It’s the same question at the beginning of every season: What are we going to do to raise money? Your team needs new uniforms, wants to go to a tournament, new equipment… the list never ends. The coach or team mom racks their brain to think of some way to raise funds that’s easy and, most of all, successful. The kids aren’t engaged. They already go to school, to practice, to games, have homework and, oh yea, a social life so adding selling to the list is not appealing. And it seems that by the time you get most of the money in from your efforts, the season is over and the team doesn’t even get to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
To benefit from a great fundraiser, here are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Minimal Product Choices
Too many choices mean option overload and the result is often the old “Let me think about it. Can you come back in a day or two?” Like that’s gonna happen!
2. Popular Products
Make sure people “get” your product. If you have to explain it, you’ve lost them. If it needs special care or storage, it can be a challenge for people to say yes. It’s also important that the product appeal to many demographics, young and old alike, male and female. Don’t narrow your target audience too much.
3. Quick Turnaround
Too often, by the time the product comes in and gets delivered and the money can be used, the season or event or time frame is over. A quick turnaround makes it easier to get your potential customers excited about buying because they’ll have it soon. And it makes it easier to keep your organization engaged if the process isn’t drawn out.
4. Reputable Company
Make sure the company you are using is reputable, has a track record and delivers a quality product.
5. Set Goals
Have a plan for the money you are raising. Put up pictures in your locker room or meeting place of what you want to buy with it. Talk about how it will help you achieve your performance goals on the field, allow to go on your mission trip, etc. Make each member accountable for selling an amount that is relatively easy to attain. “If each person sells just 5, then we can…” (fill in the blank with what you will do with the money you earn).
6. Motivation
Decrease the chance for frustration with your team by making sure they have the proper materials to get the job done and that they know the process. Also, help them understand what their efforts translate into: if you sell 5 widgets, we can buy x new sweatshirts. Also, give them a short time frame for selling. We all know how we plan to “get around to it”, then wait until the last minute.
Fun Country can provide you with everything you need for an easy, simple, successful fundraiser. And, best of all, because people love Fun Country so much, you can keep doing this fundraiser and get continued great results. Keep in mind that Fun Country can also provide kettle corn for your events or to sell in a central location (think about how those scouts sell cookies!) so you don’t even have to take orders. We’re here to help make it work for you. Let’s talk today.
