The School Fundraising Signup Bonus Enticement

What you should know about fundraiser signup bonuses.

Companies should do more than try to entice organizations with seemingly irresistible giveaways and signup bonuses. Some sponsors fall for this trap; others can see right through it. This is offered to get you to sign up early; however, you shouldn’t be pushed into a commitment before you’ve had time to review your options and decide which program will work best for your school.

The school fundraising signup bonus shouldn’t be your focus. Instead, concentrate on the selection and quality of the merchandise and the type of support materials you’ll receive. Ultimately, if your sale doesn’t go well, you won't be thinking about your signup gift. And worse, you’re probably paying for it elsewhere but don’t even realize it. Here are some things that are much more important:

1. Sales Brochure Performance

If you like a particular brochure, make sure that you look closely at the following:

• Average Pricing – The brochure should contain a good selection of products at or below $10. Since many people are looking for the lowest-priced item, the brochure should contain plenty of variety in the lower price range. Attempt to compare the pricing of similar items in multiple brochures. However, make sure to compare items that are the same size and quality.
• Quality – Don’t just look at the design of the wrapping paper. Find out what the weight is and if it's two-sided. Are the kitchen items plastic or stainless steel? Does the brochure company feature name-brand items or knockoffs?
• Quantity – Most of the more extensive brochures offer a large selection of merchandise. You should look for a brochure with at least 100 items. The more offered items, the more likely people will find what they seek. Also, make sure that there are plenty of categories to choose from, like jewelry, kitchenware, candles, and wrapping paper. Some companies focus mainly on wrapping paper, for example. Not everyone wants to buy wrapping paper.

2. Prize Program Options

Does the company only offer traditional prize programs, or do they have other options that may work better for some groups? The prize program is essential, so being able to pick from a variety of incentive plans may mean the difference between a good sale and a great one. Besides traditional prize programs, consider companies that offer:

• Events or Parties – Most parents and students find that being able to go to an event or party as a reward for selling is much more exciting than just winning a plain prize
• Sportswear or Cash – Most high school groups prefer alternatives that promote school spirit or group unity. Sportswear also works well with elementary schools because many parents prefer quality incentives to cheap prizes.

3. Company Service & Support

Anyone can sign up for a group to do a fundraiser, but following through with the proper service and support is another matter. Will the company be available if there is a problem or question? How soon will they return your call or respond to your email? Make sure that the company has a full-time customer service department dedicated to answering your calls and responding to your questions.

What kind of support material will you be receiving from the company? When will you receive your student fundraising packets? Will they offer a sales guide? Do they provide additional incentives that can help you further increase sales?

When choosing a company, it’s essential to look at the entire process, not just what they’ll give you if you work with them.

See our school 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.