5 Sure-Fire Ways to Increase Revenue in Your Product Sale Fundraiser
1. Use a company that guarantees your organization gets to keep a higher percentage of the profits. There are many so-called fundraising companies out there that think it’s ok to rip the non-profits off and take 60% or more of your hard work. If this is what you have encountered, I suggest you check out FastTrack Fundraising, where you absolutely get the highest percentages on high-quality products.
2. Pick a product that is proven to be popular. Don’t just pick what you personally think would sell well. You need a broad sampling. For instance, your fundraising company will be able to tell you what their best sellers are. Again, FastTrack Fundraising has a website that is packed with a wide variety of products you can sell and make money on. Each product has reviews by actual customers that relate their experience. There is also a profit calculator which you can use to figure out how much you can make on each product. You just have to type in the number of people you expect to be selling and you’ll get a very good estimate of what you can make.
3. Give your supporters plenty of notice that the sale is coming and clearly state your goal. Communication with your customers is key. Don’t just expect them to buy whatever it is you are selling, when you are selling it. Do some homework, find out when there is a lull of fundraisers at local schools and other non-profits. Also, be up front with them about how much you’re hoping to make and what that means for every participant. If you need every person to buy $20 worth of product, tell them that.
4. Tell your group members what this money will be used for (Make sure it’s for a reason they will support!). In order to get people to part with their money for something they may not really want or need, you’ve got to make a compelling case. Work on developing a story about why you need the money and what exactly it will be used for. Don’t just say all the money goes toward the “general fund”. People want their donation to mean something important. Even if you have to move things around in your operating budget, find an expense that is directly related to the participant’s experience. If you can make it personal to each one of your members, you’ve got a much better chance of getting them to respond as you want them to.
5. Keep the participants enthused about the sale. Don’t just pass out the information about your fundraisers and then don’t mention it again until the day you’re supposed to collect the money. Keep people fired up each step of the way. Set benchmarks you’d like to meet. Offer fun incentives, but don’t spend any money on them. Save your money for the group. Something fun and free would be like you offering to shave your head bald if the group reaches the goal. Be creative.
Photo by: R/DV/RS
