Moral pressure at the cash register: No one likes it.

I asked my Twitter followers how they feel about the growing trend where retail outlets ask you if you care to make a donation to a charity of their choice, just as you are slapping down an unreasonable amount of money for booze, junk food, trinkets, gewgaws, or other unnecessary items. 

Either I have a churlish set of Twitter followers, or it's a widely despised phenomenon. Here are some responses. 

@MSoloduk @jandrewpotter Giving a donation when you're wallet is already out is kinda like getting sucked in by an internet pop up.

@wholecloth @jandrewpotter I always say no.

@CarrylW @jandrewpotter I think (I KNOW) it works. I would like to know how big the "guilt factor" is - why do not more people say no?

@AakankshaT @jandrewpotter annoying but wonder if it is effective.

@johnarobertson @jandrewpotter I think it's fine if they want to put a box out, but when they ask you while you are paying I feel pressured

@RandChange @jandrewpotter If they offer charitable donation receipts, then I have no problem.

‏@MissHelveticaB @jandrewpotter point of sale promotions are highly effective. I'd rather donate a couple bucks to charity than fall for an impulse item.

@jessieradies @jandrewpotter Hate it

@KatieBrist @jandrewpotter awkward as hell for the cashiers

@lynnkool @jandrewpotter Annoying. Do they get the tax break for the donation?

@JButlerMcPhee @jandrewpotter Depends on how reputable the charity is and how hard the sell . . . but I'm not opposed to it in principle.

@LexyCameron @jandrewpotter I don't agree. They put you on the spot. Their choice may not be my choice.

@the_beheld @jandrewpotter Hate being asked, hate that a cashier is forced to ask me. Feels like supporting their corporate "goodwill," not cause itself

@JoelWWood @jandrewpotter interesting use of social pressure, e.g., dont want to look like a Scrooge to cashier & people in line.

@joyce_byrne @jandrewpotter I hate it. And I'm cynical so I know that the strategy is "people can't refuse so it's a golden idea for fundraising".

@j2nelson @jandrewpotter Hate that. But often get sucked in. The guilt!

@RadicalOmnivore *%$#! RT @jandrewpotter: What do we think about retail outlets that ask you to donate to a charity of their choice at the cash register?

@Ken_Davis @jandrewpotter Good luck saying no to a CHEO donation when your kids are with you.

@pjames @jandrewpotter If it raises money for a good cause why not. If you disagree with the charity, just say no. Generally not a pressure sale.

@AndyChalk @jandrewpotter We feel bad for those employees, who have been told that their numbers are being tracked and minimums are expected.