That is what I wanted to do, both at the same time, like one fundraiser. I think it will work. I am just debating over the greenery. We get a better margin on non direct, but we may do both direct and non direct with the greenery. I know I can afford 11.50 better then 32.00, but it is getting the minimun order for the non direct. If I have to I will try to get some churches and community leaders to buy some also. I know that churches like the greenery.

What's the profit margin on these products? How much money do you need to raise from this round of fundraising? How much would each family have to spend on these products to earn that much profit? Is that practical, assuming only about 50% of your families will buy from your sale (that's based on our own experience). How much effort is it to collect, count, sort, and deliver the 2 fundraisers? Do you have the volunteer resources? These are the criteria we use when we're evaluating fundraisers.

You might be better off finding a full-service fundraising company that offers your parents a wider selection of product (maybe there's one that also does greenery???) and gives you a larger profit margin, often 50%. If you go ahead with the 2 offerings, organize them like one sale with the same due dates, with the info sent home in the same envelope with one cover letter.

If you advertise them both together stating that you wish to offer families options this year, it should be fine. If you roll them out at two separate times, then it may have a negative effect. Families may buy from the one and then when the 2nd comes out, they may say how they would have wanted that more than the 1st item.
Although they are not related, I don't think that would have an impact on sales. It comes down to what appeals to the buyer. The greenery would be fine for someone that likes to decorate their home, but the cookbook would be more of a useful item around the house or a great gift for the holidays.

no, the cookbooks are by School Mate® Student Planners, School Folders, and Fundraising . They run $5 - 6.50 each. They do have some with cookies and gifts in jars too. I found out last year the ONLY fundraisers they did were the spring carnival and one day of popcorn day. I could not believe my eyes. I just though maybe with the greenery since they want the direct ship that the cookbooks could be easy gifts for people also.

We love to pile on fundr isers to give people options. The key is to figure out where to draw the line, and try and have the things complement each other. Also, don't try too many new things at once.

Perhaps you could pair ornaments and other decoration-type things or Santa hats with the greenery. Or just sell hot chocolate and candy canes during the sale if people are coming to pick things up or purchase.
Or, give the cookbook a Holiday theme, too. Cookbooks are fun, more work than the companies say, and potentially not very profitable. It is very hard to gauge demand (I am assuming you mean a school cookbook).

Running two completely separate, unrelated sales at the same time could be confusing, and maybe difficult if volunteers disappear as the holidays approach.

We had a board meeting last night and discussed fundraisers. Well they all want to do holiday greenery for the fall and I am fine with that, my problem was that you can only have so much holiday greenery. I have 4 kids that go to the school and with the price of them I can only get a couple. I made a suggustion that we have 2 different ones at the same time. The holiday greenery and cookbooks. Each are easy and sell themselves. They stated that if you have 2 then one will take from the other, but my therory is that I can order more from each of my kids and know that I have done what I can. Has anyone else done this or do you just do one and that is it. We will also have one in the Spring, cookie dough. thanks