| How
To Choose A Fundraising Company
Whether
this is your first fundraiser or your 100th,
you'll be faced with decisions. One of them
will be how to choose a fundraising company.
It's hard enough to plan a fundraising campaign,
so you want to be sure the company you choose
works with you and isn't just in it for a
quick sale. Below are some things to think
about during your search and decision process.
Good
Fundraising Companies Ask Questions
Good
fundraising companies will need to know about
your group to help you the best. This is what
they should ask you:
1. Your group's financial goal
2. Your fundraising timeline
3. The number of potential participants
and their ages
4. Any historical information you can
provide (e.g. past fundraisers, participation
levels, successes and failures).
If they don't ask these questions, this may
suggest that they don't really care about you.
It's in a good company's best interest to care
and help make your fundraiser a success. They
are looking to build customer loyalty and want
to be around a long time.
Things
You Need to Know About A Fundraising Company
1.
How long has the company been in business?
2. How many years of experience does the company
representative have in fundraising?
3. Do they listen to your needs and are easy
to work with? If so, then they will help you
later if problems arise.
4. Are the their products of high quality? If
so, then your fundraiser will raise more with
less hassle.
5. What is the percentage profit of sales? Although
the percentage profit is important, there are
many other factors that need to be considered
(product quality, shipping included, time saving
help).
6. What services are available to save you and
your volunteers time and energy? Does the company
provide checklists, collection envelopes, tally
sheets and pre-sorting?
7. Are products paid for in advance or upon
delivery? Will they work with you on a fair
payment option?
8. Is there an incentive or prize program? If
so, who pays for it?
9. How are products shipped and when? Who pays
the freight?
10. What is the policy regarding damaged or
unsold product? What about back orders?
11. Can the company provide references?
Once you find a fundraising company that matches
up to the points above, you'll ensure better
success on your next fundraiser and many fundraisers
to come.
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