Can Anyone Help Us Out with Our Excess Popcorn Inventory?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread discusses challenges faced by participants regarding excess popcorn inventory from fundraising efforts, particularly in the context of Cub Scout and Girl Scout sales. Participants share their experiences and suggestions for managing unsold products.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about excess popcorn inventory from a Cub Scout fundraiser, noting that sales were significantly lower than expected.
  • Another participant mentions that their popcorn sales are also down and suggests organizing "Show and Sells" at local gas stations.
  • One user proposes visiting local fire departments as potential buyers for the excess popcorn.
  • Another participant shares that Girl Scouts often sell outside grocery stores and big box retailers, implying this could be a strategy to consider.
  • One participant suggests reducing the price to entice buyers and recoup some funds.
  • A participant mentions receiving guidance from the council office about setting up "Show-n-Sell" events after the official sale period ends.
  • One participant shares their relief at finding a troop willing to take a large portion of their remaining inventory, significantly reducing their losses.
  • Another participant expresses sympathy for inventory challenges faced by others, sharing their own experiences with cookie sales.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies for managing excess inventory, with no clear consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are primarily discussing personal experiences related to fundraising efforts for youth organizations, specifically focusing on popcorn sales and inventory management.

Who May Find This Useful

Members of the consultant community involved in fundraising for youth organizations may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

esavvymom
esavvymom
Staff member
Messages
7,881
I'm freaking out a bit. Our Cub Scout popcorn fundraiser was very low compared to previous years. Part of our sale includes having some inventory items we take door-to-door. Well, we use last years sales to gauge how much to order (I think it was about 50% or so). Anyway, I picked the top 4 products and one new one that I thought would be huge.

The TOP 2 products did NOT do as well (basic caramel corn varieties!) and the new product. I have so much left, and very little time to unload it. It can't be returned, and our orders aren't high enough in those products to use what we have. If we can't trade it with other Packs/Troops in our area, I'll be stuck with it- and it will cost our pack almost half of our profit, which was already about 25% lower than we needed. We can't afford to lose that money. I have 100 scouts in a pack that they love....we need the funds.

Please pray that in the next 24-48 hrs, others groups step forward to take what I have in excess. Even if I can get MOST of it gone, we can make a donation to local Fire stations and such and be ok....but I can't lose almost $4000 in unsold popcorn.
 
Our Popcorn Sales are down too. :(Can you do some "Show and Sells"? We're all taking turns sitting at a table outside of a local Gas Station to sell popcorn with the boys...
 
Or maybe visit local fire departments? Those guys are always willing to help out!
 
our girl scouts always sit outside of the local grocery stores, WalMart and Sam's Club, etc.
 
Maybe reduce the cost a bit if you can and then at least it will entice people to get it on "sale"...you would recoup at least SOME of the $ anyway...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
I spoke with the council office today, and she did tell me we can set up some Show-n-Sell if need be. she suggested after the "dust settles" a bit from the sale....which is fine by me. I can't possibly do it before tomorrow (official end). But knowing I have that option with council's blessing helps. I'm hoping as packs/troops go through their numbers it gets divided out. A pain in the rear, but better than losing several grand from our budget- which is already about 25% below this year because of such low sales.At least I'm stuck with the "cheaper" products and typically more popular - Caramels. Instead of strange things no one would buy at a storefront. But we'll see.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
I'm doing the happy dance tonight. I just got a call a bit ago from a Troop, and they are taking a huge chunk of my remaining inventory.I still have several cases of one product, but cost to the pack is only $672....I started with a pack cost of over $4500 in product!! I'm tickled pink. :)
 
So happy for you!! My boys are joining a newly-formed troop this year, so we didn't really have time to get into popcorn sales. But I have many homeschool mom friends who lead Girl Scout troops and have had cookie inventory issues so I sympathized with you. Glad that it's working out better than you had expected.

Shari in TX
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should we do with our excess popcorn inventory?

Consider hosting a popcorn-themed event or party where you can showcase different flavors and recipes. You could also offer special promotions or discounts to encourage sales, or partner with local businesses to sell your popcorn in their stores.

Can we donate excess popcorn inventory?

Yes, donating excess popcorn to local charities, schools, or community events can be a great way to give back while also clearing out inventory. Many organizations would appreciate the donation, and it can help raise awareness for your brand.

How can we promote our excess popcorn inventory effectively?

Utilize social media platforms to create buzz around your popcorn inventory. Share creative recipes, host giveaways, or run limited-time promotions to attract customers. Engaging content and visuals can help draw attention to your products.

Is it possible to bundle popcorn with other products?

Absolutely! Bundling popcorn with other popular items can create attractive offers for customers. For example, pairing popcorn with kitchen tools or seasonings from Pampered Chef can enhance the value and encourage purchases.

What are some creative ways to use excess popcorn in recipes?

There are many fun ways to incorporate popcorn into recipes! You can create popcorn balls, use it as a topping for salads or soups, or even make popcorn trail mix. Sharing these recipes can inspire customers to buy your excess inventory.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Rant State Farm Insurance: Our Frustrating Experience and Warning to Others
  • lesliec
    • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
12
Views
2K
flemings99
Help Support Our Scouts and Their Trip to D.C. with Popcorn Fundraiser!
  • esavvymom
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
19
Views
2K
esavvymom
Closing on Our House and Disappointments: A Real-Life Story
  • kcmckay
    • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
4
Views
1K
DebbieJ
Fundraiser Ideas for Cub Scouts (Non-Pampered Chef)
  • esavvymom
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
4
Views
2K
Wildfire
Personal Will We Lose Our Home? Need Help During Financial Struggle.
  • candiejayne
    • Pampered Chef Finances
2
Replies
46
Views
6K
wadesgirl
Personal Can a part-time job help stabilize my PC business?
  • AJPratt
    • Pampered Chef Finances
2
Replies
41
Views
4K
AJPratt
Help for Struggling Family in Northern Michigan
  • emmabelle47
    • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
11
Views
2K
PamperedDor
Are Siblings Allowed to Participate in All Cub Scout Activities?
  • ChefBeckyD
    • General Pampered Chef Chat
Replies
12
Views
3K
scottcooks
When Can I File Taxes? Important Information for 2021 Tax Season
  • ahammons
    • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
27
Views
5K
nilamji
Backordered Pantry Products: Important Update from The Pampered Chef
  • esavvymom
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
25
Views
10K
Lilamyw3
Back
Top