I talked to my VP yesterday and she said the former pres had contemplated the kits too, but she agrees with the time crunch we will have. So it looks like we will just do them as door prizes and hopefully at by the end of the year we will have info and time to do them next year. There is still the issue of figuring out which is better for us: a company or doing it ourselves. Do most companies let you pick what you want or send you what they think you need?

We, too, have been discussing giving away a few supply kits at open houses. That would be good advertising if you wanted to do them in the future.

Best way to promote I have found is to have the school supply pick up an event. Back to school ice cream social meet your teacher pick up your supply kit sort of idea. A not to be missed. This causes word of mouth promotion which always seems to be the best reminder for my parents.

I think I looked into Schoolkidz a few years ago or was it EPI. I wanted to sell it at our open house but was vetoed. I like the idea of putting the kits together on your own. I think that would work better for us because the teachers have their list ready for the next year by the end of the year to hand out to future students. The problem for us would be that our Open Houses are less than a week before school starts. I am still thinking of talking to the board about putting a few together though. If not to sell at least have one big one for a door prize each night. I am afraid attendance will be low especially for the higher grade students.

Proudpratt, how much promoting did you do?

[ 07-04-2005, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: C. Brooks ]

Oh yes, I hate the pushy, rude crowds too!! They make me so mad!! It's almost as bad as Christmas shopping. I'm starting to agree with friends who order alot on-line or through catalogs just to avoid it. So, like you, I hit Wal-Mart early, early in the morning before the rush. Since I was a little girl I've just loved getting new school supplies and my daughter is the same way. YEAH! A shopping buddy! ha ha

I don't mind the shopping, I just hate not knowing what the teachers want until the last minute. I know the regular stuff, but some of "special" things they want.

I also hate the crowds! People pushing, shoving, and just being rude. So I do the sneaky thing, I go at lunch time, or very early in the morning (walmart or any place else that's open before normal hours.)