Seven Tips to a Successful Fundraiser in Direct Sales

Fundraising in direct sales is a wonderful way to locate new customers. You are having sub-sellers doing the selling for you. Those who might not have ordered from you directly will order now, knowing the funds will benefit the organization/group involved.

I’d like to share seven tips for creating a successful fundraiser:

1. Plan ahead – Make sure you have plenty of catalogs, samples, sales tax charts and any other supplies you believe the fundraiser participants will need. You want to be prepared whether there are 5 participants or 25 participants.

2. Create a marketing packet – Marketing is key whenever you are making a sale. In this case you are selling the idea or concept of raising funds with you and your direct sales company. If your company already has letters and forms in place, use those and just personalize them with your name, phone number and web address. If your company does not have letters and forms available, ask your upline if they have templates you can personalize and customize.

3. Choose a specific time period – I recommend no longer than two weeks for a fundraiser. This is plenty of time to show the catalog, collect the orders and payment and then submit the order to whoever is collecting the final orders. Be very clear when the deadline is for submitting the orders.

4. Contact the local newspaper – This is a great reason for a press release. Let the community know that the organization is involved in a fundraiser and let the community know how they can participate and order products.

5. Payment options – Be very clear what the payment options are. Will you take personal checks? Do you want all checks made payable to the organization and then the organization will pay you? Can you accept credit cards? Lay out the rules up front so that everyone is clear on payment options.

6. Offer full support – Every organization has different needs. Let the organization know that you are there to help and support them. I’ve done presentations at board meetings. I’ve prepared sales flyers. I’ve created order forms. I’m willing to offer any and all support the organization needs.

7. Follow up – After the fundraiser is complete, follow up. Let the organization know you care. Were there any problems? Were there any additional orders you can place for them? Can you contact them again next year for another fundraiser?

I hope these tips help you create a successful fundraiser for both you and the organization involved.

Audrey Okaneko has been in direct sales since 1983. She can be reached at audreyoka@cox.net or you can Become a Tupperware Consultant

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