Originally posted by Melissa Constantine:
Donny,
I was told by our fundraising rep that the candy companies have reduced the size of the bars, but have kept the price (usually $1) the same. Even though candy bars are great sellers, the work involved isn't worth it IMO.
Why can't a group buy candy bars from Costco, print out business cards at 2500 for $70 (we have a printer that does that), and sell them as fundraisers with the business cards attached to them? If you did that, your profit margins would be more. Get KitKats, Mars, whatever by the case and put your PTO business card on them, e.g., "Thank you for supporting _________ school!"
The success of the candy bar sale may be driven by associated "coupons". Inquire with local merchants if they'll provide "coupons", e.g. $2.00 off a pizza, $2.00 off an oil change, $5.00 off a dinner, etc... Thus, on the front side of the card, print a "thank you", and on the back side, list all the local merchants that agree to give a discount. The business card essentially becomes your candy bar coupon. The merchants will love it because it will bring in more business. Your organization can sell the candy bars for more money ($1.50 or even $2.00 if your PTO has recruited high quality merchants), because people are also purchasing a major gift card/coupon. This will make more profit than working with traditional companies who are cutting down candy bar sizes.
Good luck!
Andy D.
[ 11-12-2005, 08:33 AM: Message edited by: Rockne ]