Can Schools Make Money Selling Only One Product?

Find the right product and simplify your fundraiser.

Your goal with your next fundraiser should be to offer a product that will make you the most money possible. On the other hand, deciding what to sell may not be so easy. Should you choose a single item that may take off and end up selling itself because it's different or exclusive? Then again, it may not be a hit that could leave you high and dry.

Or, should you play it safe and cover your bases by offering your buyers a large variety of brochures even though it's more in line with what other groups offer? If you sense that your community is tired of the same brochure, you may want to know if other schools make money selling something unique. And chances are, it may even be just a single product type.

Here are some things to consider when selecting a fundraiser.

Choose a Unique Product

An argument can be made for offering an item unique enough to grab people's attention or fulfill a specific need. Hopefully, it hasn't been sold recently. Perhaps a custom school mug or discount cards will work. These are products that your students can sell to their family and friends or at a school concession stand. Some groups sell wreaths or turkeys just before Christmas because many people may be looking for those types of things. Many organizations decide to explore other alternatives if they've found that people are tired of buying the same type of merchandise year after year. Another option is offering a brochure with multiple variations of the same product, like jewelry or candles.

Questions to Ask

When deciding on a product, here are some things to ponder:

• Is it priced so most customers can easily purchase one or more items?
• What has sold well in your area in the past, and what hasn't?
• How do you know if your community is ready for something different?
• What have you heard from others?

Is it Time for a Change?

Many groups are tired of selling to the same variety shopper. The variety brochure has been used for a long time, and schools have gone with it year after year. It offers a large selection of merchandise that most people can afford. Even though it's proven to be a good money maker, are people tired of it? Have recent sales been increasing or decreasing?

If you're considering switching to a single item, the question is, will it sell? Can you create demand for the product? An excellent place to start is to ask other people what they think.

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.