Just wondering about "Awareness" Inlays

[Monty]

I know there has been a lot posted about trademark infringements and whether or not to use Pro and College emblems and colors on pens. I was just wondering about the ethics of using the "Awareness" ribbons on pens. Usually when you see items with the ribbon advertised, it says a certain portion of the sale goes to support what the ribbon signifies. If you are selling pens with ribbons, do you give a portion of that sale to the foundation?

http://www.lazerlinez.com/products.asp?cat=33

 

[DCBluesman]

While not specifically a ribbon, a large portion of the proceeds from all autism kit sales and autism puzzle pen sales goes directly to local and national autism charities.

FWIW, the colored ribbons cannot be trademarked or copyrighted in the US, according to the US Patent and Trademark Office.

 

[Monty]

While the colored ribbons cannot be trademarked or copyrighted, would you consider it ethical to sell these and not donate part of the sale to the foundation? Do you think people would automatically assume you donate a portion of the sales to the foundation?
Lou states "a large portion of the proceeds from all autism kit sales and autism puzzle pen sales goes directly to local and national autism charities". I buy several of these kits and sell the pens at a show as an Autism Puzzle Pen. Should I in turn send some of my proceeds from my completed pen sales of this kit to them also?

 

[Phunky_2003]

I've sold 3 ribbon pens. While constant donates proceeds to the groups when the kits are purchased. I too have donated everything from sale also to the national childrens leukemia foundation. My niece has childhood leukemia so it is donated in her name. I've only made orange ones which is the color for leukemia. I have also donated several more pens for fundraisers for them.

James

 

[Phunky_2003]

Personally Mannie I dont see anything wrong with not sending proceeds to the group or groups. Even if you displayed "part of the proceeds to make this pen have been donated to autism charities". They are. You are still helping when you purchase the pen. I think it would just be up to personal preference if you send anything else. I'd like to know what specific amount is donated when the kit is purchased. I believe constant said 20%, I could be wrong though. Sometimes I think some places donate very little to these groups. I'm not bashing on any pen makers or sellers, blank makers or that sort. Been lots of news before where your paying more for something and they are donating 1 dollar or something.

Also if you do donate it, keep a receipt of the donation, its tax deductible.

James

 

[GoodTurns]

10% of ALL of my sales goes to charities. I try to direct the money appropriately, ie, autism pens go to an autism charity, all of my pink pens go to cancer groups. The ribbon pens (just made my first batch and they will be at a show this weekend) will go into the "general fund" which gets sent to a variety of causes.