We had our auction last weekend and at this time are over $47000 in profit with more money coming in for some special items that were sold. Thank you so much for all of the tips and help. This board was great! We increased revenue this year by 60%. Good luck everyone!
Places that I left a letter for review, I simply called back. I did notice that if I called asking for a donation and the manager wasn't there and the worker stated they would leave a message, I never heard back from them. So I just simply started asking for the managers name and when they would be at work again.
Yes, hit up all your local Targets and Walmarts! I usually get on the spot gift cards from all their locations (my town has 3 targets so $25 GC x3).
I have luck following up with smaller local companies such has the bowling alleys, laser tag, trampoline parks, etc who usually donate birthday party packages and simply forgot to respond to our donation request letter. Almost every call returns a great donation.
I don't have luck following up with larger store chains that have a procedure to follow to determine donation approvals,etc.
Check back in with all the places you dropped off request letters. I have found in the past that many of them have a donation for us sitting waiting for someone to pick it up!! Walmart is great for donations but they have to be turned in weeks before you need the donation.
Question: Our fundraiser is fast approaching (5/31) and I was wondering what you guys do for follow up on requests? I am assuming no's from my many emails to large national companies that havent responded but what about chains that I dropped a letter at in person (Best Buy, Hemo Depot, Olive Garden,Longhorn, Smokey Bones...), none of these places would get a manager for me to speak with they just took the form, except Best Buy someone came and talked to me and said it would get reviewed, I dropped it a few weeks ago. We are hoping to get all donations secured by Friday to get going on our auction brochure???
I had good luck with local chains when a manager was available and got stuff on the spot (Outback, Trader Joes, Carrabbas, Texas Roadhouse, Bed Bath & Beyond) Is it worth hitting up Target or Walmarts havent tried those yet?
We also had great success with all of our local independent companies/restaraunts....We have secured just obout 200 donations at this point and we gave each grade a theme and asked parents to donate a $5 item or go together with other families for a larger item and we will assemble baskets (beach, grilling, baking....)
Our school items are principle for the day and parking spaces.
