Set the Ground-Rules
Take time to set a standard of practice for your organization. Generally, a set of standards already exists which outlines some rules and regulations you will want to be aware of before beginning your fundraiser.
Put it in Writing
Between your fundraising company and your organization, make sure that our stance is documented clearly. There should be no unsupervised selling as a protective measure. Mentioning that close contacts will have a greater rate of return in terms of sales would help as well. Remind sellers that family, friends and business associates are their best bet for easier sales.
Participants should get Parents Permission
Students or groups fundraising should notify parents and ask for their help in accomplishing the fundraising goal. Participants MUST notify their parents before selling.
Pay Attention to Safety
Fundraising is important to your organization but nothing is as important as the safety of everyone involved in your fundraiser. Parent and faculty involvement is important as is common sense and following instruction. Don't be afraid to set limits!
Never allow door-to-door sales without supervision
Be clear and firm with this rule and consider going over this with sellers multiple-times. Parents, please make sure you keep a close eye on your children! You don't have to stifle them but you do have to watch over them.
Make Recommendations
Make sure to focus attention on the potential customers that offer the most safety. Grandparents, Parents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Godparents, close family friends, work associates and local professionals with whom we have close ties such as doctors, dentists, etc.
Making a list of people to sell to will be a valuable tool. Remember that relatives and neighbors may be willing to sell to their coworkers on a participants behalf! Participants should remind parents to bring catalogs to work!
Use the Internet / Phone
Today, a quick and easy way to contact potential buyers is via the Internet and Phone. Some fundraising companies have features on their website that allow you to email people directly from a website. Believe has such a feature on the fundraising shopping site shopbelieve.com
In addition, many times by calling or emailing, additional sales can be accomplished that would not have been possible by typical means. For additional marketing ideas, please ask your BelieveKids.com representative.
Review the Rules
- Do not approach strangers
- Do not sell alone
- Do sell door to door without an adult or parent
- Do not enter houses or businesses unless closely superviesed
- Do not carry large amounts of cash
- Do not sell in business areas without permission and a parent
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Do not sell after dark, at stop lights, street corners or parking lots
Ask for Assistance
Often times, the best free resource is the knowledge a fundraising professional can offer. Please allow a Beleive representative a moment to discuss with you any questions or concerns you may have. Believe Representatives can come up with a comprehensive plan for you to make safety a priority. Please call toll free 1-877-7-BELIEVE (1-877-723-5438) and talk to one of our friendly Fundraising Specialists. Visit BelieveKids.com for more info.
