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Receiving donations

If possible, encourage potential donors to commit to making a donation by giving them a choice of ways to get devices to you.:

  • Pre-paid postage
  • Drop-off points
  • A collection service
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Key insights

  • Being considerate

    You want to make it as easy as possible for your donors to donate. Think about their needs – how easy is it for them to access your planned drop-off points or go to the Post Office? If mobility is an issue, you may need to offer a collection service.

  • Giving your donors a choice

    Displaying a choice of options on an online portal will encourage participation.

Enabling donations

Option 1. Providing pre-paid postage

Asking donors to print off a pre-paid postage label is a simple, donor-friendly solution.  

One of our community partners asked donors to fill out a form on their website and sent them a free postage label in return.

Pros

  • It’s a simple process
  • It works in urban and rural areas

Cons

  • It’s expensive (for you)
  • It requires donors to have access to a printer (unless you are able to send them labels)

Option 2. Setting up drop-off points

Arranging for drop-off points to be set up reduces costs. You can ask local businesses, shops and cafés to get involved. 

Pros

  • Works well in urban areas
  • Cost free, assuming businesses are keen to support you
  • Businesses may promote your Reboot scheme on their social media

Cons

  • Requires partner/s to safely and securely receive donations
  • May not be accessible to all donors, e.g. in rural areas

Option 3. Arranging collections

Collecting devices from donors’ homes is more time-consuming but allows more people to donate.  

Pros

  • This is the simplest process for donors
  • May be cost-effective in city centres or if you have a partner with existing capability

Cons

  • Could be very expensive without a partner
  • Will be more challenging/time-consuming in rural areas
  • You need to make sure vulnerable donors feel safe

Things to think about

  • A mixed approach

    Offering donors a choice may increase your costs but will ensure that you receive as many donations as possible.

Next Step

Diagnostics and repairs - laptops

It’s important to check that donated laptops are functioning effectively as their new owners may lack the skills needed to resolve any issues.

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Ready to get started?

If you’re interested in setting up a Reboot project, why not download the full Reboot playbook? Regardless of your budget and IT skills, it will help you develop a well-structured Reboot process and maximise your donations!