Asked to Donate an Item - and said "no"

I have been asked to donate items before and I have done it, partially because I have worked for nonprofit organizations and feel a certain kinship for the people who approach me, and partially because I thought it might help boost my business. Last fall, I was heartened to hear that a piece I donated to a local nonprofit went for full price at auction, but it resulted in no business for me.

Recently, I was approached about donating this bracelet:

I thought about it, but respectfully declined.

I happen to really like this bracelet. I bought the beads at a cool little shop in Laguna Beach on my weekend birthday trip a couple of months ago. I was looking forward to making something fun with the beads and I am thrilled with the results. I would be even more thrilled if I sold it! I think there is a time and a place for donations, but at this time, I don't have anything available for free. I work hard, as I know all of you do, too, to produce something unique and valuable for my customers and while I try to keep afloat in "this economy", I need a return on my investment. Right now, the warm feeling of giving cannot equate with the cash that I need to keep my business viable.

Twitter Promotion Going On Now

I decided to have a Twitter giveaway  On Monday morning, I sent out a "tweet" advertising that the 199th "retweet" would win this bracelet:

We are over half way there, so if you want to have a chance to win, follow me on Twitter! www.twitter.com/whitedogstudio