School is the largest place where students will see numbers of potential customers on a daily basis. With a student body numbering more than 2,600, an interesting product can receive quite an audience. Such products include popcorn, T-shirts, chocolate, discount cards from club fundraisers.

With the beginning of school, I noticed the second week that ROTC had already started the chocolate fundraiser and Sapphires took up chocolate sales in the following week. With many forms of fundraising and sales going on, students may have pressure or difficulty selling their products.

I am here to help.

From my many years of fundraising experience that dates back to elementary school, I have developed a list of tips that make supporting your favorite organization easier.

• Strangers can be friends: When selling, don’t be afraid to talk or ask anyone if they want to buy anything. At the same time, do not be overbearing. You want to seem friendly, not aggressive. Walk through the hallways with the fundraising object, such as a box of chocolates, in your hand and keep an open mind in your interaction towards strangers. There were many times when people have stopped me to buy my chocolates because I was smiling and approachable.

• Teachers are friends too: Many times, teachers get overlooked as customers. This is a big mistake, because they have pocket change with them as well. Usually, coaches, APs,  and teachers in the portables don’t get many offers, so reach out to them.

• Take IOU’s, but only at your own risk: This tactic works for friends, but not for strangers. Those who you see often in your classes are easier to hunt down than people you only have seen once. IOU’s are advantageous because the person has to owe you money since they already accepted the product, so think of it as a forestalled sale.  

• Spread the Word: Let your friends know that you are doing the fundraiser. In this case, if they wanted to buy popcorn/chocolate/etc. they would know to buy from you to support a friend. Get your word out there.

• Explain your Cause: There are instances when people will buy a product just to support the organization or individual behind it. Make sure you know what the money from the fundraiser will be used for to avoid giving false information. Understand your club as well, to appear more reliable.

Hopefully, these tips will help you in your fundraising endeavors. Although fundraising may get competitive between members, remember that each sale benefits the organization. Also, feel free to be creative and develop your own promotional strategies as well. Have fun, and don’t forget to sell your idea.