I think that is why most of us would say don't support any privately based fundraiser like Avon, Pampered Chef, Southern Living, Longaberger, etcetera unless the agent was willing to offer their product without any markup (i.e. what they pay for it) and be a conduit to the PTO. We held that belief because it was too hard to
1. Pick one parent from many that offered the product
2. Be the go between with parents
3. face all the issues you've faced.
Just say NO...say the relationship is over; there won't be a future relationship and perhaps consider having tables you RENT at you next holiday event to allow different private vendors to attend.
HELP
I am a PTO secretary and I am in charge of the PTO e-mail. One of our Mom's sells Avon and offered to donate 10% of her sales from our school population to the school. Sounds great in theory. First she wanted me to deliver Avon books to 2 local organizations that support our school, because she works and does not have time to do this. I also work. Then she wanted our e-mail list. The principle said no, she could send me the Avon e-mails and I could foward them to our e-mail list. I have had enough, she has sent me 9 Avon e-mails in the past 4 days, which are still sitting in our inbox. 2 parents have asked to be removed form the list because of the Avon e-mails, I think by now anyone who wants to buy her Avon will have contacted her. This Avon thing started at the end of the last school year and as of today we have recieved NO money. I love helpng the PTO, but the Avon is overwelming, and I am ready to quit.
