “runner” to pick up your donation.
• Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable questions about their operations, finances and programs.  Ask how much of your gift will be used for the activity mentioned in the appeal and how much will go toward other programs and administrative and fundraising costs.

Before you do business with a charity or company, check its BBB Business Review or BBB Charity Review at www.tucson.bbb.org/charity. 

As National Breast Cancer Awareness month celebrates 25 years of education, many national and local businesses are marketing pink ribbon products and services to support a cure for breast cancer. Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona advises consumers to research donation claims before making a purchase.

BBB encourages consumers to look for companies that discloses a charity name, the amount of a sale going to the charity, the duration of marketing campaigns and, if applicable, the maximum or minimum contribution amount.

“The ultimate goal is for a portion of the purchase to end up in the intended charity’s hands,” said Kim States, BBB President.  “Consumers can ensure this will happen by asking the right questions.”

While most pink ribbon marketing campaigns are trustworthy, consumers can eliminate the possibility of supporting companies that market false donation claims by doing the following:

• Identify the charity receiving the donation. If the product or service is linked to a donation percentage, contact the business or manufacturer to determine exactly where the money is going and what percentage is donated.
• Research the charity through BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance.  If the product or service is in support of an unfamiliar charity, learn more about the organization by reviewing BBB’s charity report online at www.bbb.org/charity.
• Confirm the charity’s corporate partners.  Many national breast cancer charities list the names of corporate partners and sponsors on their websites.

In addition to purchasing products and services, consumers may receive solicitations for general donations over the phone. BBB advises potential donors to be cautious of individuals claiming to represent national breast cancer charities.

According to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month organization (NBCAM), the group does not solicit contributions and has not authorized the use of its name for solicitation purposes. BBB suggests that you contact the charity directly to confirm any telephone solicitations.

Additional charitable giving advice includes:

• Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on describing what the charity will do.
• If you contribute, do not give cash.  Make a check or money order out to the name of the charitable organization, not to the individual collecting the donation.
• Watch out for excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations.  Be wary of any requests to send a “runner” to pick up your donation.
• Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable questions about their operations, finances and programs.  Ask how much of your gift will be used for the activity mentioned in the appeal and how much will go toward other programs and administrative and fundraising costs.

For more information on how to ensure that your donation gets into the right hands, visit BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance at www.bbb.org/charity.