One of the most reliable types of school fundraisers is the product sale. A product sale is an event in which a school hooks up with a company that provides an item that students try to sell to friends, families, and others in their social networks. Each company has their own formula to split the revenue between themselves and the school.

Some common examples of items used in product sales are: cookie dough, chocolate, wrapping paper, magazines, and popcorn, although virtually anything, as long as it’s sellable, can be used to make a profit for the school.

Product sales are popular for four main reasons:

1. They are simple to plan and execute. The companies have really made these things fool-proof for both the school administration and the parents.
2. Over the years, people have grown to develop an expectation that they will have to sell something to raise money for their kid’s school, so they are already pre-disposed to participate.
3. School administrators generally don’t like to spend too much time thinking about creative fundraising ideas, so product sales have become “no-brainers”.
4. Product sales are very reliable financially. You can take the number of students participating in the sale and get a fairly accurate estimate of what you can expect to bring in.

Even though the actual planning and executing of a product sale are relatively easy to navigate, there are still a number of questions that you should ask either yourself, your product sale representative, or the people in your community before making a commitment to one particular product or company. Failure to ask these questions or questions like these put you at risk of having a substandard fundraising event. continue reading

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Don’t you just love the word FREE? I do and so will your students and parents with this special deal.  When your group participates in the cookie dough program, you’ll gets free Restaurant.com Gift Cards.  These cards are worth $50 each!  Just redeem them online for certificates to thousands of restaurants across the US.  (View the available restaurants in your area.)

You can use the cards as prizes for students who bring in the most fundraising results.  On the other hand, you could sell the cards to raise extra funds (based on a $20 suggested retail price).

This prize program is included free of charge to fundraising groups with at least 10 actual sellers participating in any one of the following brochure fundraisers:

• Place-n-Bake Cookie Dough
• Scoop-n-Bake Cookie Dough
• Gourmet Preportioned Cookie Dough
• Premium Collection Gourmet Cookie Dough
• Elite Retreats

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Your school group can “keep the flame going” with a candle fundraiser. Now this might sound like a great idea, everyone love candles, right? When I started researching candle fundraisers I was shocked to see so many companies that offer them! So how do you sort out the great ones from the “also rans?”

Here are three tests that a candle fundraiser must pass for it to even be considered for your fundraiser!

1. Available Scents

First, many people who like candles are very discriminating. They want to have candles with the best scents. Some people have a few favorite scents that they always look for. Other people like a lot of different scents. But when you are looking for a candle fundraiser it is important to offer a wide variety of scents, not just a few. Actually if you can offer 10 or more scents that will cover most of the types of fragrance that most people like.

Now, not all candle companies will do this, but if you can purchase some votives ahead of time to show your buyers this may help. Then they can smell the candles and then decide how many they would like to order based on the fact that they know they like the scent!

2. Brand Names

The name on the candle jar can be really important for some buyers. Especially if you don’t have samples available, then what else can they go by to know if it’s a good quality candle or not?

Easily the most recognizable brand name is Yankee Candles. Yankee are sold in many retail stores and in their own signature boutiques nationwide.  So they are already popular with many people, making it easier for your group to sell them as a fundraiser.

Danielle Hamilton of HumaneFundraising.com comments:

While many catalog brochure sales companies may offer 40% for the fundraising group’s profit, Yankee Candle is one of the few that has a well-known, reputable product with years of backing. Yankee Candles are a respected product complete with their own branding. Your customers will know they are getting a quality item at a great price, while supporting your fundraising cause. Too often our friends and families are asked to purchase overpriced items from a company they’ve never heard of before. Yankee Candles are different! Your volunteers will be proud to sell these highly sought after candles and accessories, while raising money for a cause they love.

It is possible that you could raise a lot of money with other candles than just the big name brands. Just make sure that the terms are good (see below) and that the candles are of a high quality. There are many locally owned candle makers that do fundraisers. You might even find one in your local area!

3. Terms & Conditions

Just as important as the scents and brand is the terms of the fundraiser. You want to make sure that this fundraiser will really produce the funds that your group needs!

The best programs offer free full color brochures and at least 40% profit. Actually if you can get 50% profit that would be even better. So half of all the purchase price goes to your group. The best ones also offer free shipping. (Remember that candles can be heavy and shipping can get expensive!)

1-2-3 Great School Candle Fundraisers/a>

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No time to cook? Just pop in a frozen pizza!

Today’s busy lifestyles require families to have convenience foods on hand. Pizza is one of those foods that are great for after school snacks or a quick meal.

So when your organization conducts a frozen pizza fundraiser you’re providing something that people are already buying and will want more of.

Tips for Planning a Frozen Pizza Fundraiser:

1. Review the companies the offer frozen pizza fundraisers and choose one that offers the best product, profit potential and service.
2. Set a goal for your group’s overall sales and then break it down by participant.
3. Offer prizes as incentives for sellers. A stepped scale works well and rewards those who sell the minimum, as well as higher targets. You can even order extra frozen pizzas as prizes.
4. Set dates for the start and end of your fundraiser. A mid campaign check-in where coordinators call participants to see how their sales are going is a good idea.
5. Arrange for storage of the frozen products when they arrive. Make sure your sellers know the date, time and location of the pickup.
6. Celebrate! Have a recognition meeting or party to acknowledge those who sold the most. Announce the total amount raised and describe what the funds will do to support the activities of your organization.

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July 2011 ANNOUNCEMENT- Will You Be Running a Raffle in 2011-12?  If so, check out the brand new e-book from Sandra Sims and Jim Berigan.  RaffleSecrets is 50 pages long and comes with three free bonus books. Excellent content from authors you’ve known and trusted for years!

Introductory sale going on now!  Don’t miss the savings!  If your non-profit is having a raffle this year, you’ve got to check this out!

Many school groups over the years have used the “world famous” chocolate bars from the World’s Finest Chocolate brand to raise funds. These chocolate bars have been a staple for many school PTA groups, marching bands and other school groups.

There are so many different varieties available – milk chocolate, chocolate with almonds, chocolate crispy, and so much more. Each of these chocolate bars are made with the finest ingredients.

Your group can raise funds with the famous $1 bars, the chocolate bars that have been used by many groups to raise money. There are also $2 King Size bars in many of the same flavors. Some of these bar wrappers can even be personalized for your group.  It could have your school’s name and a photo of your school, mascot or just a logo.   It’s up to you.  (For example if you are having a band fundraiser, use the band logo!)

No matter which one you choose you will sure to be creating a winning fundraiser when you choose the bar that has been made famous simply because of its great taste and its great fundraising potential.

Find out more about World’s Finest Chocolate online or give them a call (toll free) at 1-866-432-7838.

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