Well since we're in the fundraising business I understand this is the time of year to be active. There seems to be a lot more interest in our services because of the economy these days.
I'm sorry that you are feelling hounded though. Give the sales guys a few minutes of your time and they will leave you alone after that. ;^)

Thank you for the replies, I was just wondering if others are getting more calls than usual this year too.
I did tell each rep 'no thank you'. It just seemed as if two more popped up as soon as I got rid of one. A lot more rep calls than usual (for our school) this year.

Not true on if "they either have the products or they don't". If they ordered products from Giftco, those orders were due mid-February. they have since been canceled. These companies now have to find new sources.

As far as being aggressive, consider this. The "Best Deals" from companies come in April and May, not January and February. Also, many early bonuses they promise comes with strings attached. Or their products are so expensive, it is easy to see where the money is coming from to give your school all the extra bonuses like carnival rides, BMX shows, books, computers, etc. You are paying for those.

I too seem to be getting a large amount of calls. I do not think that we need to worry about where the products are coming from though. Either they have products or they do not. Like ptomomindy states, just call them back or they will continue to call. I even call them back when I have no intention of going with them. I simply tell them I will not need their services, and they stop calling. I really do think it is okay to tell them "no". I would not waste your time or thiers by having them make a presentation.

Theyre sales people with a job to do. Just be courteous and schedule brief appointments w/them or have each do a presentation to your PTA or PTO group. If you ignore them, they will keep calling, so just be polite and give thema chance to show you what they have. Remember too with all this stuff about that one company who's doors closed last week, now is a GREAt time to ask them how they are affected by this news and how it will affect your school! That's sort of what we do.

Good Grief. Is anyone else getting phone calls, emails and school visits from (it seems like) every fundraising company rep out there?!?

We're being hounded by at least 6 fundraising companies PLUS 3 holiday gift shop reps. While March has traditionally been the month for reps to come calling, this year they seem to be even more aggressive than usual. I guess the economy is causing eveyone to try to get a foothold into a school, but honestly it's annoying.

Anyone else out there feeling a bit rushed by fundraising companies??