We only did pre-paid due to the problems with the collection after the fact. If they pre-pay, they will certainly try and sell the candy in order to make their money back.
If you have support from the office, you can state that any money/candy not returned after______ date will exclude the student from participation in any PTO events until it is returned. Afterall, they are essentially stealing from the PTO so why should their child be able to participate!
Sorry to hear you are having these kinds of problems!! We went through something similar with our Entertainment Books - sent them home with the oldest/only child. We also sent home various reminders. What we are going to do now is offer to pick up the book from their home over the weekend. Many people legitimately forgot to return the book, and with schoolday mornings being so hectic, the book sits at home. Our school is a private school, and most families are all in the same area, so not sure if this would work for you. Of course, it does take a few volunteers and permission from the family, but at least it is another option.
We recently did a Chocolate Fundraiser at our school (which deadline was 10/16) and I was wondering if anyone has ideas on how to collect either money and/or unsold chocolates from parents. This is a fundraiser where a $100 case of the chocolate is sent home, families sell, and return the money and/or unsold chocolate back to school. Pre-paying is not an option.
I have called, I have sent out reminders, and the Assistant Principal has made phone calls. Everyone states they have the candy and will return it tomorrow but we never see it - or - numbers are disconnected and we have no way of contacting them. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.