PhotoGuru,
I agree with what people are saying, but I really want to encourage you to keep trying and give away free products like someone mentioned earlier. Find out which schools have an auction and give away a package (1-8x10, 2-5x7, 8-wallets, etc...). Our school is always looking for items for our auction that we don't have to go out and ask for.
Also, if schools in your area have any kind of festival, carnival, etc... maybe ask if you can set up a background and offer to take pictures of kids/families. Then set up a package and give the schools a percentage of each package.
Just some ideas, but don't give up. Like most people said, the PTO's do tend to use what has always worked in the past, but it's worth it to look into other options.
I also do the type of work you do and I think #1 your are being optimistic. If a school tells me they have 700 students I figure about 400-500 families of that , on average 10% will participate. Now I have schools and churches where close to 70% participate but that is rare. They sell a 10x13 for $10 or $15 and keep it all. I don't offer bonuses because that becomes a we were only 2 short type thing like the last person stated and I just don't feel that is right. I give discounts to the volunteers that help on photography day and the people who organized it and principles get a free $100.00 package. I have jobs that I have been at every year for 25+ years, offer 3 backgrounds and more props then many fixed location studios. I travel about 8 states doing this. The $20 for the first 8x10 (That you donate) is very good for you because it helps weed out the people who aren't all that interested in portraits but probably not the best for the organization in getting the most sitting(Money). I found this discussion very interesting because I was just looking to see how others viewed family portrait fundraisers to see what changes I may want to make to mine. Good luck but maybe just charge the $10.00 you are giving to the organization for the first print and they will make more. also again I think you are being optimistic expecting much more then 10% involvement based on the number of FAMILIES in the school. I think you will find that's about average for most fundraisers, 10% doing 90% of the participation.
This year at our PTA annual fall arts and crafts show we offered children's antique photography. It was a huge success. The chair advertised what it was, and began taking appointments three weeks ahead of time. The setting fee was $9.95 and you received a free 8x10 portrait. And the best part was that the entire sitting fee was kept by our group. The company also pays bonuses by number of settings. The photographer and his assistants brought antique-looking wardrobe, props, and backgrounds and the portraits were printed in sepia tone.
My fear was that the company wouldn't make any money because I didn't believe most families in our rural, low-income area could afford them. (Packages started at $149) But big surprise, tons of packages and frames they offered also were sold.
Because portraits of your children in antique looking settings might not go every year, this October we will switch it to family portraits. This was a request from several families who ordered packages this year.
I know that regular pics wouldn't sell at our schools because of the twice yearly school pics, but these are out of the ordinary and it was well worth the time and effort.
In the end, we made over $1,000 just on the setting fees and bonuses, and unfortunately missed it being $1500 by only two settings. But that's ok cause next year we will do even better.
Wow, I think you got some good responses, but I will also add my two cents worth...
The first month of school (my fifth and final year) I received a letter from a kindy parent telling me that she didn't like the fundraiser we were doing and suggested I switch to a program through her newly-opened wine shop.
I had to laugh, but I keep the letter for many reasons. Besides the fact that we cannot do an alcohol fundraiser in any way, shape or form, this person had never been to a meeting, was new to our school, and was basically using us to better her own business and get her name out in our community. Did she have any idea what was involved?
This cuts right to the heart of what I feel one of my roles is as a PTO officer: to protect the school/children from these tunnel-visioned people!
What is the benefit to us? Money?
There is more to the PTO then money. Just read some of the threads on this board about "make-a-donation" fundraisers (simply asking families to cut a check each fall) -- they are usually not successful. Our tried and true fundraiser works, is easily handled within our 550 student school, has a reputable company backing it up and yes, makes a good deal of money in relation to the efforts.
Please get to know your school, how and why the PTO does things. It is not that we are not open to change -- it is more that there is a rhyme and reason and usually a good deal of thought/debate with these things, and it sounds like something you should get involved in.
Ok, my .02 worth. Just to be the devil's advocate...what type of income do most parents have? I picture for $20 is a little high in my area. If it's around the holidays do the parents have the extra $$? Most people that do holiday pictures go to Walmart because of their price.
I know that it's a fundraiser for the school, but at that time of year it would be really hard for me to shell that out for just one picture.
OK, not the best advise but, as a parent you got it.
Photo Guru- I too am in the fundraising business. What the others are saying is true. You need to build a friendship & partnership with the schools before you can sell them on your product. Unless you have something altogher different and unique.
I've been in the business for 5 years and never once have I mentioned my business on this site nor will I ever. I probably do business with some of these people I speak to but I prefer not knowing.
The way I got my business started was by going into schools and giving free products out. And boy, did I give out a lot! You know the old expression "Give till it hurts" well I did, and it hurt! I went to a couple of different towns picked 1 school in each and gave every student in the school a free gift. I did not include any of my information with the product only the principal had that.
If the teachers and the parents liked it then the principal got a hold of me. To this day when I get a new product, I test it out by giving it away and waiting for feedback.
I also found that church groups and scout groups are more likely to try a new company over a school. Schools like to see a good track record before using you. As PTA president I know thats what I do!
