Q. What should I be looking for in a vehicle donation program? 

          1)   A locally branded vehicle donation program with your call letters;

          2)   The power of a Car Talk-branded program; or

          3)   A program just for PBS stations.

Q. Who’s minding my donors?

A. We are! A great vehicle donation program is about more than just monthly revenue. It’s about donor service, too!

A great vehicle donation program makes sure you get the very best sale price possible for each and every donated car while simultaneously ensuring a great donor experience. We understand how hard it is to attract and keep donors and how important it is to set the stage for a long-term relationship.

We drive the extra mile!

Recently, we helped a major NPR donor living in New Hampshire donate a classic 1947 Packard; we figured out how a WPLN member in Nashville could donate a 2010 Toyota stored in Toronto; we towed an RV for a KUHF board member before the cops towed it for him; and we even brought a WBEZ lapsed member back into the fold when he found himself high bidder for Tom Magliozzi’s Fiat Spider convertible—and wrote a check to WBEZ for nearly $5,000.

It’s vitally important to have a vehicle donation program that understands how your station operates, and what motivates the audience and donors. Our public broadcasting-centric staff of Twyla Olson, Deb Blakeley, Beth Carter and Doug Mayer have a combined 70 years in public radio.

Q. Why does Car Talk matter? 

A. Because Car Talk’s draw lasts long after each week’s show has ended.

Car Talk Vehicle Donation Services is powered by the same loyalty that inspires Car Talk’s millions of listeners to be among the most reliably generous donors year in and year out.

Car Talk VDS combines the diehard attachment to two of NPR’s favorite hosts with rigorous attention to details  – from how we answer donors’ questions, to the amusing Car Talk thank-you card at the end. Our follow-through doesn’t stop with donors, either. We pride ourselves in working closely with all our station friends to help promote the vehicle donation program with high-quality, on-air radio and TV spots, free of charge. 

Rest assured, Car Talk keeps a close eye on your vehicle donation program and makes sure you’re getting the service you and your donors want.

Q. What about fees?

A. Unlike other VDPs, our free structure is totally transparent, published at http://www.cartalkvds.com, for donors and stations to review. 

Why? Because your members are smart and you treat them as such when you raise money. You tell them where pledge dollars go and what programming costs.  We suggest taking the same approach with your vehicle donation program. 

You’re putting hard-won donors in some else's hands. Protect them by insisting on a VDS that understands the value of transparency.

We’re sure you have more questions. Give us a call!

Twyla Olson, Director of Business Development, 651-587-6332, twyla@cartalkvds.com