Here are some tips for attending a school fundraiser.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Stick to the Rules
Step 1. Read the rules and tips associated with fundraising
If they provide a list of rules to follow, read it carefully to understand what is expected of you. If there is something you don't understand, ask, to avoid putting your feet on someone's head.
Method 2 of 5: Look for Buyers
Step 1. Make a list of friends and family to whom you can sell your merchandise
It will be easier for you to do business with people you already know than with complete strangers. Many schools will not allow you to go looking for customers without their permission (going from door to door to sell products to people they know or, more commonly, to complete strangers) as these practices are illegal and unsafe for children and lads. So, friends, family and neighbors who you know well and can call themselves good people are your only options.
Step 2. Remember people you've benefited from in the past (for things like charity marathons) and ask them first
Often, these people will be happy to help you because they will want to repay you for your past kindness. This could backfire on you, however. If you offer them to buy your merchandise often, they may think you are an annoying person. Try to understand what kind of person you are in front of to avoid bothering them.
Method 3 of 5: Know What To Say
Step 1. Try to stick to a script
For most people, it is difficult to start a conversation with others, especially strangers, to ask them for money. A script would help you keep your nerves at bay.
Step 2. Add some jokes to arouse the interest of potential buyers
For example, if you are raising money on behalf of the school, say things like: "Without better (school supplies / educational devices), think about how many people will find themselves working at McDonalds!"
Step 3. Leverage their feelings
Say things like, "With all those people who find themselves working at McDonald's, who will be able to find a cure for cancer (or any other disease)?"
Step 4. Always be ready to explain your reasons
People want to know where their money will go. He wants to be sure it won't just end up in your pocket. "We are raising funds for…, because…".
Method 4 of 5: Promote your Product
Step 1. Learn everything there is to know about your product
Your customers will want to compare the product to someone who knows it well and knows what it can do for them.
Step 2. Remember that the people you try to sell to will only give you a few seconds of their time, so try not to dwell on it
If you can't grab their interest within the first ten seconds of your speech, they probably won't keep listening to you. Say something like: "Hi! I'm selling _ to do a fundraiser for [organization name] at my school. I was wondering if you were interested in buying _ today."
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Tell your prospect why you are selling the product. For example, to raise money for the school.
Sell For a School Fundraiser Step 8
Step 3. Emphasize the special features of the product
Step 4. Do not mention any defects in the product you are selling
Step 5. Outline the cause for which the fundraiser is being held
This is more than enough reason for many to get their wallet out, sometimes more than the product itself. Remember to explain to them the purpose of the fundraiser and to understand the cause as much, if not more than the product itself. Be specific. For example, don't just say "these funds are for the school gang." Instead he explains that "the funds are used to buy new uniforms for the gang because the ones we have now are x years old."
Step 6. Avoid offering free samples
The customer will take them and you will have lost a sale.
Step 7. Don't act like you've sold a lot, even if your business is doing well
You want people to think you really need to sell the product to them.
Method 5 of 5: Be Friendly and Helpful
Step 1. Smile as you talk to them
Step 2. Talk about them as well as the product
Remember to ask them questions about yourself based on things you already know about them, for example, ask them how their family is doing, etc.
Step 3. If they ask you when the product will arrive, make sure you have an answer ready
Not knowing what to say would make you look unprofessional and people will be less inclined to buy.
Step 4. Use common sense
If the person is obviously busy, offer to come back another time, or if you find that they just don't want to hear about it, shorten your speech so you can leave sooner.
Step 5. Say thank you
Do this even if the potential buyer decides not to buy the product or purchases less than you hoped for.
Advice
- Look the person in the eye
- Be polite! Try to have good manners! Say, "Yes, Madam - and - No, Sir" and things like that. Thank them for buying the product if they do and tell them you hope to see them again soon.
- Ask a couple of people to spread the word and you will be amazed how many people will come to you to buy.
- Don't be too angry if they say "no, thank you". Some can't afford the luxury of buying it.
- Don't force people to buy your product.
- Smile and nod your head when asked a question.
- Ask family and friends to buy the product, and if they say no, don't be discouraged and don't let the customer know you are sad.
- Be professional and helpful, but not too formal: Remember this is fundraising only.
- Don't say the words "sell" or "buy" when talking to customers.
Warnings
- Be courteous.
- Don't be angry if they say no. To be honest, if you put it personal, no one will want to have anything to do with you.
- Don't say "I'm selling these products. Would you like to buy some?" Get to know the product you are selling well! People will think that you care a lot and as a result they will be more likely to want to help you.
- Don't be too competitive! It's just a fundraiser. Relax and enjoy.
- Don't take a "no" too personal! Don't even cry, or you'll end up discouraging those people from buying from you in the future too.
- Always go to sell in well-lit places and only during the day. You might consider setting up a stand instead of door-to-door.
- Ask your parents to take the product with them to work and try to sell it to their co-workers.
- If the product is a little expensive and you can't even sell one, go to the fundraiser and ask them to lower the price or look for a new product.
