Telemarketing
Calling for help:
For over 10 years, the RSPCA has used telephone call campaigns (or ‘telemarketing’) to ask for donations from both existing supporters and members of the general public. It’s been a huge success.
Telemarketing has its critics – some people don’t like being phoned by a charity, or indeed by any organisation – but others love to hear from us by phone. For every 20,000 calls we make, we get only one complaint!
The phone can be the best way of explaining the need for donations, while giving us a personal opportunity to say thank you. In turn, our supporters like being able to ask questions, and the fact that it’s a really easy way to give.
Donations over the phone can be made with little or no paperwork, making this a very cost-effective method. But if people aren’t comfortable giving their bank details by phone, they are offered a form by post instead.
You can’t beat a personal conversation when…
In an emergency, the telephone is a much quicker method of raising funds than direct mail. Phone calls have also helped us re-establish contact with people who used to support us but stopped for a while.
A telephone conversation can also be the best way to explain something more complicated – like the Gift Aid tax changes a few years ago.
The last thing we want to do is harass or disturb people. So our telephone teams follow the Institute of Fundraising code of practice. For example, they are not allowed to call you after 9pm, or to call anyone under 16.
You can also check that the caller is legitimate – they should provide you with the contact details of someone at the RSPCA who will verify the call. And in the unlikely event that any of our callers falls short of the highest standards, find out how to make a complaint.
Telemarketing has proved its worth in the fight against cruelty to animals. But if you’re not a telephone person, and would rather we didn’t call you, please contact us.
By phone: (9.00am-5pm, Monday to Friday)
0300 123 0346
By letter to:
Supporter Care Department
Wilberforce Way
Southwater
Horsham
West Sussex
RH16 9RS
By email: