Just a thought - what makes a parent who has a direct selling business, who wants to give back a profit to your school, any different than one of the local merchants who wants to do the same?
I think it is unfair to shutout a parent just because their child goes to that school they want to give back to.
Imagine this, there may be many more parents who own a business that wants to do the same but now is hesitant because of 'appearance is everything' rule. It's their money they want to give to your child's school so why are you so hesitant to accept this?
Isn't this what fundraising is all about - raising money to give our kids a fun and educational events that need to funded in order for it to happen?
What if a parent who is the owner of a big company wants to donate a % and you said no to them and they in turn approach another school who benefits big time? Isn't this a loss for your school and responsibility as a PTA Member to raise money?
I like the vendor fair idea but also why not use their willingness to "kickback" by advertising? Devote a page or two in the school directory to parents who are direct sales merchants willing to raise funds for the school. It could be a flier going home asking these parents who would want to participate, they fill out their info, pay a nominal fee...let's say $5 for a 1/16 page or whatever and decide what percentage of future sales they are giving. The advertising page would encourage parents to use these other parents first and they would have to reference the XYZ Elementary directory to qualify for the kick back. There could be reminders in PTO newsletters, that these businesses in the school directory will give back to the group or school, much like we remind parents now if there are stores that do this or the Box Tops for Education Marketplace progam.
This way it's open to all school parents also, not only group members.
We have the same issue as I am sure mosts schools do. Our solution was to host a vendor fair or shopping night. Each and every parent who has a business, items for sale can come and set up a "booth". We charge a flat rate for the booth ($40 for an 8x10). What space we have left over (after paretns take their spots) we open up to outside vendors. We place ads in local newspaper, and posters/flyers around town.
It seems to work out well. The parents who are in business have a venue to sell their products to the school commnity, make contacts for future sales, and/or book homeparties. The school keeps the costs of the booth. We combine with a bake sale to increase our profits.
I probably wouldn't do THIS one, but I think it really is a case by case decision, so be careful about turning the matter into too strict a policy.
Parents are involved in all kinds of businesses. You may have those in the food/restaurant industry willing to donate to your events or sell you pizzas at a discount. You might have someone willing to orders supplies "at cost". You might be soliciting a particular business' discount.
Anyone who sells/donates to the school could be seen to be getting some benefit, if only goodwill. So I think you have to consider it on a case by case basis, because you'll never be able to write a one-size fits all policy.
We have a parent who has a small sales promotion business on the side. Frankly, it's probably at the point where it is more trouble than it's worth because she's found a more lucrative business. But she maintains the sales promotion sideline partly for the schools she is involved in. If they need t-shirts or water bottles, she's willing to do all the legwork and order everything at wholesales costs for them.
On the surface, why pick her company over someone else's? But everyone knows exactly how things stand and this is one of her ways of volunteering for the school. So it works.
P.S. Is there another way you can use her? Often the cosmetics representatives are willing to donate to a silent auction or make a small basket to be used as a door prize. She would still get a bit of exposure, but no different than any other business that donates in-kind goods or services.
I think you have to look at each situation and determine if it is good for the school. We have used a local discount card program from a parent's company who has children in our school and an active member in the school. This parent offered his discount card but was aware he didn't want to create a conflict of interest. We used the fundraising discount card for a special program and the parent has since offered donations to other programs. I think you can tell if someone is looking to make a $$$ on the school vs sincere parents who happen to own a business which might benefit the school.
