Selecting The Right Fundraiser - Part 5
More tips from our multi-page article about how to select the right
fundraiser.
Fundraiser Evaluation Criteria - Continued:
Expedite charges
Get firm pricing upfront on what freight charges the supplier covers and what
constitutes an expedite charge payable by your organization. Be sure to get it
in writing if it’s not part of the supplier agreement.
Payment terms
Most items are paid for in advance. The reason for this is most fundraising
organizations are not businesses with credit histories and offices. Expect to
pay for all items before shipment, including any expedited last minute
shipments.
References
A reputable supplier should have no problem supplying references upon request.
Most will have generic references posted on their web sites. Take the time to
get the numbers and verify results, problem resolution, quality of goods, etc.
Always ask if they’re still using them as a supplier.
How long in business
Longevity is often an important indicator of financial stability. If they
haven’t been in business for more than three years, ask for bank and/or trade
references.
Shipping point
Find out where the supplier is shipping from and who pays the freight. If the
supplier quotes you FOB Destination, it means that you pay the freight.
Oftentimes, there is another supplier offering exactly the same product or
catalog with more favorable freight terms.
Problem escalation/resolution
Review all written statements from suppliers on how they handle the inevitable
snafus. Check the supplier’s references for information on how well they’ve
handled problems such as missing items, damaged goods, etc.
Don’t forget to maximize your results
Remember that you can always use a supplemental catalog sale or any type of
discount card on top of any other fundraiser. Capture something for everyone
through offering something different like a pizza card after you’ve pitched your
regular items. These usually retail for $10 and cost as little as $2. That’s a
great percentage payout and has a different appeal than what you’re already
offering.
Alternatively, you can offer a $10 discount card featuring local merchants that
might cost you $2 or less. If your sellers can add one of these to half their
sales, then you’ll enjoy a significantly higher net. Don’t forget that most of
your sellers will approach less than 10 prospects.
Just be sure not to offer it until after your regular fundraiser has been
offered or you will just be taking revenue away from your primary offering, not
supplementing it.
Summary
In closing, when choosing the right fundraiser, be sure to weigh all the
criteria. Read the Section on the Best Sellers. Choose what will work best for
your group based on the results needed, resources available, and the size of
your group.
Equip your sales group with the right tools. Quality selling materials and a
well thought out sales script are essential components of a successful
fundraiser.
Incent your participants in the most practical and effective manner. Keep the
fun involved, particularly with younger children.
Execute your organizational plan with an eye on maximizing revenue. Tally all
numbers twice and then check them again. If you’re delivering merchandise, be
sure to have enough help for the mission critical delivery day.
When you’re finished, remember to communicate your results and say thank you to
everyone involved, particularly your customers. Good luck!
Click Here for Selecting the Right Fundraiser - Part
4
Related Pages
Selecting The Right Fundraiser -
Part 1 - Good advice to use on picking the right fundraiser for your group.
Getting Started: Part 1 - The who, what,
when, where, why, and how of a successful fundraiser.
Free Fundraisers - Three time-tested
fundraising ideas for raising fast cash for groups of any size.
Donor Recognition - How to use donor
recognition to increase your capital campaign results.
Food Fundraisers - How to quickly boost your
profits when fundraising with food items.
Successful Fundraisers - Boost results
with organization, quality incentives, and sales preparation.
Organize School Fundraiser - Quick
tips on organizing your school efforts by planning ahead.
Tried and True - These
old standbys always produce good results for any-size group.
Sample Letter - Sample school event donation
letter where you can insert your specific information.
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