Should Choosing a Fundraiser be Based on Price?

Is price the best way to choose a fundraising product?

Everyone wants to save money and get the best possible price. School fundraising companies focus on why you should buy their product and assure you're getting the best price. Comparison shopping seems to be very much in vogue. For instance, hotel websites allow you to compare prices various online booking agencies offer. Insurance companies post their price and those of their competitors. Businesses understand that most people want value now more than ever.

But should the same thing apply when choosing a fundraiser brochure? Here are some things to think about when selecting a brochure.

Comparing Similar Fundraiser Brochures

Many schools like gathering as many brochures as possible and then comparing similar items' pricing. Their goal is to find the brochure that has the lowest pricing. Should it be a significant determining factor as important as this may seem? Fundraising companies emphasize this to schools; however, customers probably won't even know the slight price differences.

Knowing Your Customer Sales Base

Knowing your customer base can be an essential factor when choosing a fundraiser. For example, we worked with one elementary school in an economically challenged community for many years. Because of their area, they sold out of one of our lower-priced brochures and used our super party for their prize program. They were pleased with their sales but could never increase beyond $18,000.

Their sales increased once they switched to a $1.00 candy bar fundraiser. They found the entire process to be easier for their students and parents. Having a product in hand to sell was more efficient than taking orders, waiting for their shipment, and then delivering the merchandise. Ultimately though, the type of item and the price made the difference.

Contrarily, we’ve had numerous schools choose our more expensive brochures to offer their customers better quality. Most of these schools have experienced a dramatic rise in sales. Higher-priced brochures that offer a better value will work better in some areas.

It’s true; people want to. They’re getting the best price, but what are they getting in exchange? The take-home message is choosing a fundraiser shouldn’t be based solely shouldn't

See our brochure fundraisers.

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.