From the Association of Fund Raisers & Direct Sellers
- Establish a clear financial goal before evaluating products, programs, etc. Knowing how much money you need to raise will help make these decisions easier.
- Don't let your organization's profits be eaten away by "hidden" costs (i.e. for freight, prizes, overruns.) Ask questions ahead of time and make the necessary adjustments.
- Select your fundraising program early to assure ample time for planning. If the school or community has a planning calendar, be sure your event is included. Stagger fundraising activities to avoid competing with other groups.
- Set a specific beginning and ending date for your fundraiser and stick to it. Without a clear target date the campaign will drag on, often without direction.
- Rely on your fundraising company professional for suggestions and advice.
- Don't let your program fizzle- some organizers will lose interest once a program begins; stay motivated until the end to ensure success. Put a time limit on order-taking, usually 10-14 days is more than enough.
- Keep energy levels high by communicating before, during and after the program. Remind parents, teachers and others volunteers of the fundraiser's goals and deadlines, provide frequent status reports and updates.
- Avoid shipping and ordering problems by working closely with volunteers to ensure that all order forms are legible and filled out completely.
- Keep a copy of all forms turned into the fundraising company.
- Assure efficient handling of products by recruiting adult volunteers ahead of time to help distribute the products to sellers.
- Double check the products shipped to your organization against the order forms. Check each box or bag for damaged or missing merchandise before sending volunteers for delivery.
- Don't forget to communicate with absentees who miss the program's kick-off or other important meetings.
- Have fun! With the right approach, fundraising can be educational and enjoyable for everyone.
Before you start selling:
- Set a realistic goal for your total sales and break the total down into daily totals.
- Pick a product in the catalog that you like and point it out to your customers.
- Be sure you know what the money is being raised for.
- Talk with only people you know and trust.
- Make a list of all of your friends and family and anyone you think might be willing to help and contact them personally.
- Contact friends and family who live out of town and let them know they can order using our on-line fundraising catalog.
- Don't take those who help you sell for granted, remember to say please and thank you.
- After a customer orders an item, ask if there is anything else they may need. Maybe gift wrap for that special gift they just bought.
- Make sure the order form is filled out completely before completing the sale, this will save embarrassment later on.
- Thank your customers for their support. Sending thank you cards is a nice touch and may help your future sales.
- Have fun! If you are enthusiastic about the program, your customers are more likely to purchase something.
For more information about fundraising opportunities with River City Fund Raising Contact Us!
