First and foremost we want you to have a safe campaign. It's really important that you only approach family, friends and people who are in your circle of acquaintances.
Must know information
You'll need to know your campaign closing date and the forms of payment accepted by your school. If you do not know ask your director.
Closing date: That's when all of your orders must be turned in to the school.
Payments accepted: Cash is the most common.
Delivery date: Approximately 3-4 weeks after the campaing closing date.
Get to know the program
In order to help your customers you must be familiar with the program yourself. Feel free to explore the catalog, its products and ordering procedures. You may want to print a few order forms and practice taking orders. It's really easy. Once you've done that you'll be able to show your customer how it's done. Do the same with the tally sheet.
Keeping track on the tally sheet
The tally sheet is where you keep track of your customers orders. As your customers give you their orders record them on your tally sheet. This way you'll be able to monitor your sales progress. Keep the orders, tally sheet and money in a safe place. Having a large envelope will help you keep it all organized.
How to print the forms
To print the order forms and tally sheets you'll need access to a computer and printer. The links to print these forms are located at the footer of the catalog. If you do not have a printer, ask a relative or friend to do it for you. Your director will also be glad to provide you with copies.
A word about personalization
Personalized items are special. They are thoughful and meaningful because someone took the time to create them. It's really important that you respect your customer's personalization. Names are spelled in many different ways, so when a customer gives you an order form with personalized items leave it the way it is because they know the spelling. Just thank them for the order and add it to your tally sheet.
Wrapping it up
At the closing date you'll need to turn in all your orders, tally sheet and money. Only orders that are fully paid can be accepted. Sum your tally sheet and verify that the total matches with the payments you've received. Follow the instructions given by your director.
Delivering your orders
When the orders arrive you'll be responsible to deliver them to your customers. It's important that you do that in a timely manner. Be careful handling your customer's orders. Some items are delicate and can break. When you deliver them have each customer check that their order is correct. If there are any issues, please make note and report to your sponsor promptly. Remember to thank them for supporting your choir.
10 tips for accelerating your sales
1
Make a list of friends and family you can sell to. Ask your parents to share the catalog with their friends.
2
Remember who you've given donations to in the past. Often these people will be the first to give since they will want to repay your past kindness. Use facebook, email or twitter to direct them to the catalog.
3
Have a script to go by. It's hard for most people to talk to others. A script can help you get started.
4
Always be ready to explain the why. People want to know where their money is going. "We are raising money for our choir ... because ...".
5
Learn as much about your products as possible. Customers will want to be buying from someone who knows what the products are and what they can do for them. Be familiar with the catalog and print extra copies of the order forms to give to your friends.
6
Keep in mind that these people you sell to give you only a little bit of their attention, so make it quick. If you don't catch their interest within the first ten seconds of your pitch, they probably won't continue. Say something like: Hi! I'm selling personalized ornaments and picture frames for my school choir fundraiser. I was wondering if you were interested in...
7
Emphasize the uniqueness of the products. Ask "Do you have pets? What are your pet names? " ... show a picture of the personalized pet frames.
8
Always emphasize the cause. Our Choir.
9
If they ask when the product will arrive, make sure to be ready to tell them. Not knowing the schedule seems unprofessional and people will be less likely to buy.
10
Say thank you. Do this even if the potential buyer doesn't buy the product or takes less than you had hoped for.
Remember: All orders must include a payment.