Thanks for the feedback. This is exactly what I need to hear. We have used Meadow Farms for YEARS. We always have some complaints. I'm sure there is no 100 percent LOVE IT group out there no matter what we do and I know we can't please all the people all the time, etc...
I'm leaning towards Innisbrook, but after talking with the rep for 2 1/2 hours yesterday, I came away with the realization that they basically focus on 3 things: Wrap, candy and magazines with a few knick knacks thrown in for good measure. I'm just not sure they are big enough sellers in my area to be a good enough fund raiser. Perhaps it would be smart to send out a survey to the parents and have them give me feedback of what they want....
Oh and yeah, I'm meeting with those reps face to face, except for kathryn Beich. They haven't even tried to contact me yet. Oh well, their loss.
We used Katherine Beich for the first time this year and it was so-so. The products were pretty good quality, our sales rep was very good. However, many orders were messed up and/or mixed up from the warehouse, a few items were broken and overall we made $4,000 less that what we are used to. Keep in mind, we only fundraise every other year, we trade off with the PTA in the middle school so were not stepping on each others toes and families with kids in each school don't have to participate in multiple fundraisers at once, every year. One thing that really turned people off was the push for buying over their website (i.e., for out of town relatives) but then even for a $7.00 item the shipping was $6.95!!! That lost us A LOT of sales.
The best tip I can give you, if your group hasn't already done so, is to start booking sales reps for these companies for presentations and one-on-one meetings. You don't have to tell one that you're meeting with another but it doesn't hurt to meet face to face. They are more likely to customize the program to help maximize your profits for you. For example, one reason we signed with Beich was we didn't have to take a prize scale. We opted for an extra 4% in profit instead. We put on one fundraiser party for the whole school at the end of it for the kids and their hard work. Plus, that way we don't have kids walking around being upset that so and so got a great prize and tried like crazy to sell but just couldn't get takers and ended up with a funny eraser - that's a big downer for these kids.
Sorry, rambling now. Lack of sleep from the time change. Hope something I wrote helps you out.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it" - Ferris Bueller
We have worked with a small company for YEARS. They seem to carry a little bit of everything. Our typical fall fundraiser generates enough profit to carry us through the year (about 20,000 profit).
Well this year, we are looking for change as our profits the last two years have shown a decline, particularily in participation. I want to get the kids and the parents fired up about fundraising for the school! I also want to give them products that are practical and fun, not seemingly overpriced knick knacks that no one really wants.
All that said, I'm stuck. I'm talking to several different companies and am looking for input from other groups who have experience. Primarily, I'm seeking experiences with Innisbrook, Genevieve, Great American, Katherine Beich, and Meadow Farms. We'd love to do the Entertainment Book, but I don't think we can generate enough sales to give us the money we need. Our hands are tied as we are only allowed ONE fundraiser a year, so we have to make it count.
