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BEST SELLER TIPS
Successful popcorn sales do not rely solely on “cuteness”. It comes down to:
Consistency -- not cuteness -- gets you to the finish line. This guide is designed to help you every step of the way.
In the following sections, you’ll gain insight into the various tools and resources available to you. Remember to adapt these for the COVID-19 guidelines in your area.
TOP TIPS FOR SALES SUCCESS!
Show your pride for Scouting. Wear your clean, neat uniform. Share with customers why you love being a Scout and what the popcorn fundraiser supports. Be polite, professional and respectful towards others and the property you are on. You are an ambassador of the Scouting movement. Don’t just sell popcorn. Show your customers what Scouting has done to help you grow.”
Set a clear goal. Whether it’s an amount you need for an activity or a specific prize you want to earn, be sure to set a clear sales goal prior to the start of the popcorn sale.
Practice ahead of time. Know your CAMP MASTERS script and develop your skills in making conversation, greeting strangers and engaging others with your storytelling. Learn how to take a personal interest in people of all ages. Finally, be ready to address common objections like “I don’t have cash” and “popcorn has too many calories.”
Give customers options. Know your products and be able to comfortably explain the value of larger products to your customers. This includes offering the military or food bank donation options for those who don’t like or want to purchase popcorn.
Never give up. Ask those you meet to support the Scouts through popcorn. Help them understand you’re earning your way to exciting opportunities. Don’t be afraid of those who may say “no” because every no eventually leads to a yes!
Always be prepared. Have a filling meal, get a good night's rest and do something fun to energize you before heading out to sell. This helps you excite customers about Scouting and popcorn. Wear some bright, colorful shoes to spark conversations. You’d be surprised how well this works. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!
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ENGAGE THEIR SUPPORT
Fundraising is not a sales pitch, but rather a long-term partnership between your Unit and the people in your community. This effort raises money to help Scouts get started and to fund opportunities for new adventures. But it also builds support within the community.
Each Scout can earn their own way by selling popcorn, without the need for parental funding, to participate in the full program year. A strong dedication and work ethic improves not only their Scouting year, but also supports every other Scout within their Council.
Help Scouts get engaged by defining what matters most to them. Have them complete the following statement.
I’m feeling _________________________ to sell popcorn because I want to _________________________.
Ex. I’m thrilled to sell popcorn because I want to attend the National Jamboree
Here are a few more ways you can engage community support for your Scouts fundraising efforts and build these long-term relationships.
Ensure everyone knows the purpose of the fundraiser. Scouts, parents and Unit Leaders are tasked with helping the community understand where their donations are going. Be sure that everyone knows what the funds will support and why that is important to Scouting. Customers will ask questions and preparation means you’ll have answers.
Give people a chance to connect. Promoting the Scouts fundraising efforts gives real people a connection with the stories of how their donation impacts Scouting. Encourage everyone in your unit to share their story and everyone in your community to share why and how they support Scouting.
Don’t be afraid to advertise. It is not as cost prohibitive as you may think. You can place a highly effective ad on a social media channel or even a print ad in your local paper for a small fee (as low as $5 even!). Be sure to call around and check these opportunities in your area. Many media outlets offer discounted or free ads to non-profit community organizations.
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PROMOTE EARLY & OFTEN
My #PopcornNotes
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PROMOTE EARLY & OFTEN
My #PopcornNotes
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EVENTS & STOREFRONTS
Meeting your community in person and asking for their support is a big part of successful fundraising. With COVID-19 guidelines, this may not be as easy to arrange as it has been in the past. Here are some tips and ideas to help you plan and adapt along the way as needed.
These are some locations where you might be able to fundraise. Be sure to call the owner or manager to gain approval and secure a date.
Here are some top tips for maximizing sales at these locations.
Laminate your take order form. A local print or copy shop charges less than $5 for this service. Or there are other DIY options available too. Either way, by laminating, your take order form will last longer and be easily disinfected between customers to keep everyone safe and healthy.
My #PopcornNotes
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EVENTS & STOREFRONTS
Create a plan for promoting each event or opportunity where someone can buy popcorn in person. This includes any storefront, event or neighborhood selling you plan on doing. A small online ad spend of $10-$20 can have a big impact on the day’s sales totals for you.
Don’t forget to use the power of your own network! Invite friends and family to come on down and support the Scouts wherever they’ll be selling that day.
A Facebook or Instagram live can really create excitement for getting folks out of the house and down to your location to support the Scouts. And don’t forget to invite the media out as well (good thing you’ve been building those relationships!)
A local celebrity can also help to really draw a crowd. Find someone who’s well-known and liked in your area to attend the event as a celebrity guest or even be an honorary Scout for the day. (FYI - most individuals on TV or the Radio are considered “celebrities” in their local community. They can add to your crowd!)
Businesses can help you raise more money and more awareness. Plus, they get a tax write-off and advertising out of the deal. So don’t be afraid to invite them out to events as well as it helps make them look good too. Or have them sponsor your event at their location. Either way, they get to show good will towards the community and promote their business.
My #PopcornNotes
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ONLINE SALES
CAMP MASTERS has free shipping anywhere in the United States!
Online sales are going to be a bigger part of the popcorn sale this year. And we want to make sure everyone is prepared to maximize their return from it. So here are a few tips for creating a great impression with your community online.
The most important aspect of your online presence is the Scout profile. It’s important to see that smiling Scout face on every profile. And that their bios are well composed. This is the only thing some people will see before deciding whether or not to support your popcorn sale.
We recommend working with your Scouts to ensure everyone has a great profile this year!
One way to make this happen is to make creating/updating their profile as part of your popcorn kickoff. Create a fun backdrop, add some good lighting and take a headshot photo of each Scout in your Unit with a smartphone or digital camera.
Provide your Scouts with the Profile Bio worksheet to help them compose a strong bio. Then provide them instructions for how to place it on their CAMP MASTERS account.
Share the picture you took earlier for them to upload. Profile done!
Once they’ve set up their profile (full walkthrough video in your drive folder), there are links within the Scout profile to share their personal CAMP MASTERS ordering link. Make sure they know how to access this.
You can also encourage parents to support their Scouts as well using this link within their own networks. CAMP MASTERS has also provided a library of email templates, social media posts and graphics in your drive folder to make this easier on everyone.
Use your social channel’s messaging feature to reach friends and family you know are active on social media. Send a private message about the fundraiser and ask for their support. Send an email to friends and family who might respond better to a more private request.
If there is anything specific we can help you with, please let your Unit Leader or Council know!
My #PopcornNotes
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MANAGING MOMENTUM
Perhaps the hardest part in any fundraiser is keeping momentum up before and during the sale. Families are busy and Scouting may not be their only after-school activity. So we’ve compiled a list to help you keep excitement and spirits high throughout the popcorn sale.
These are resources CAMP MASTERS created to help you keep energy & sales strong.
In 2024, we want to help you create an environment both online and off where your community finds pride in their contributions to supporting Scouting. Did we miss something? Let us know by contacting your Council today.