The bottom line is not necessarily to look at the percentage. I am sitting on two school committees currently looking at changes.
Both schools approached it by looking over catalogues/brochures we received and thought about what types of sales (i.e. food, gift products, punch cards, etc.) we wanted to do.
We then requested a sales rep. from 4 different companies to come "sell there company." We were looking at the number of products, prices, quality of each company as well as the profit percentage and prize incentives.
They usually bring a sample of the products. It gives you a chance to see, smell, touch what you see in the brochure and compare if what you see is what you get.
Typically the sales rep who would come to promote their company is the person you would be working with during the fundraiser. So keep that in mind when you meet with people.
We made all of the reps aware we were talking with others and when we planned to make decisions. I think seeing products and talking face to face with someone about exactly what they offer is very important.
We then wrote our list of priorities and and rated each company. If they didn't rate high in the priority area, we took them off our list.
Wow, that is great that you got all that stuff. Right now we actually get 55% for the catalog we use, but there are no prizes and no incentives for the kids & parents to sell. So that is why we are looking into other catalogs.
We don't use national ones...just local. But I can give you some pointers. Make sure you get atleats 50%, top seller prizes, top teacher (whoever has the highest percentage of participants) prize, we also had the top 5-10 kids do a money machine, everyone that sold atleast 10 items went to a party, and we got jumphouses for our carnival. I'd go with a local because when you have items missing or broken that need replaced you want them at your school the following day or two max.....national might take a bit so we stick with local. Best of luck!
Hi! We are looking into different catalogues for our fall catalogue sale in September. Can you tell me which catalogue companies you like the best and which ones you did not like?
Thanks!
