Donny,
We've tried a new program called coolschoolprints.com. It's an online program, with 30% earnings, extremely easy to organize with promo kits they have availble. We liked that the products were unique, rewarding for the kids, and they're delivered direct to the families. Hope this helps and good luck!

At the end of the school year, we invite all of the fundraising compaines to our school to give us a run down of who has what to offer for our school for the following year.

It usually takes a few hours, and you have to tell them up front that they are alloted "X" amount of time. It is a really fun time and they all bring goodies to sample or products for us to see.

This year we went with www.kathrynbeich.com (Which happens to be local for us)they have a GREAT kick off program, Limo rides, etc

We like to go with companies that motivate the kids. Yes it is the parents who usually sell the stuff, but when "Lil Timmy" is motivated to sell 35 items in order to get a limo ride PLUS other incentives..Mom and Dad tend to want to help him a whole lot more.

You can't go wrong with mr. Z's Fund Raising. They give great service, prizes,profits, and have a multitude of different fund raisers.

Originally posted by Melissa Constantine:
Donny,

I was told by our fundraising rep that the candy companies have reduced the size of the bars, but have kept the price (usually $1) the same. Even though candy bars are great sellers, the work involved isn't worth it IMO.

Why can't a group buy candy bars from Costco, print out business cards at 2500 for $70 (we have a printer that does that), and sell them as fundraisers with the business cards attached to them? If you did that, your profit margins would be more. Get KitKats, Mars, whatever by the case and put your PTO business card on them, e.g., "Thank you for supporting _________ school!"

The success of the candy bar sale may be driven by associated "coupons". Inquire with local merchants if they'll provide "coupons", e.g. $2.00 off a pizza, $2.00 off an oil change, $5.00 off a dinner, etc... Thus, on the front side of the card, print a "thank you", and on the back side, list all the local merchants that agree to give a discount. The business card essentially becomes your candy bar coupon. The merchants will love it because it will bring in more business. Your organization can sell the candy bars for more money ($1.50 or even $2.00 if your PTO has recruited high quality merchants), because people are also purchasing a major gift card/coupon. This will make more profit than working with traditional companies who are cutting down candy bar sizes.

Good luck!
Andy D.

[ 11-12-2005, 08:33 AM: Message edited by: Rockne ]

Donny,

I was told by our fundraising rep that the candy companies have reduced the size of the bars, but have kept the price (usually $1) the same. Even though candy bars are great sellers, the work involved isn't worth it IMO. There are all kinds of things out there that you can sell instead of candy...granola bars, fruit snacks, Slim Jims, candles...you just have to determine what your group wants to sell. If you are having difficulty making a decision, why not poll the parents. They are the ones who typically sell the stuff anyway, so why not let them decide? At least to a certain point.

C. Brooks,
Thanks for the information. Yes, that is about the exact same deal I am getting. I love the fact that they organize the whole thing and come in and do a kickoff presentation for the kids. And having the products delivered per student and classroom is a huge help to us at the end of the sale.

On another subject, any thoughts on direct sale candy bars? I know that they are usually great sellers, but our district is now looking down on the sales of candy in the schools. Any other alternatives worth taking a look at? Thanks!