Hello Scout Families!!

It’s time for our annual popcorn fundraiser! This year, we're focused on raising funds to replace some key equipment and support the activities that enrich our scouting experience. We’re counting on your help to make this a successful fundraiser!

Selling popcorn is more than just raising money; it’s a great way to develop important skills like public speaking, math, salesmanship, and perseverance. Every scout, regardless of age or experience, is encouraged to participate and contribute.

The funds we raise through popcorn help cover registration fees, equipment, trips, and activities for the scouts.  In addition to the valuable learnings, it also comes with tangible rewards (Trail’s End awards Amazon gift cards based on sales amount, please check the rewards flyer).  We highly encourage every scout, regardless of age or experience, to participate in the fundraiser!

Parents: We need your support too! Please help out by providing support to handle money at the storefronts.

Popcorn contacts (Ravi K, Radha V, Charlie Y)

We are here to provide logistical support to all participating scouts and parents.  When you text message, please don’t forget to state your scout Name and Den 

Storefront sales

Getting ready

1. Download Trail’s End App.  (Text “APP” to 62771 to download, or download from Appstore/Google Play).  Select “Golden Gate Area Council” for the council, "Meridian" for the district, and "Pack 1776" for the unit.  Our unit code “9KRUG”
   Steps to find out BSA/Member Id:
   1. Login to my.scouting.org 
   2. Click the menu in the upper left corner 
   3. Select Manage Member ID
      
2. After activation and sign-in, go to “Storefront Sales” and find shifts available for sign-up on the calendar (calendar icon).
3. Once you sign into the account on the App, you can sign up for shifts by going to the “Storefront Sales” calendar.
4. Signing up for 2 or more shifts is recommended.  This ensures the scout gets a chance to start a positive feedback loop in which they get to apply what they learned from the previous storefront experience.  This also likely allows the scout enough opportunity to sell enough popcorn to qualify for Trail’s End’s Amazon gift card reward.

Selling popcorn

1. IMPORTANT !! - If you are the first scout to sell for the day, please pick up inventory and supplies, the night before your shift from Mr. Ravi Kotnana at 152 CoralFlower Lane, San Ramon CA 94582.
2. Set up —set up table and tablecloth with banner secured in front of the table.  Set up display products with price labels affixed.  Set up a Donation jar and Square Credit Card reader.
3. Start of shift —please arrive 10 minutes before your shift begins.  Verify inventory and proceed with the previous shift scout/parent.  Make sure there’s $60 in small bills in the cashbox for change. 
4. Sales —Be friendly, smile and greet everyone.  Show gratitude even if someone does not show interest.  Always say “thank you”.
5. Record each sale in Trail’s End App with the appropriate payment type and write it down on the tracking form. 
6. End of shift—count inventory and proceed with the next shift scout/parent.  Put all proceeds and donations from the shift, along with the tracking form, in a new envelope, then label, seal, and hand it to the next shift scout/parent.
7. End of day (last shift of the day) —return remaining inventory, all supplies, and all proceeds in envelopes to Mr.Ravi Kotnana

Donation

            Some people prefer to give a cash donation than purchasing popcorn.  We appreciate and welcome any amount.  If the customer is not sure about buying popcorn, go ahead and ask if they are willing to donate a small amount.  Cash donations go into the Pack 1776 Donation jar.  

If people prefer to make a donation via credit card, it is available on the Trail’s End app as “Heroes and Helpers Donation”, however, the donation does not go to Pack 1776.

Tips and Reminders

1. All scouts wear Class A Uniform properly when selling popcorn.
2.  Be courteous and respectful.
3. Scouts may ask “Would you like to support local scouts?” to approach customers, or create a sales pitch and practice:  

“Hi, my name is ________ (first name only!) and I’m earning my way to ____________ (your goal)! Can I count on your support? My favorite flavor is _____________ (pick one!). If you don’t have cash, don’t worry, we prefer credit cards!”

1.  If customers are not sure if they are willing to buy popcorn, encourage them to donate any amount to the donation bin and thank them.
2. Make sure customers know we take credit cards and contactless payments.  Some customers may not have enough cash with them.
3. Please mark it down on your calendar when you sign up for a shift and make sure you do not miss it.
4. If you need additional popcorn or have any questions, please call or text Ravi/Charlie.  We will have someone on standby during popcorn sales hours.
5. Remember, always smile and say thank you.  Everyone appreciates that.

For additional information about online selling and additional selling tips, please visit www.trails-end.com

Other ways to sell popcorn

Besides storefronts, there are other ways available to sell popcorn.  

1. Online Sales—share fundraising page (or scout code) via email or social media.  Supporters visit and transact online at www.trails-end.com.  Makes it easy to get support from friends and family who do not live close by.  A good way to generate extra sales without additional time from parents and scouts.
2. Show and Deliver (wagon sales)—parents and scouts take products in wagons and sell door-to-door in the neighborhood.
3. Take Order—parents and scouts go door-to-door and collect orders, return them to the popcorn team, and deliver them at a later date.

PRIZES: 

Thank you all for your commitment and support. Let’s make this year’s fundraiser our best yet!