Fundraisers
Some tips and how to's...
My Take:
Each Origami Owl Independent Designer runs fundraisers in their own way. Some host jewelry bars, some create packages & hand out flyers and some simply make folders for each participant that contains all the necessary forms to collect orders or show their families for online orders, but in my experience every event requires a fundraiser coordinator. She must have the drive needed to make this fundraiser successful. She will be the direct connection between you and the group. I create a fundraiser that will cater to the crowd & potential donors. I usually offer 20% of total retail sales (before tax) towards donations. For example, if the group receives $500 in retail sales, $100 will be donated to the organization or cause. I also offer bonus donations above the % given for booking a Jewelry Bar and joining my Team.
Hold a Jewelry Bar:
Certain organizations, such as Moms’ groups or church groups, are perfect for Jewelry Bar fundraisers. I set up a “Make & Take” jewelry bar, either at a home or location of choice. Guests can design beautiful lockets or creations. Everything they make at the Jewelry Bar can be taken home with them right there on the spot. People enjoy the instant gratification of being able to take their product home at the time they pay, so these fundraisers can be very successful. Of course, taking orders right on the spot works too!
Create Packages:
Other organizations, such as sports teams or school clubs, often do well with the package fundraisers. I have had mixed results with this. I see pros and cons with this method. Pro would be that it narrows down and shows example of various price points while a Con would be that guest are sometimes confused by it, thinking that they have to order what is shown. Flyers or brochures can be handed out to parents or supporters of the team, school, or event. People can have 14 days to get together their orders then after the two weeks is complete, all order forms are turned in and one large order is placed. I like using this site as a source. Nest approved and reasonably priced.
http://getmybusinesscards.com/shop/fundraisers-mixed-theme-spring-2015-blank/
See picture below.
Online FaceBook Group Page:
Want to reach people across the country? A FaceBook group page is the perfect opportunity. I post pictures, ideas and keep everyone up to date with what has been raised so far. This is where having a fundraiser coordinator is vital. She will be the one engaging and liking posts. Guests can place orders through your replicated website and use the Jewelry Bar Code that is attached to the event. Online fundraisers can be great for personal causes like Relay 4 Life events, charity walks, etc. I also utilize the RedStamp app.to create a information page about the event so it can be sent out as a text to the group.
Ideas of groups to contact:
- school spirit fundraisers
- cheerleader fundraisers
- athletics fundraisers
- youth group fundraisers
- special cause/awareness fundraisers
Just to give you an idea how successful fundraising can be for Independent Designers and the group you are raising funds for:
I am currently working with an University Dance Team in Erie, Pa. The coordinator is the daughter of one of my customers. They wanted to raise funds for Team uniforms since the group is a student run organization. I started the conversation with her by asking her what the GOAL is. Then we discussed how many girls are involved and the idea they had for the fundraiser. I offered 20% of all sales to the group. We decided that having a FaceBook Group page was the best way to go. I created the page and added her. She in turn, added everyone else. Now remember, this is a GROUP page NOT an Event Page..very important. Event pages get lost in FaceBook land...
On my end I:
- Created folders for each girl that contained about everything I put into a Hostess packet. TOM, Points of Difference, 1 order form and of course, info about becoming an Independent Designer and the benefits of doing so. I love using the new flyers in the BO.
- Mailed the above to coordinator.
- Created a RedStamp flyer and texted it to coordinator so she can forward it on and keep the chain growing
- Set up FaceBook Group page as described above.
- Posted often on the group page. Pictures and videos.
- Once the fundraiser was rolling and seeing the numbers increased daily then stall, I offered an incentive: I upped the % if they met a $ goal. Coordinator then jumped on that and did another text blast.
- Kept the group up to date on amount raised, encouraging along the way different ways to increase their total.(i.e.. hosting/joining)
- Constant communication with coordinator is vital!
I know what you are thinking: I Love being a Force For Good but, can I still make money with fundraisers?
YES!
Just to give you an idea how successful fundraising can be for Independent Designers and the group you are raising funds for:
I am currently working with an University Dance Team in Erie, Pa. The coordinator is the daughter of one of my customers. They wanted to raise funds for Team uniforms since the group is a student run organization. I started the conversation with her by asking her what the GOAL is. Then we discussed how many girls are involved and the idea they had for the fundraiser. I offered 20% of all sales to the group. We decided that having a FaceBook Group page was the best way to go. I created the page and added her. She in turn, added everyone else. Now remember, this is a GROUP page NOT an Event Page..very important. Event pages get lost in FaceBook land...
What I did:
- Created folders for each girl that contained about everything I put into a Hostess packet. TOM, Points of Difference, 1 order form and of course, info about becoming an Independent Designer and the benefits of doing so. I love using the new flyers in the BO. (spent about $20 between folders/TOMS)
- Mailed the above to coordinator. ($5.50)
- Created a RedStamp flyer and texted it to coordinator so she can forward it on and keep the chain growing ( Free)
- Set up FaceBook Group page as described above.
- Posted often on the group page. Pictures and videos.
- Once the fundraiser was rolling and seeing the numbers increased daily then stall, I offered an incentive: I upped the % if they met a $ goal. Coordinator then jumped on that and did another text blast.
- Kept the group up to date on amount raised, encouraging along the way different ways to increase their total.(i.e.. hosting/joining)
- Constant communication with coordinator is vital!
Wondering if this is even worth it if you are giving away 25% and you already spent money to get it going. I can tell you, YES it is worth it. For a number of reasons.
- I know have over 30 new customers from all over Pennsylvania! Buying customers. I can see what they bought and now can use that to my advantage by writing thank you notes highlighting their particular purchase.
- Currently the Fundraiser is at $2233..with our new hostess rewards, I now have $669.90 to use for new products. Remember, you are the hostess. You can use the products a variety of ways. Ultimately, the decision is yours.
- I get to write a check for $558.25 to the group! By doing so, I fulfilled Origami Owl's mission statement. I was able to be a FORCE FOR GOOD!
- And, it's NOT over YET! Check could be for even more money!
But the best feeling is from knowing that I helped a student group raise $558!
Was it difficult? NO! Did it take some of my time? Of course! Was it worth it?
You be the judge. I already have my answer!
Ellen Batu
Email: ellenbatu.lockets@gmail.com
Website: ellenbatu.OrigamiOwl.com
Location: Cuyahoga Falls, OH, United States
Phone: 330-256-1798
Facebook: Facebook.com/ellenbatu02