Going to close this thread with a couple of thoughts for all:
1. I'd take what I read -- especially from on anonymous posters -- on an internet message board with a grain of salt. There are definitely self-interested folks (pro and con) posting here in this thread. That self-interest affects how folks respond on a thread like this.
2. Key thing, in my opinion, is that the basics with FR are still what matters, whether it's the old Kathryn Beich or the new GAO or another company? What's your rep. like? If he or she gave great service as a Beich rep. no reason the person should change with a new flag behind him. Check references. Product quality and pricepoints matter (do not base your decision purely on profit % -- too many other factors matter a ton). All that good stuff.
Ownership changes and mergers have always happened in fundraising and will continue to happen. Keeping your focus on the basics that really make the difference is the way to go.
As a top producing Great American Rep and also a Regional Manager, I am so excited and impressed with our new ( former Kathryn Beich ) reps. They are true professionals and truly understand how to raise money for schools.
I have been in this industry for 22 years and I can tell you that there is truly one choice today....Great American! The schools will make the most profit (not percentages but actual money earned) with the best products, best variety, best quality, best prize programs and best service. Our customer service rocks!
We have all of the product lines and we can serve all of the fundraising needs that a school has. Once a school uses Great American, they'll understand!
As a rep. with Kathryn-Beich for 15 years and now a new GAO rep. let me tell everyone how excited I am about this transition! Not only do I get to keep all of Kathryn-Beich's phenomenal chocolates, but now I have the opportunity to offer my customers so much more in terms of service, product, programs, and promotion. I am happy to have the strength of a market leader behind me which provides me all of the support I need as a representative. I have notified all of my customers and they have been very receptive to the merger. I now have over 30 programs to offer them to raise the vital funds they need from cookie dough, to four different holiday catalogs, to value cards, to magazines, to jewelry, to frozen, to bars. All under one umbrella. I loved Kathryn-Beich and what it represented to me for all those years, but now that I have a piece of that company with their chocolates, plus more options, I could not be happier. Super, super news! Thanks for your time and look to the now market leader in fundraising.....GAO!
4 daughers;142544 wrote: My rep from Kathryn Beich is very excited about the merger. This merger will offer even more opportunities to the schools. KB has the highest quality products and the customer service is second to no one! My fundraiser increased 40% this year changing over to KB.
Unfortunately, they had to threaten reps to sign. I would not work with a fundraising company that threatens. How can you trust a company like Great American, if they have to resort to those kinds of tactics. I rather sell my blood than to work with Great American.
I agree !!! KB could not have been doing well at all when I hear they were offering schools the WORLD!! How long can a company last giving 55% to every school! Pto boards and "MOMS" who run the fundraisers need to see the entire picture and not get sucked in by all the extra incentives. They are doing this forn a reason! Start with a company that will not budge on 50%. That should be a great starting point . Say it again! Stay away from Great American / KB for awhile and see what happens. Great American is buying everything also . They bought lemonade stand I hear. Why? Cause they want to combine all these catalogs and TRY and make one RIGHT one!! Wont happen. Cherrydale has gone under to many times. I(nnisbrook is Ok for now but Sally Foster seems to be the only steady catalog out there with Great quality products and gift wrap.
You sure missed the boat on this. Do you have any idea just how much KB lost over the past four years! GA did them a BIG favor in saving their jobs. If you knew anything at all you would have never written such a blog!
