Geez - do you guys ever look at the stuff that gets posted here? For a forum that is supposed to have "no advertisements", I'd say you've dropped the ball. How many of the individuals who post here have a vested interest in the product(s) they're talking about? Look at it - this is just a large FREE advertising space for all of the major players in the fund raising world.
We just used Genevieve's for just their Boston Coffee Cake & Create-a-Plate selections. We did well for a spring fundraiser. Not nearly close to your targeted 20K, however. However, they do offer a regular array of wrap, candy & odd & ends as well.
I think the hardest thing to do is to try and figure out what most families will respond to & find appealing enough to buy. I just want to say that if anyone was interested in a food product--these coffee cakes are the most delicious cakes you will find. No preservatives & if you freeze them, they taste just as wonderful months later. The create a plate is a great gift or a keeper for yourself. It's my last year here, but I am definitely going to recommend they do this again next year.
Suggestion is to try and get samples sent to your school before a big event. Have them on display for parents to see & have them vote or give you feedback. They may have some good input or put you on track for something totally different.
We used Innisbrook for about 8 years. Our parents seemed to like their products because we always made budget and then some. We never had any trouble with their products or service. Success can definately be influenced by your rep--good ones help, bad ones can make you crazy. Since you're looking to sign a new contract, you should have some leverage for extra incentives or bonuses.
Last year, we moved away from the tradtional catalog sale and did a fun run instead. The students took pledges and then ran around a track for 15-20 minutes. It was an all-school event and raised twice what we've typically made on product sales. Lots more work than Innisbrook, but a good fit for our PTO. Might be something for you to consider.
tsunamimommy;129446 wrote: 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....QUOTE]
In regards to innisbrook, our school used them this year and it was very hard selling the products (candy, wrapping paper, magazines). I ended up buying a lot just to help out ~ my kids wanted those prizes (which are basically junk and lasted maybe a day or two). I am hoping we don't use Innisbrook again, because it was so hard to sell.
Have you looked at the Race for Education fundraiser? It is at racefored.com and it looks very promising. I am going to suggest this to our PTO board, because it seems like an excellent alternative. Of course the cookie dough and candle fundraisers done by the high school always seems to do very well also. (wattsfundraising.com, cookiedough.com, goodiesfundraising.com, classiccookie.com, and allstar1.com are all sites to check out).
We've done Sally Foster for the past 2 years. We always do this in the fall. We were going to change last fall, but the Sally Foster rep kept upping our percentage. We wound up with a signing bonus of $500, plus 55% profit, and about 40 Entertainment books. Most reps that want your business are going to be willing to give. Haggle and negotiate with them. I've come to the conclusion that most of the products are the same. It's all in presentation and profit percentage.
We tried to opt out of those gimmicky little incentives they all offer, but SF insisted they could not take them out. We offer extra incentives for individuals and classes -- many non-cost incentives such as extra recess, no homework night, things like that. This year we gave a mega party (which cost about $500--the cost of the bonus--so what) if we met our "mega" goal -- plus an additional incentive for a stretch goal to see the principal do something outrageous. Last year it was sing from the top of the roof. This year it was send her up in a hot air balloon.
Too much fun. We've reached our goal both of the years we've done it. But, it does take a little creativity and marketing.
In regards to innisbrook, our school used them this year and it was very hard selling the products (candy, wrapping paper, magazines). I ended up buying a lot just to help out ~ my kids wanted those prizes (which are basically junk and lasted maybe a day or two). I am hoping we don't use Innisbrook again, because it was so hard to sell.
