The sherriff is on the boards...

Okay as posted above we get bombarded with many fundraising groups/ companies-- we like to stay with the tried, true and legitimate.. too many have been scammed and theirs not enough $$$ for education currently...

Now as for your company (as will all co's) If in 30 min of googling I can find info on company I'll look further.. unfortunately for you

Wisconsin address (possible POBox-- according to webmaps, GPS and military contacts) Minimal contact info (address and phone only), no testimonials, company info, company background on website Strike One

Not member of Wisonsin BBB, not listed on any Fair Trade Federation Website (do you have member #?-- if so list on website), minimal info with Wisconsin Atty Gen Office (Incorporation) Strike Two

No information about being a wholesaler found on net (no bad info either), really coulndt find anything on you, if I cant visit an office, production, plant, wharehouse, etc. ie. Masterpiece Cokie Dough, Innbruck, See Candy)
Strike Three

Unfortunatley and this is the basci reality... If it smells like a scam and looks like a scam... It is a scam...

If anyone on my board offered you up... I'd piss 'em off laughing...

You havta have some paper trail, real life contacts, media buzz, PTO/PTA group thats seen something other than a just like the rest promise..

[ 08-05-2006, 03:30 AM: Message edited by: Shawn ]

I personally would not use this fundraiser only because we are committed to not doing any catalog type fundraisers because so many groups do them and parents are sick of selling. We only sell spiritwear that is produced by a company run by parents at our school. Other fundraisers we do are activities at the school, like a carnival and basket auction, or at places like skating rinks. The school office does a catalog fundraiser and we would be competing with that anyway.

But if we did do this type of fundraiser, I might consider this company because of its values. Too many products sold in America are not made in America. I personally buy as much American made as possible. But since so much of what is sold in stores is foreign made, I would prefer to buy from a company that uses Fair Trade practices. So if it came down to a fundraising company where everything was made in China versus a company where everything was Fair Trade, I would go with Fair Trade.

BUT I would be concerned about any new fundraising company. Too much can go wrong, too many schools have been ripped off. I would need to know that other schools had successfully used your program.

Like CrewChief said, PTO people get bombarded with fundraising materials and the majority of it goes right into the trash. To get people's attention, you're going to have to do something that really makes you stand out. The concept is great, but your marketing may have to be different from what everyone else is doing.

Well, I suppose you're technically breaking the NO ADS! disclaimer on the Message Boards Home but since you are honest with your request and ask a sincere question, I'll try to give my personal perspective.

There are many very good fundraisers that parent groups successfully run every year. There is a level of loyalty that builds over time. Unless something terribly aggregious happens, there is little incentive to change programs. Over time, there can be dwindling participation due to boredom and a group may seek out another fundraiser. It's usually a matter of us going to them rather than the other way around.

I can tell you that I am bombarded by fundraising paraphernalia. Since my school already runs an overwhelmingly successful program, I barely look at them. Some catch my eye and I look a little deeper but mostly out of curiosity.

Honestly, I'd guess that a great new program would have to work 10 times harder than a mediocre program that's already in place.

I personally like Fair Trade and wish you success.

Oops
the website is www.goodnesssake.net

Hello Everyone,

I need your help.
I was wondering if you could give me your honest opinion on our little fundraiser?

We are fairly new to the industry & think it is a great/one-of-a-kind fundriaser, but are having some difficulty getting schools to sign-up with us.

The company is called For Goodness Sake, Inc. We offer a brochure with over 100 items, handmade by artisans in underdeveloped countries (mostly Africa, South & Central America - every yr we want to expand into more regions). The majority of the items are $10 or under and everything is purchased through Fair Trade. Fair Trade basically ensures that the artisans & farmers involved get paid a fair living wage - helping to eliminate child exploitation and sweatshops worldwide.

We have a wide range of products and the schools receive a mininium 40% profit - we supply everything; i.e. brochures, order forms, prizes, shipping, etc. We also tally everything up and pre-package per child. It is basically the first fair trade fundraiser of its kind anywhere & am at a loss of understanding why a school wouldn't want to participate? Please look at the website; www.goodnesssake.net, there is actually a sample of the catalog available online.

This fundraiser incorporates education, global responsibility, and rasies funds for your school. I know I am a bit biased, but I don't quite get it??? Please give me your honest feedback, good or bad, I would love to hear from you.

Thanks
Brooke