How to Go About Asking Someone to Donate a Van to Your Business
From florists to construction contractors, many business owners use trucks and vans for easy hauling of tools, materials and products to a job site. When starting a business, the costs are relatively high, particularly if you have to acquire a vehicle. Asking for a donation requires persistence and creativity, as usually other businesses avoid helping the competition. However, by asking the right people and advertising your business' services, you may have more luck than you think.
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Instructions
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Print out a business plan that shows the need for a van as part of your operations. Include information on what you need to haul or transport that requires the use of a van. Attach the plan to a formal letter with your contact information. Address the recipient by his proper title and include your request in the body of the letter. Print multiple copies if you have more than one possible donor. Mail your requests to possible donor.
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Set up an outdoor donations booth at a location that gets a lot of foot traffic. Place a table with a banner on the front with your business' logo. Play music to get people's attention and set up a donation box to collect money towards the purchase of a van. Provide an example of your work in a display near the table and demonstrate your product. Offer free samples or advertise a prize drawing to those who donate.
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Negotiate with a family member or close acquaintance about using a van for your business. Talk about your business model and your intentions for the van. Set up a schedule for using the van. Bring any evidence of a documented clean driving record.
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Seek a partnership with another business that needs your specialized services. Businesses often hire contractors to supplement partial work. If you'd prefer to avoid a partnership or working as a contractor, talk to a business in a different field about sharing a van. For example, if you work in construction but know of someone who owns a flower shop, exchange services or offer to do remodeling work for the business if you can use the van part time.
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Show your business plan to local charity organizations. Churches and non-profit groups sometimes offer cars to the public. Offer your free services to the charity in exchange for finding a donation.
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Place an ad in the local paper in the classifieds section. Write an ad that clearly states your business' name and the type of van required. Don't forget to mention any services you can offer in exchange for the donation.
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Tips & Warnings
You can borrow money to purchase a van, then write off part of the purchase on your income taxes as a business expense.
