How to Sell Fundraisers
Ideas for selling products for a fundraising are virtually endless. From items such as candy and cookies to photography, works of art and candles. You can make money from a fundraising effort by selling a wide array of items. When you’re involved in a fundraiser, the trick to being successful is to market it properly. Here are a few tips on how to sell fundraisers.
How to Sell Fundraisers — Knowing the Proper Steps
Choose the Right Product
Start by choosing a product that’s appropriate for your organization. You’ll want to consider your target market and go for a product they’re most likely to buy. For example, if you’re selling a product for a school fundraiser to finance a trip, go for family-friendly products such as toys, books or foods and cookies.
Kick Off the Project
Getting the message out there is one of the most critical factors that will determine the success of your fundraiser. The trick is to publicize the fundraiser as much as you can. Consider hiring a photographer and reporter to write a story about the fundraiser to generate interest. If you have the resources to take out an ad, keep it short and straightforward, and tell people where they can buy your product as well as the purpose of your fundraiser.
Get the Message Out
Make sure the kick-off message is out there. Ask the fundraising company to issue a few samples of the products you’ll be selling to your potential donors. The idea is to display the projects, activities and purchases your team is planning to sponsor if you reach your target.
Put It in Writing
Don’t rely solely on the form letter provided by the fundraising company. You should consider customizing your cover letter to include information such as the purpose of the fundraiser, key dates, overall dollar goal, phone numbers, contact names and incentives if any.
Include an Option for Cash Donations
It’s always a good idea to add the option for direct donations to your cause. Be sure to include that in the cover letter as some donors will be willing to support your cause but don’t want to purchase anything. Make sure such donors know they can make cash donations if they prefer.
Be Meticulous with Payments
In case you’ll be requiring prepayments, gather a few volunteers to compare order forms to payments. Be ready to deal with situations where the payments don’t match the amount due. Have a team that will count and organize the money to be handed over to the treasurer for deposit. Be sure to tally all figures and verify the invoice from the fundraising company with your treasurer before paying any bills.
Bottom Line
Running a successful fundraiser is a team effort that requires planning and strategy. It takes consistent communication and contact with existing as well as potential donors to ensure your fundraiser is a success. Learning how to sell fundraiser involves considering how much a particular strategy will cost in terms of time, effort and money vis a vis the amount of money you’ll raise from it.
