Better Quality Items or a Higher Profit Fundraiser?

When quality is better than quantity.

How often have we heard someone say, "What do you expect? It's a fundraiser!"? Companies do an excellent job of making the items in the sales brochure appear large and very appealing. After all, they want to make them look as attractive as possible to potential buyers.

Most fundraising companies disclose the dimensions of the items, but unfortunately, many people don't take the time to read this information or don't notice it.

Consumers ultimately decide with their wallets, but should better quality merchandise be sacrificed so groups can have a higher profit fundraiser?

What Motivates Your Buyers?

It's no wonder most buyers are only willing to give a small donation and buy the cheapest item in the brochure. Yet, are people willing to continue buying lower-quality items so groups can profit more? More groups want to sell higher-quality items and are willing to accept a lower profit percentage. They realize that demand goes up for better quality merchandise. For years schools have pushed for higher profits thinking that they make more at the expense of cheaper products and less satisfied customers.

Better Fundraising Merchandise or Higher Profit?

There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Higher profit means lower quality merchandise, fewer satisfied customers, and less demand. Higher quality items lead to greater customer satisfaction.

What Makes More Money?

Which method will bring in more money? Would schools make more sales if they sold more desirable merchandise? There is a growing trend as many schools realize they make more money despite receiving a lower profit percentage. Demand for better quality is translating into record sales for many schools. This will also lead to repeat business because customers are more satisfied. Who doesn't think improved quality won't positively affect future sales?

Are groups reconsidering the disadvantages of higher-profit fundraisers? The simple answer is, "You don't take profit to the bank; you take money!"

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.