Every wonder how some students/people are consistently able to sell more than other students? I created this blog in order to help everyone to teach others how to fundraise and to leverage larger fundraisers with smaller ones!
Well here are my 5 quick tips to successful fundraising!
1. Remember - This is a fundraiser! As simply as this sounds, so many people approach fundraisers as selling the benefits of the thing you are selling and not the reason why you are fundraising. Haven't we all purchased something we had no intention of eating, using, or keeping? But because it was for a good cause or for someone we care about we did anyway? Sell the reason why we you are doing the fundraiser and how their donation will help and you'll score more sales than by selling the benefits of items.
2. Bundling - I often give my students multiple items to sell at once of varying prices. The idea is that when presented with several items/options people are more likely to select one and usually the cheapest one! Having a candy bar with a car wash ticket may result in higher candy sales, which by the way have a great markup (Check out my post on Candy Sales).
3. Be visible! You can't sell what people can't see! - The biggest problem students have is that they don't showcase their items. I once had a student bring a
lunch-pale and neatly arrange candy bars inside. When they arrived in
class they opened the lid and had a simple note hanging down that stated
the prices and cause. They didn't even need to speak to make sales. Yes, these
are simple methods! But that's the point!
4. Bulk Sales - One thing I learned from watching The Apprentice is that single sales take too long! Write a letter to a company you are affiliated or work with (e.g. Rotary Club, Internship Providers, Board Members, etc.) and thank them for their support. In the letter talk about your newest fundraiser that you are holding for your cause. I had a student go back to her summer internship and she sold 30 bags of cookies in about a week through the letter (She didn't even visit the business until she dropped off the cookies). Then upon showing up with cookies, others in the company wanted to buy a total of 40 more bags. In a matter of a few weeks she made over $200 without even trying. This goes back to Tip #3, people buy what they see!
5. Win-Win - When opportunity comes knocking at your door, open the door! The idea is to present your sale as a win-win opportunity: they get what they need and you make a sale. This is the thank you gift, stocking stuffer, or the I need to bring something small over for a family gathering. This involves listening to consumers and their need to have a void fulfilled. Obviously not all fundraising items may be suitable for this technique.
For those of you who have used these methods or have other ideas: What worked for you? Got any ideas to add to my list? Comments welcome!
Good luck to you and your fundraiser! Visit back for more fundraiser tips and ideas!
~ isle411 @ fundraiser411
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