Frustrating Hosts - Venting Alert

[Kathytnt]

I just have to vent I do a ton of fundraisers around the country. I really do not see how it can be so hard to collect $150 in PC orders when you are trying to raise $4000 for an event. One chairperson collected 3 order that total less than $40. Another person is having me total her orders for her friends and have them individually send me payment. She isn't even collecting the order. How lazy is that? I am not sure if I am even going to be getting these orders. Her show is barely going to make $150 at this rate. I can't even send it in as a fundraiser plus I am having to eat the postage if they write me a check or send a money order and I have to send them in as indivdual orders.

I have other hosts that regularly do $5-700 shows no problem

I give these people all my commision (minus packet postage) to help with their fundraising

 

[amy07]

Some people just don't get it! They think just by saying that they want to do makes it happen. I just don't think that most people understand that they have to do some legwork as well.
Sorry you're having a difficult time

 

[pchefkristin]

I try to meet with the entire group if possible.
One of my favorite lines to use with Fund raising groups is this, "Does everyone remember the Hokey Pokey? Do you remember what the last thing you put in? YOUR WHOLE SELF! I am committed to putting my whole self into YOUR fundraiser. Because I am donating my commission, I am making nothing from working with your group. So all I ask is that you also put your whole selves into this fund raiser and truly make it a huge success for your group."

 

[julesh]

I try to meet with the entire group if possible.

That is sooooo important! I recently chaired a fundraiser, and ended signing under the consultant because I was so impressed with how she handled our group. I can say, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that her meeting with our group was THE key to our success. Not everyone was familiar with PC or how the concept of the fundraiser worked, and by the end of brief meeting she had everyone so excited!

 

[GeorgiaPeach]

I try to meet with the entire group if possible.
One of my favorite lines to use with Fund raising groups is this, "Does everyone remember the Hokey Pokey? Do you remember what the last thing you put in? YOUR WHOLE SELF! I am committed to putting my whole self into YOUR fundraiser. Because I am donating my commission, I am making nothing from working with your group. So all I ask is that you also put your whole selves into this fund raiser and truly make it a huge success for your group."

Cute quote!!

Kathy....this might sound funny but you might want to re-think offering them your entire commission. Here's why....people tend to be more committed to something that they have made an investment in. For example: A very large church that I know of sells tickets for ladie's events (dinners, speakers, etc) for a small amount (even though they could afford to offer it free). The reasoning is if you paid $5 for a ticket you are more likely to attend than if you were handed a ticket for free.

You might want to change it to offering your commission amount on a sliding scale. If they reach X amount of sales, you will add 10% (from your commission); if they reach XX amount of sales, you will add 15%; etc.

It gives them something to reach for and work for, instead of thinking they will be handed a bonus (your commission) no matter what effort they put into it.

Just a thought......

 

[speedychef]

The other problem with adding YOUR commission is that you have money out...you have catalogs and paperworks and time invested, you shouldn't give ALL your commission, and I am just learning that!

 

[Kathytnt]

I can't meet with all of these groups - A few are here most are individuals raising money and many are in different states

I am working on revamping my program - I may lose some particiapnts but not longer losing my shirt so to speak. I am doing this in memory of my mom but sometimes it's really hard.

 

[Chef Kearns]

That is sooooo important! I recently chaired a fundraiser, and ended signing under the consultant because I was so impressed with how she handled our group. I can say, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that her meeting with our group was THE key to our success. Not everyone was familiar with PC or how the concept of the fundraiser worked, and by the end of brief meeting she had everyone so excited!

If you don't mind could you please tell me what she said to you guys? I have my first fundraiser coming up. I'm meeting with the group on Monday. I am nervous because I want it to be successful for them (and me). I want to look like I know what I'm doing. I have been honest with the chair. I told her I have never done a fundraiser before. I would like it to run smoothly.

They will be taking packets with them on Monday then we will have an event on Saturday April 28th (a Bingo). All orders will need to be collected and turned in on that day. Do any of you have a letter that you give to the people with the packets? I searched the files, but only saw prospecting letters.

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Losing Money?

I can't meet with all of these groups - A few are here most are individuals raising money and many are in different states

I am working on revamping my program - I may lose some particiapnts but not longer losing my shirt so to speak. I am doing this in memory of my mom but sometimes it's really hard.

That's horrible when you are being so generous and having to lose money!!
I suggest you tell this person that if she doesn't bump up her sales she is going to have to get these people to pay more for shipping on individual orders. They all can't be great hosts but you sure can tell the ones giving you problems what you expect and if they don't do that, lose that participant. It's less work for you and less money wasted. It's your business!!!! Remember that and even though this is in memory of your mother, it shouldn't be a hassle! It should be fun and profitable for the organization! You did a great job! Sorry she didn't appreciate that!!

Debbie