Last year we went with the Kathryn/Beich / Nestle fund-raiser.
Last month our sales person held a luncheon for all of her clients. She also raffled off some very nice baskets.
Shee also stated that if we went with her company again this year that we would receive a $300 bonus. This bonus is books for our school from a catalog that she gave to us.
I think that it is quite a good bonus for us. What better incentive then by giving back.
I'm sure that there are other incentives given to the other schools but I think that a books are a great reward for our school.
Our PTO hasn't personally had such high end offers made by any reps we've had contact with. But, if we should, I certainly would make use of Tim's idea of getting a better percentage rather than accept those perks. Sometimes, we DO use items we've received as door/raffle prizes and those taste test samples you get are essential in making the decision whether the product is worthy to use as a fundraiser. But in all cases, those items have not been the only factor--if a product is awful, they couldn't give us enough to use it. So, I guess I'm saying--makes you wonder just how great the product line is( or how hungry is that rep) that they feel they need to offer such outrageously valued incentives.
I'm sorry that some who volunteer feel that they are entitled to those perks offered.I worked for an eye Dr. and my job included dealing with all the reps. Since the Dr. ultimately paid the bill when it came, any freebies belonged to the Dr. to use at HIS discretion. I'd say, the same would follow regarding PTO and the school. He who pays the piper calls the tune. PTO is a collective, not just the executive members, so use of the freebies should benefit all.
The catalog company we use also runs carnivals. So as a signing bonus they donated the use of a cotton candy machine/supplies and a hot dog machine to one of our family fun nights. Then they are going to donate the use of an inflatable moonwalk, obstacle course and some other games for us to use at our Field Day. Their products are similiar to other catalog fundraisers. So, the signing bonus and the fact that we have established a good working relationship with the reps are one reason we continue to use this catalog. We can take our complaints about the products and prizes to the reps and they will work out a deal with us. If for any reason we are not satisfied with the products any more we will discontinue use, no matter what they offer as a signing bonus.
If the items aren't kept by the member, but are used as raffle items, prizes, etc. for the whole school I don't see the problem as long as the decision on which fundraiser to use is based on the merits of the program and not on the giveaway.
Oh oh, that is a mighty big run on sentence. I hope there aren't any teachers in here.
We're going through something similar at our school right now. The rep we have used for 2 yrs brought 2 members of the board(the members she has worked with closely for the 2 yrs) items from next year's brochure - a mug, candle & cake tins. Some members of the board view this as simply showing the quality of their items so we can see them prior to the sale - as we all know, sometimes a catalog item looks great in the book, but not so great once purchased! Other members of the board viewed it as a bribe. What do you all think?
I was the Cherrydale Chair for this past fall and was informed that I was already the chair for next fall (by both the members and the Cherrydale Rep). Mainly because they said it was the best one they had done and it went very smoothly. Anyway, our rep. does offer incentives but not as extensive. Mainly she is providing door prizes for our PTO meetings (general) and she does often bring us chocolate or a tote bag etc. Nothing major and nothing to elaborate. I think you should ask yourself more "Is your member asking for alot to guarantee the fundraiser?" I looked into other fundraisers for our fall fundraiser and I was offered a few "extra's" under the table by a few companies. That turned me off right away. If they can offer that then they can make a better deal for the fundraiser instead of putting that money into "bribes". That being said our Cherrydale Rep is wonderful and I look forward to working with her again. She works with us and the kick back deal is not an issue with us since we are not in the "big money" category of kickbacks. Chocolate (which we eat while doing PTO business......some days it's all we get a chance to eat) is also shared with anyone and everyone. No matter what. I think any kickbacks if as big as limo rides etc. should really be addressed by the board. If concerned about your Cherrydale Rep phone him/her and see what is going on or have the President do it. I just know that our Rep is wonderful and doesn't offer high powered kick backs but does offer wonderful service for our fundraiser!
