The most important decision that you will make in your unique fundraising efforts will be the use of proper incentives. It is not only the product line but the incentive you choose which can make or break your fundraising campaign. Using the services of a professional fundraising company is one of the best ways to ensure that things will go smoothly. They do this kind of thing professionally and will guide you in your decisions.



Here are 7 useful tips to use when deciding which products, incentives and fundraising consultant to use in your fundraiser.

1.) Quality

Does your consultant firm offer a high quality line of products? Value is extremely important to your target customers. In order to succeed your customer must feel that they are getting a good value for their investment.

2.) Support Materials

When choosing a fundraising consultant it is important that you take a good look at any support materials that they offer such as product catalogs. A nice looking brochure work to dramatically increase your sales.

3.) Hidden Costs

Hidden costs can sometimes be overwhelming. Make sure that you understand and have taken into account the cost of catalogs, brochures, and shipping. Remember, any costs that you overlook are going to come off of the bottom line.

One thing to consider is that not all cost to your group are bad cost. For instance if you are pitching in on the cost of a particular prize or two in order to offer it at a lower prize level than it would normally be offered, those cost will come back to you 10 times over in the form of extra profit.

4.) Free Sample Pack

Does your fundraising consultant firm offer a free sample pack? If so use this to evaluate the quality of your fundraising product line before placing an order.

5.) Policy

Inquire up front as to the policy of your fundraising consultant with regard to replacement goods in the event of product damage during shipping. Discover what the terms of your fundraising company's return policy is as well.

6.) Special Delivery

Will your product require special delivery methods such as refrigeration? Spoiled products are always a big concern when dealing with foodstuffs, especially frozen items.

One good thing about frozen cookie dough however, is that it does not require refrigeration like raw breads or cheesecake do. Take care in choosing your delivery area. If the cookie dough is delivered and placed in an area that is out of direct sunlight and not near a heat source brands of cookie dough like Chippery and Otis Spunkmeyer will deliver without the need for refrigeration. That is because sugar is actually a preservative in it's own right and these particular brand have the lowest water content of other fundraising cookie dough brands.

7.) References

What is the reputation of your fundraising company? Ask for a list of past customers and contact them regarding the performance of your fundraising company. Another thing you might ask about is what were the most popular items sold.

Choosing the proper fundraising company is very important to your fundraising efforts. These Seven tips will help you to choose a professional fundraising company that will work with you to ensure that your fundraiser is an overwhelming success.

Copyright (c) 2008 AIM Fundraising