September 10 – October 31: Popcorn Fundraiser

It is the time for our annual popcorn fundraiser again!  The funds we raise through popcorn sale helps cover registration fees, trips, and activities for the scouts.  It is also a great learning opportunity for them to gain experiences in public speaking, math, salesmanship, perseverance, and teamwork.  In addition to the valuable learnings, it also comes with tangible rewards.  We highly encourage every scout, regardless of age or experience, to participate in the fundraiser!

Popcorn Kernels: Ravi Kotnana, Chris Chen

Ways to sell popcorn

1. Show and Sell (store front sales) — set up a table merchandised with products in front of stores.  Parents and scouts approach incoming customers for support.  Highest potential and generate more than 90% of our overall sales.
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 popcorn team and deliver at a later date.
4. Online Sales — share fundraising page (or scout code) via email or social media.  Supporters visit and transact on-line 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.

Store front sales

Getting ready

1. Download Trail’s End App.  (Text “APP” to 62771 to download, or download from Appstore/GooglePlay). One account per scout, so Mom or Dad will have to set up the account and share the login information with the other parent. Select "Meridian" for the district and "Pack 1776" for the unit. 
   • Siblings can share one account and combine their proceeds and donations toward the pack rankings.
2. After activation and sign-in, go to “Storefront Sales” and find shifts available for sign-up on the calendar (calendar icon).
3. Signing up for 2 or more shifts is recommended.  That almost guarantees your scout will get multiple rewards which gives them positive feedback for a good job done.

Selling popcorn

1. !! IMPORTANT !! If you have the first shift of the day, please pick up inventory and supplies the night before your shift from Popcorn Kernel Chris Chen.
2. Set up — set up table and tablecloth with banner secured in front of the table.  Set up display products with price label affixed.  Set up Pack donation bin and Square Credit Card reader.
3. Start of shift — please arrive 10 minutes before your shift begins.  Verify inventory and proceeds with previous shift scout/parent.  Make sure there’s $60 in small bills in cashbox for change.  Take envelopes with all proceeds thus far for the day to a secure location such as your car trunk that’s not visible.  We would like to minimize the amount of cash we keep at the table for safety reason.
4. Sales — Be friendly, smile and greet everyone.  Show gratitude even if someone does not show interest.  Record each sale in Trail’s End App with the appropriate payment type and also write it down on the tracking form.  Always say thank you.
5. End of shift — count inventory and proceeds with the next shift scout/parent.  Put all proceeds and donation from the shift, along with the tracking form, in a new envelope, then label, seal, and hand it to the next shift scout/parent.
6. End of day — return remaining inventory, all supplies, and all proceeds in envelopes to Chris Chen.

What is our goal?  What are the rewards?

Our goal is for every scout to sell $250

Every scout who sells $250 or more (popcorn proceeds + donations) win an Aluminum Sports Water Bottle!

The top three highest fundraisers through popcorn proceeds + donations will win the following prizes:

• 1st: $300 gift card for Disneyland!

• 2nd: REI two-person tent with footprint

• 3rd: Solar charger power bank

Additionally:

• Every scout who sells popcorn gets a Popcorn Patch
• $250 or more — receive an Aluminum Sports Water Bottle! (Only takes about 1-2 storefront shifts)
• $500 or more — qualify to win Amazon Gift Cards from Trail’s End
  • More than half of participating scouts won last year
• $1000 or more, not including Top 3 winners — receive a Digital Alarm Clock OR an day-hike first-aid kit!

Pack volunteer credit

Every shift gives you 1 hour toward the pack volunteer credit.  For shifts that require pick-up/drop-off of the inventory at Chris’ place, you get 1 more hour for the extra time needed.  If we change location mid-day, the scout/parent of the starting shift of the new location need to tear-down and set up the table, and will get 1 more hour of credit.

Tips and things to remember

1. All cub scouts to wear Class A Uniform.
2. Be courteous and respectful.
3. Cubs may ask “Would you like to support local cub scouts?” to approach customers.
4. Customers are delighted when cubs talk to them.  Cubs can tell them which popcorn is their favorite.
5. 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.
6. Make sure customers know we take credit cards.  Some customers may not have enough cash with them.
7. Please mark it down on your calendar when you sign up for a shift and make sure you do not miss it.
8. If you need additional popcorn or have any question, please call or text Chris/Ravi.  We will have someone on standby during popcorn sales hours.
9. Always smile and say thank you.
10. Congratulate your cubs for their results!

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

When selling door to door, please follow these safety rules:

• Never enter someone’s home.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you.
• Always walk on the sidewalk and driveway.
• Always sell with another scout or adult.
• Remember to wear your Class A uniform, be respectful and have fun!

Happy selling!