Case Study #1
How a more expensive box saved $10k

Demonstrate fiscal responsibility to donors re: packaging cost 

Our client, a respected international NGO, had run an annual fundraising blitz for a decade to raise funds for wildlife protection. Over a 12-week window, they expected to ship 10,000 packages containing a stuffed animal and documents about the animal.

While the stuffed animal was of premium quality, the client was very conscious of packaging prices, knowing their donors would scrutinize their credibility as a charity in terms of fiscal responsibility.

Produce a custom box size, rather than using a standard size 

 Two solution options were considered:

1. Use a standard box at the warehouse – it was very close to the right size and our client thought this might be the most economical option
2. Create a custom sized box – reduce the width of the box by 4 mm, which would increase the cost per box by 5¢

Why would we suggest a change that increased materials costs by over $500? Because the smaller package would put them in a lower-cost shipping bracket, saving about $1 per shipment!

Save client $10,000 in shipping costs = happy donors!

 The client was thrilled! Their products were not impacted and fit comfortably inside the new box. Their donors didn’t experience any difference in the level of service they’d come to expect; and while the client did spend $500 extra on materials (compared to previous season), they saved about $10,000 on shipping costs.

Note: This case is based on Five & Counting’s owner’s experience within another company