I am not aware of any published data...but would also be interested to know of any. Increasing donations (or chance of) is something I'm working on so if you or anyone else have suggestions...I'd appreciate this.
 
So far our donations and frequency of them is up over that of last year due to offering various items with a donation. Ultimately, my goal is $3-$5 per person and the mark up on these items corresponds with this. We have 3 different types of patches (along with a decal and bumper stickers) and have had people collecting a different one in subsequent visits (so this has encouraged people to return). I had anticipated that the patches would be popular but I hadn't expected this.
 
Pam
 
 
 
In a message dated 7/14/2006 3:29:47 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes:
Is anyone aware of any published data on the average/typical rate of compliance with VOLUNTARY fees (admission or tours or other services) in museums/libraries?  I realize the rate will vary depending on (1) degree to which "voluntary" nature is played up or played down; (2) ease of making or not making the suggested "contribution"; (3) local expectations; and (4) lots of other things I haven't thought of yet.

But there must be some rules of thumb about how much yield to expect?  Will 50% of people pay a suggested $2 fee?  Will 30% of people pay a suggested $5 fee?  Will 75% of people pay $1? 

Thanks for any pointers to either research data or, n lacking that, anecdotal evidence.

Susan Ruderman

 
Pamela Silvestri, Seasonal Interpretive Guide
Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
Connecticut State Department of Environmental Protection
State Parks Division
Shenipsit State Forest Headquarters
166 Chestnut Hill Road
Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076
Telephone: (860) 684-3430
e-mail: [log in to unmask] or
[log in to unmask]
 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).