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General Questions

General Questions
General Questions

Answers to common questions

The more you know, the easier fundraising becomes. Make informed decisions about what’s right for your group.

Know what to expect. Learn everything from the best way to make sales to how to submit your order for processing.

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We'll send you our latest brochures to review in the mail.

Have a question?

Who is Big Fundraising Ideas?

Big Fundraising Ideas has been helping schools raise money since 1999. Our sales support team is dedicated to providing unsurpassed service while assisting organizations in reaching and exceeding their financial goals. For more information, see our about us page.

Do you work with any group?

Although our focus is primarily on school fundraisers, we have the knowledge and experience to help any group succeed. Big Fundraising Ideas offers many programs that work for most organizations.

What is brochure fundraising?

Brochure fundraising is one of the most preferred methods used to raise money. Groups use our brochures to sell popular consumer-based products, such as wrapping paper and candy, to friends and family and keep a portion of the proceeds. See our brochure fundraisers

What does my fundraiser need to be successful?

To succeed at fundraising, it helps to have an enthusiastic volunteer sales force, outstanding products, and superb coordination, from order-taking to product delivery. All school-wide fundraising programs receive our guidebook, which provides step-by-step instructions on how to run a sale.

How much time should I give my students to sell?

Since you're collecting money up front with the orders, we recommend two full weeks of selling for brochure sales. Direct sale fundraisers may last for 5 to 10 days.

What about door-to-door selling?

We do not encourage door-to-door selling. Most sales are made to family members, friends, and coworkers. Sellers are instructed to sell to people they know. In addition, people who live out of town can support organizations by shopping online. Organizations make a profit, and sellers receive prize credit.

What percent of sales will my group receive?

The amount of profit usually depends on the amount of product ordered. Groups typically make up to 50% when selling our products.

Do we have to pay for any fundraising supplies?

No. We provide all brochure fundraising supplies and sales materials free of charge.

Do I collect money with the order or upon delivery?

Prepay is when customers order out of a brochure and provide payment simultaneously. Post-pay is when your sellers take orders, then wait until they deliver their merchandise to collect payment. Most organizations find it easier to collect the money upfront. We only do prepay programs.

What happens after we collect orders and money?

The next step is to send in your orders for processing within one week of your fundraiser end date. This ensures you've had enough time to collect any late orders and remaining money. You'll also need to keep a copy of each student's order form for your records.

When and how should I remit payment?

Payment is due within five days of receipt of merchandise for brochure sales and within 15 days for products ordered on our website. For non-school customers, we require payment before shipping merchandise ordered from a brochure.

We accept cashier's check, money order, or check for brochure sales. We also accept credit cards and purchase orders for products ordered on our website. You'll receive your invoice by email.

Do you require any money up front?

For brochure sales, payment is due before shipment or within five days after delivery for public schools. Payment options for direct sale fundraisers include submitting a purchase order, paying by credit card, or sending a check before shipment. If you choose to submit a purchase order, payment is due within 15 days of receipt of the product.

Who can we contact if we have questions?

If you have questions, feel free to submit our contact form.

Do you require a minimum order?

Shipping is free unless certain minimums aren't met with brochure sales. Product orders typically ship free of charge. For more information, visit our brochure and product pages.

Do you have an online store?

Yes. Your group can promote our online store to their friends and family. The product is paid for and shipped directly to the customer. Your organization will receive a profit, and sellers will receive credit toward prizes.

Do we have to sign a contract?

Yes. Before we can ship you your brochure fundraiser supplies, you'll need to sign an agreement.

Do we have to pay for shipping?

When selling out of a brochure, as long as you reach certain order minimums, there are no shipping charges. Find out more by visiting the specific brochure page you're interested in. See our brochure fundraisers.

What should we know about your company?

Before you work with anyone, ensure you get the correct answers to your questions. See 10 Questions to Ask a School Fundraising Company.

Do we have to collect sales tax?

Not all schools are tax-exempt. Depending on your state's rules, you may need to collect sales tax. Check with your school district or state department of revenue for more information. If your state requires it, you'll want to know how to handle sales tax for your fundraiser. For more information, see our brochure fundraising tax guide.

How do your fundraisers work?

There are generally four steps to our fundraising process:

  1. Choose your brochure
  2. Select your prize program
  3. Receive your materials and conduct your sale
  4. Order processing and shipping

How can we provide feedback?

We appreciate your feedback anytime. Upon completing your fundraiser, we’ll also ask you to complete our customer review form.