Originally posted by wirelessG:
However, there have to be some absolute rules regarding fundraising that I need to know like;

1. If I do entertainment books or catalog sales, is it really a hassle to get order forms and cash turned in at the same time? Are parents that active/reponsible? Really depends on how many fundraisers have been done, the income of school stakeholders, are entertainment books being done by some one at the same time, etc

2. If i launch a fundraiser at a meeting and pass out brochures and instructions with dates and stuff, is there a reason they wouldn't do it? Let's assume its decently priced products people would actually buy. Again, see above response- if the PTA/PTO has given wherer the $$ goes- most stakeholders are positve about fundraising


3. Are time restrictions a turn off ie turn in forms by this date? No- must be a strict cutoff date

4. Does the 20/80 rule apply to fundraising? 20% of the poeple do 80% of the work? Yes, Yes, Yes

5. Should I pay for entertainment books or catalog products up front? No, No, No- In my opinion - Upfront fees- mean see my money Never

6. Is there anyone doing video games, pc games, DVDs, useful stuff? Like an amazon but for fundraising? Hmmm, not many using online that I know. Needs more research- another tread addresses this 45-50% is our threshold

7. What profit % or dollar amount should I look for in fundraising companies? 50%? $5 minimum?45-50% is our threshold


8. Should i look for residual sales types of stuff (Tim calls them online malls?). Thaat other thread has info- I believe you and I have posted on it- currently no good eMalls ones yet

9. Are there any companyies that have a normal fundraiser at first (catalog based/certificate base?) that then offer residual sales too? Yes, sort of - Masterpeice, Innsbruck- some do residual- sot of- especially if its more than one fundriaser of theirs


I have been seraching the forums and have found some answers but fresher input woudl be GREAT!

HELP!

I see...thanks for your input.

Will someone help me out on the other questions?

We always look for fundraisers that give us at least 40% profit.

As for turning money and order forms in at the same time-that's what we do, and we set a "turn-in date" too. There will always be mistakes and people who turn in the form but forget the money and vice versa. You have to be prepared to handle that. Make sure the student's name, classroom, parent's name and phone are on all paperwork. I know there are some organizations who collect the money at delivery, but that just scares us to death. The thought of leftover merchandise-ugh!

As for participation percentage I can't answer for sure, but I think we get around 20-25% who participate in the fundraisers. We don't require participation because some families just don't do fundraisers or they may already be doing one for another organization they belong to. It can get overwhelming.

Welcome,
I have been fundraising for a lot of years. I have 4 children and the best ideas come from communication. Finding a place to communicate now this will help [img]smile.gif[/img]

Man, I have been searching this forum the last 2 + hours for info and it is CHOCK full of stuff.

Like you said, you have to tailor it to your school. However, there have to be some absolute rules regarding fundraising that I need to know like;

1. If I do entertainment books or catalog sales, is it really a hassle to get order forms and cash turned in at the same time? Are parents that active/reponsible?

2. If i launch a fundraiser at a meeting and pass out brochures and instructions with dates and stuff, is there a reason they wouldn't do it? Let's assume its decently priced products people would actually buy.


3. Are time restrictions a turn off ie turn in forms by this date?

4. Does the 20/80 rule apply to fundraising? 20% of the poeple do 80% of the work?

5. Should I pay for entertainment books or catalog products up front?

6. Is there anyone doing video games, pc games, DVDs, useful stuff? Like an amazon but for fundraising?

7. What profit % or dollar amount should I look for in fundraising companies? 50%? $5 minimum?

8. Should i look for residual sales types of stuff (Tim calls them online malls?).

9. Are there any companyies that have a normal fundraiser at first (catalog based/certificate base?) that then offer residual sales too?


I have been seraching the forums and have found some answers but fresher input woudl be GREAT!

HELP!

Welcome to the Boards!! This site is a Lifesaver!! Great people all around! I wish you well with your new position, fundraising is so much fun.

Amy