How to Profit off Your Limo Fundraising Incentive

A guide to properly setting up a limo incentive.

One of the best ways to increase school fundraising sales is to add prizes that motivate students to sell more items.

For instance, elementary students get excited about riding in a limousine. As a result, many sellers compete for this special incentive by selling more than they ordinarily would. Limo rides are a great way to add another element of excitement to your sale.

Here are some things schools need to think about if they plan to incorporate a limo fundraising incentive into their sale.

Limo Cost Considerations

It has to make financial sense if you decide to add a limo ride. Most schools that add a limo to their fundraiser usually rent it for 2 hours, and to make it exciting, lunch is usually included as well. Renting a limo can range from $60 to $ 100 per hour. Since most limos hold 8-10 people, you are looking at around $25.00 per seller on the high end. If you include lunch, you can add $2.00-$3.00, or more, per seller, depending on where you take them. Make sure to do your homework and check around for the best value ahead of time. You may be able to get bulk pricing at some eating establishments.

Limo Incentive Qualifying Options

Your goal is to make an additional profit above your limo costs. To do that, you'll need to make sure your students sell enough items to qualify. Here are two ways that you can do it:

1. Top 8-10 sellers:

• The advantage is you're guaranteed to fill the limo and take full advantage of your investment. Students have to compete for a seat in the limo.
• The disadvantage is you've not set a minimum number of items that must be sold to qualify. Thus, students who sold less can earn the limo ride.

2. Everyone who sells 'x' items:

• The advantage is students have to reach a higher sales level.
• The disadvantage is you won't know if you'll fill your limo. Or, you may have too many sellers that will require shuttling or renting more limos.

Setting a Limo Fundraising Goal

To determine your fundraising goal, assume you'll make about $5.00 profit per brochure item sold. Multiply that number by your limo item goal to determine your profit per seller. Then subtract out your expenses to get your net profit. Your limo item goal should be based on a net profit you think you can live with.

Regardless of your chosen method, the goal is to maximize net school fundraising sales as much as possible. Schools must actively promote their limo fundraising incentive every day during their sale. Some groups even arrange to have the limo at the kickoff to create anticipation.

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.