Controversial Issues

[jewelsandgold]

I started a jewelry website last year, and just recently came across a section from my supplier called "Jewelry for a cause". Some are things that everyone agrees on - Breast Cancer, Hurricane Katrina victims and so on and so forth.

It was suggested to me, however to stay away from the more controversial issues. Such as pro-life, crisis pregnancy centers... and I can see the point, do you think it would drive away business?

And my only other question is if you all think that support of military jewelry would fall under the same controversial category.

Thanks for the input!

[torka]

Products related to a controversial issue might drive away some customers, but they might attract others. Whether a loss of the one group would be offset by a gain in the other is impossible to predict and would likely vary according to the specific "cause" or issue, the makeup of your existing customer base and how well you were able to do in reaching out to those who support that cause.

I can't speak for everyone, but personally, I don't see anything wrong with somebody wanting to show off that they've had military service, or that a loved one is (or was) in the military, or that they support the military. The only time I can see it might be controversial is if it does make -- or could be construed to be making -- a statement in favor of or against a specific military action. But simply displaying various military insignia, for instance, is not particularly controversial, IMO.

--Torka

[jewelsandgold]

Thank-you for your input. I'm thinking that what would probably be safest would be to start a separate website just for the cause jewelry that might be controversial and reach out to that clientele from there. I can always put a link up to my main money making - hopefully money making, that is - website.

[ktaylor310]

I think if you are focusing on promoting a charity, the intent should be raising money for that charity and not so much on profit for your business (not that making a profit is wrong). If you stick with the charities that mean something to you, you won't be as worried about losing customers (I can't imagine you would anyway if there are multiple charities to choose from) and in the end you will feel great because you know you are making a difference.

I'm from Colorado Springs. Every day we see vans driving up to school with "my daddy is a hero" spray painted on the side. We celebrate every time one of our soldiers makes it home and back to their family!

[jewelsandgold]

No, the cause jewelry itself, I'm selling barely above cost, just the funds for shipment, really. I wanted to make it affordable for people to buy it, the company that I order it from is the one that makes the donations to the causes when I buy it from them.

I think that I will start a new site dedicated just to charity.

I understand supporting the military for sure. My dad was in the navy, my husband has served both in the navy and army. A couple of our friends have sons who are serving currently in the air force and marines. Our military men & women allow us our freedoms to stay home with our children, build our businesses and attend any public function we see fit. Some of the most important people in our country!

Thanks for your thoughts on the subject!