How to Sell For a School Fundraiser
Read the rules and tips of the fundraiser expectations., Make a list of friends and family you can sell to., Remember who you've given donations to in the past (for things like charity walks) and ask them first., Have a script to go by., Add some...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Read the rules and tips of the fundraiser expectations.
If rules are provided, read them well and understand what is expected.
If you don't understand anything, ask so that you don't tread on any toes inadvertently. -
Step 2: Make a list of friends and family you can sell to.
You're going to be more successful getting purchases from people you know than people you don't.
Most times schools don't allow soliciting (going door to door selling to people you do and, more often, don't know), as this is illegal in some subdivisions and unsafe for kids
- so friends, family, and well-known, non-creepy neighbors will be your only option. , Often these people will be the first to give since they will want to repay your past kindness.
This may backfire, however, if you sell to them too often and come off as annoying.
Assess the person beforehand to see if they're the type to be annoyed by fundraisers. , It's hard for most people to talk to others, especially strangers, to get money.
A script can help calm your nerves. , For example, if you're raising for your school, say things like: "Without better (school supplies/educational devices), think how many people we'll have working at McDonald's!"
Say things like: "With all of those people working at McDonald's, who's going to find a cure for cancer, (Or any other illness/problem)?"
People want to know where their money is going.
They need to know that it's not going directly into your pocket. "We're raising money for...
Because...". , Customers will want to be buying from someone who knows what the product is and what it can do for them. , If you don't catch their interest within the first ten seconds of your pitch, they probably won't continue.
Say something like: "Hi! I'm selling ____ for my school/fundraiser.
I was wondering if you were interested in purchasing _____ today." Tell your potential customer why you are selling your product.
For instance, to raise money for your school. ,,, That's as much of a motivation for people to buy as the product itself, sometimes even more so.
Remember to say what you are raising the money for and have as much (if not more) information on the cause as well as the product.
Use specifics.
Don't just say "this money is for the school marching band"
but "this is so the marching band can have new uniforms as our current ones are x years old."
The buyer will take off with it and you'll lose a customer. , You want people to think you really need this. ,, Remember to ask them questions about themselves based on things you know about them, like how their family is doing.
Never ask for any personal information.
This could offend the customer. , Not knowing the schedule seems unprofessional and people will be less likely to buy. , If it's clear that someone's busy, offer to come back at another time.
Or, if you're really not wanted, shorten your script so that you can leave more quickly. , Do this even if the potential buyer doesn't buy the product or takes less than you had hoped for. -
Step 3: Remember who you've given donations to in the past (for things like charity walks) and ask them first.
-
Step 4: Have a script to go by.
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Step 5: Add some jokes to keep the potential buyers interested.
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Step 6: Go for the heart.
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Step 7: Always be ready to explain the why.
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Step 8: Learn as much about your product as possible.
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Step 9: Keep in mind that these people you sell to give you only a little bit of their attention
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Step 10: so make it quick.
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Step 11: Emphasize the special features of your product.
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Step 12: Do not mention any flaws in the product you are selling.
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Step 13: Always emphasize the cause.
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Step 14: Never offer to give away an item for free.
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Step 15: Don't act like you've sold much
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Step 16: even if business is doing well.
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Step 17: Smile while you talk to them.
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Step 18: Talk about the person as well as the product.
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Step 19: If they ask when the product will arrive
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Step 20: make sure to be ready to tell them.
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Step 21: Use your common sense.
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Step 22: Say thank you.
Detailed Guide
If rules are provided, read them well and understand what is expected.
If you don't understand anything, ask so that you don't tread on any toes inadvertently.
You're going to be more successful getting purchases from people you know than people you don't.
Most times schools don't allow soliciting (going door to door selling to people you do and, more often, don't know), as this is illegal in some subdivisions and unsafe for kids
- so friends, family, and well-known, non-creepy neighbors will be your only option. , Often these people will be the first to give since they will want to repay your past kindness.
This may backfire, however, if you sell to them too often and come off as annoying.
Assess the person beforehand to see if they're the type to be annoyed by fundraisers. , It's hard for most people to talk to others, especially strangers, to get money.
A script can help calm your nerves. , For example, if you're raising for your school, say things like: "Without better (school supplies/educational devices), think how many people we'll have working at McDonald's!"
Say things like: "With all of those people working at McDonald's, who's going to find a cure for cancer, (Or any other illness/problem)?"
People want to know where their money is going.
They need to know that it's not going directly into your pocket. "We're raising money for...
Because...". , Customers will want to be buying from someone who knows what the product is and what it can do for them. , If you don't catch their interest within the first ten seconds of your pitch, they probably won't continue.
Say something like: "Hi! I'm selling ____ for my school/fundraiser.
I was wondering if you were interested in purchasing _____ today." Tell your potential customer why you are selling your product.
For instance, to raise money for your school. ,,, That's as much of a motivation for people to buy as the product itself, sometimes even more so.
Remember to say what you are raising the money for and have as much (if not more) information on the cause as well as the product.
Use specifics.
Don't just say "this money is for the school marching band"
but "this is so the marching band can have new uniforms as our current ones are x years old."
The buyer will take off with it and you'll lose a customer. , You want people to think you really need this. ,, Remember to ask them questions about themselves based on things you know about them, like how their family is doing.
Never ask for any personal information.
This could offend the customer. , Not knowing the schedule seems unprofessional and people will be less likely to buy. , If it's clear that someone's busy, offer to come back at another time.
Or, if you're really not wanted, shorten your script so that you can leave more quickly. , Do this even if the potential buyer doesn't buy the product or takes less than you had hoped for.
About the Author
Donna Griffin
Committed to making pet care accessible and understandable for everyone.
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