Do you ever wonder why you get free return address labels from charities looking for a contribution?

Well, it’s not an accident, that a little gift is included in there, if you want to know the truth.

This is because most non-profits understand the reciprocity rule.

When a gift is given, see, people are more likely to give back in return.

Understand: Giving gifts is powerful. And this is true even when the gift is unwanted.

Here is a crazy example of reciprocity in action between two nations.

Honestly, I used to be benign about receiving a random gift here or there.

But now it gives me pause, for I can feel a debt rising.

And I can’t help but feel like a mark. At least some of the time.

The ability of uninvited gifts to produce feelings of obligation is recognized by a variety of organizations besides the Krishnas. How many times have each of us received small gifts through the mail—personalized address labels, greeting cards, key rings—from charity agencies that ask for funds in an accompanying note? I have received five in just the past year, two from disabled veterans’ groups and the others from missionary schools or hospitals. In each case, there was a common thread in the accompanying message. The goods that were enclosed were to be considered a gift from the organization; and any money I wished to send should not be regarded as payment but rather as a return offering.

-Robert Cialdini, Influence