Did you give these people their merchandise? If you have then you really are in a sticky situation. All you can do is keep reminding them and hope they pay you off. We have fundraising companies that try to convince us to let the people pay when their order comes in but we instead heed the advice of some of our veterans. Yes, you will certainly sell more product if people pay "later" but, even though we are dealing with adults they often overextend themselves. In many cases actually it causes hardship. Most times they are overspending what should be their grocery money. Or they absorb the money collected from orders and have a tough time replacing it. Whatever the reason money due with order is the most responsible and easy way to go. Good luck, hope it turns out well for you.

We just distributed our fundraising merchandise yesterday. We had only 7 people who had not responded to our requests that they make good on their checks; Thursday I sat in an empty classroom checking orders and pulling out the merchandise belonging to those 7 people. Each packing slip was given a notation to the parents that we had pulled the merchandise and are holding it until payment is made. It is all separated with a note attached containing the student's name, teacher's name, customer's name and amount owed, so when and if we get the money we can easily hand it over.
The way we look at it, either we can return the merchandise to the company for credit or we'll pay for it and use it as prizes next year; until the customer pays, it isn't theirs. We have called everyone and might send out a letter, but that's it. (Easy to say when it's so small a number of orders affected.) [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Ok, the fundraiser is over, we had a pretty good turnout. Here is the problem. Our due date for money owed has come and gone with maybe 1/4 of our participants still owing. Now comes the nasty letter home reminding parents of their obligations. Ok, I hate this part! For the most part it is parents who have gotten busy and it has slipped their minds. I am looking for suggestions on getting my message across that we do need the money paid now, but keeping the message light hearted, and maybe even commical or upbeat to keep parents supportive of our group. I am afraid to come across as a penny pinching scrooge and turn people off. We don't have enough help to chase anyone off! I'm looking for ideas, suggestions, on how others handle this sticky situation. Thanks! :confused: