Execution
The program relies upon individual donations of just one dollar. This single dollar is added to a guest’s room check upon check out, and/or meal check. The fundamental difference between this and other “give a dollar” programs is in the reverse psychology. The dollar is ADDED automatically and ONLY removed if the guest requests removal. The dollar is only added per check, that is, not per night stay, or per person on the meal check Why this method? Having talked to other agencies that use and/or operate the “ask first” option, the reported take up is less than 20%. The reason is simple and understandable, ask to add anything to a check/bill the AUTOMATIC response is NO, even before the brain computes the amount being asked. During the initial testing of the VISIT program, the take up was over 80% and improved as different table cards, menu inserts, and other collateral were used to raise awareness of the program BEFORE the guest was even presented with their check! Indeed in one of the restaurants when they displayed a “Thank you Patriots we have so far raised and donated $xxx” sign, the take up percentage reached and has remained at close to 95% to include a number of additional donations on top of the $1.00. To ask for the dollar to be removed from the bill, the person has to declare psychologically to him or herself that they DO NOT care, something the majority of people are not prepared to do for a measly dollar.
Thus the lessons learned for successful deployment of this program are: 1) display the collateral prominently and visibly. 2) Say thank you in advance, 3) Focus on this Nation’s citizens intrinsic patriotism and sense of fair play, 4) the smallness of the individual donation, and most important 5) ensure all your staff are briefed, understand AND are supportive of the goals and aims of the program.
Top Donators
Up to $1000TEC Diversified - Orlando
The Old Fish Restaurant – Coco Beach
Up to $10,000
The Mill at Lake Hamilton – Lake Hamilton US 27
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