According to the Better Business Bureau, some pink-labeled products actually have very little to do with breast cancer. The consumer advocacy agency advises if you’re buying pink specifically to support a charity, you might want to look into how that purchase will benefit it, and which charity will get the money. In some instances, pink is just the promotion to help get the product off the shelf.
Do you think the pink campaign has become too commercialized? Has it become another revenue stream for scam artists or companies looking sell their products? Tell us in the comments below.
For anybody who wants to ensure their pink dollars support the cause, the BBB has the following tips:
- Inspect the product for information. Many companies clearly report on labels how much of their sales go to charity and specifically where the money goes.
- Check the company’s website. If the information isn’t on the product itself, it often can be found at the website address printed on the product packaging.
- If you still can’t find the information, call the company and ask for it. Firms that use charity tie-ins to market their products should be transparent to consumers.
- Contact the charity directly if you have doubts they are receiving proceeds.
- Check out the charity to decide whether you believe it is worthy of your support. One way to do this is by contacting the BBB to determine whether the charity meets the BBB’s 20 Standards for Accountability. You can contact the BBB by going to www.bbb.org
