Guide to a Successful Discount Card Sale in 2022

How to boost discount card sales in 2022.

Are you looking for a new fundraising product? You're not alone. Many schools are. There seems to be a lot of the same stuff out there year after year. Granted, the big fall variety shopper with all the knick-knacks and wrapping paper is practical. Why else would everyone be using it? Cookie dough is still a hot seller but also a crowded market. And unless you're the first group out making sales in your community, you're destined to follow behind several other groups with the same me-too product.

Ok, so what about selling discount cards? You've probably heard about groups that have sold them. If you select the right company that builds cards from scratch, you've already eliminated one major obstacle. Your school fundraiser will finally stand out from the crowd. You'll be selling a product that no one else can offer. Only your group's personalized image will appear on the front, along with popular local vendors hand-picked by you, offering discounts on the back.

So why else should you consider a discount card fundraiser? To start, here are four advantages:

1. Discount cards expire after one year so you can sell them year after year. This allows you to approach the same people that bought them the previous year so they can renew their cards.
2. Deliveries are hassle-free since they come in small boxes and don't break.
3. They provide added value to the purchaser because they can save them significant money over time. Each card has an average of 12-15 offers that users can use daily for a year.
4. You're supporting local businesses by offering free advertising and increased foot traffic.

Here are some additional school fundraising tips that you should consider.

Establish a Fundraiser Sales Goal

Don't order discount cards before determining how many each student can sell. Do you know how much money you need to raise? First, divide your money goal by the number of sellers. For example, if you need to raise $3,000 and have 50 sellers, then each student must raise $60.

Most discount cards sell for $10, and groups typically profit 50%, depending on the size of your order. Therefore, since you'll profit $5 for every card you sell, each student must sell 12 cards in our example. This means that you'll need to place an order for 600 cards.

Learn how to find the right deal on discount cards.

You may want to err on the side of caution and order additional cards when placing your initial order. This will save reorder time. You can always sell any extra cards to teachers and staff if necessary. However, if you order too many cards, you'll be left with even more work on the back end. It helps to constantly communicate and reinforce your student sales goal throughout your fundraiser.

Discover how to order the correct number of cards for your group. See our discount card ordering guide.

Commit to a Card Fundraiser Time Limit

Create a sense of urgency by telling your students that they only have a limited amount of time to sell the cards and bring back the money. Don't just hand them out and tell your students to return the money when done. The optimal time for selling is one week, depending on how many cards each student has to sell.

It also helps if you set shorter periodic goals. For example, you can divide your sale into three segments and use them as check-in days:

1. Cards sold after day one
2. Sales made at the halfway point
3. Turn in day

You establish momentum after your first follow-up meeting with your students after the 1st day. Some sponsors will set a goal of 2-3 cards. By the halfway point, students should have at least half the number of cards sold. In our previous example, it would be 6. And, of course, by the end, they should have sold off the rest.

Here is another excellent fundraising tip. Consider incorporating an extra incentive around your three check-in days. Learn about our money game.

Keep in mind that one week is too long for some groups. Football teams have what is called 'blitzes'. They hand out the cards to their students and tell them they only have the weekend to return their money.

Have a Discount Card Kickoff Meeting

You can't expect to be successful without meeting with your students at the start of your sale. The kickoff meeting lets you discuss your purpose, expectations, and goals. It also helps you generate enthusiasm and sales momentum. Each student has to know how many cards they need to sell and when the money will be collected.

Tell them upfront that you'll be checking on their progress. And you'll need to know how many cards you've given out to each student. Before issuing your cards, have your students add their names and the number of cards in their possession on a sheet of paper. Better yet, consider using a form that's designed for this purpose. See our discount card sales tracking sheet.

Implement a Discount Card Sales Strategy

Unlike catalog fundraising, where buyers open a brochure and place an order, discount cards require a different sales approach. Most people are already familiar with discount cards, so your sellers must tell them why they should buy them. Here are some essential sales strategies that you'll want to discuss at your kickoff:

1. Selling is all about the approach, so make sure your students have a kind yet professional demeanor. They need to look the potential buyer in the eye, smile and introduce themselves. Instruct them to introduce the group name and why they're raising money. Learn about our NOW selling method.
2. Then have them hand the potential buyer a card and ask them to highlight which 2 or 3 businesses they would frequent the most*. Inform them that the card will pay for itself after the first couple of uses, and after that, they'll save money for up to a full year.
3. Make sure your students are familiar with the business offers on the card. More importantly, if they see the value and use the discount themselves, they'll be even more successful. This allows you to sell them the importance of the discounts at the kickoff. You want them to be internally motivated, so they'll want to sell it to their friends, family, and neighbors.
4. Discuss the selling process during your kickoff. Some groups even divide into groups of 2 and role play so sellers are well prepared.
5. Before your students start selling, have them create a prospecting list of potential customers.
6. And more important than anything, whether people buy or not, ensure your sellers treat people with the same respect. Always being professional is essential, and thank them for their time. Remember, your students are representing you and your group. Even if people don't buy the first time, it doesn't mean they won't buy the next.

How to Make Discount Card Sales Face-to-Face

* Sales tip: If you reach out with the intent of handing something to someone and assume that they'll take it from you, they actually will. Try it on a friend first.

How to Handle Unsold Discount Cards

Fundraising companies won't take back unsold discount cards. Why? Because they're personalized for your group. So, make sure you have a plan to deal with any returns. Some sellers will do more than their fair share and sell more, while a few might not. Make sure students bring back any cards that they were unable to sell. Discount cards have value. Any unsold card that's not returned costs you money.

To help sell off the surplus, offer any students who volunteer $1.00 out of the profit for each sold card. It's a "win-win" because you're still making a profit, and so are they.

Discount card fundraisers can be highly effective for groups to raise money. By following these simple steps, selling them can be easy as well.

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.