Fundraising FAQs
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Click here to download more information (.pdf)
Click here to download more information (.pdf)
- What is product fundraising?
- Why is product fundraising effective?
- What do you need to be successful?
- How can Cherrydale help our organization in our fundraising efforts?
- Can any group or organization participate in Cherrydale’s fundraisers?
- Do I have to go "door-to-door" to make the program a success?
- How do I get started?
- Can I choose to use any number or combination of brochures?
- What percent of fundraising sales will my group receive?
- How do your free incentive programs work?
- Do you require a minimum order?
- Do you require any money up front?
- Who can I call if I have questions during my product fundraising campaign?
- Do I have to pay for the product brochures I need to run my campaign?
- How much time should I give my sellers to actually sell?
- Do I collect the money at the time the sale is made or on delivery?
- What do I do once all orders and monies have been collected?
- How do I know how much money we’ve made?
- When and how should I remit payment?
- When will I receive my order?
- Are shipping charges included?
- What’s the best location for distributing the order?
- When should I begin distributing the products?
- What do I do when my shipment arrives?
- Is it O.K. if food products are un-refrigerated for a period of time?
What is product fundraising?
Product fundraising is one of the most preferred ways many non-profit organizations choose to raise money. Non-profit groups use our catalogs to sell popular consumer products, such as candy, magazines or gift wrap, to friends and family, and in return keep a portion of the proceeds.
Why is product fundraising effective?
Unlike other “do-it-yourself” fundraising efforts, which tend to be much more labor-intensive and often result in much less profit, with product fundraising, Cherrydale acts as your liaison between the product supplier and you. We are available to provide guidance and support and trouble-shoot any problems that might arise, reducing volunteer time and energy while maximizing sales. Product sales work because results are fast and people like buying products for a worthy cause. Each year, non-profit groups net approximately $2 billion through product fundraising.
What do you need to be successful?
An enthusiastic volunteer sales force, outstanding products, and superb coordination, from order taking to delivery.
How can Cherrydale help our organization in our fundraising efforts?
We have the knowledge and expertise needed to help make your fundraising program a success. With our help more than 20,000 schools and organizations raise over $66 million annually. Our catalogs offer your supporters a multitude of products ranging from gift wrap to licensed brand items to our renowned chocolates and confections. We take great pride in being a company of people helping people.
Can any group or organization participate in Cherrydale’s fundraisers?
Yes, any non-profit group that needs additional monies and has a solid base of volunteers willing to help run a fundraising program can benefit from our programs.
Do I have to go "door-to-door" to make the program a success?
Many people confuse product fundraising with “door-to-door sales.” In reality, most product fundraising sales are made to parents, family members, friends, co-workers and online. You do not need to ring every doorbell in your neighborhood for your fundraising drive to be successful.
How do I get started?
Simply contact us at 1-800-333-2565 or e-mail us and Cherrydale will expedite your call or e-mail to the salesperson in your state. He/she will then ask for more information about your organization and send out a complete packet of brochures and services offered.
Can I choose to use any number or combination of brochures?
Yes and No! Yes, you get to choose from the many brochures offered by Cherrydale. However, depending on your school, the salesperson will guide your organization to the best possible combination to help maximize your profits. Most organizations will select one of our mega shoppers (variety of products) and add one of our exclusive tag brochures. e.g. Bartons Gourmet Nuts, Bartons Good-For-You Snacks, Fashion Jewelry and more. Our trained salesperson will let you know what will work best for your organization.
What percentage of fundraising sales will my group receive?
Most programs that Cherrydale carries run between 40%-50% profit to the organization. This all depends on programs selected, prize programs, and services needed.
How do your free incentive programs work?
Cherrydale offers a wide selection of prize programs to help motivate your sellers. We carry both cumulative and pick-a-prize style programs. We stock both elementary and middle schools prize programs. All prize programs are usually free to the school, however, some organizations customize their particular prize program to their specific needs and either pay for these additions or split the costs with the salesperson.
Do you require a minimum order?
No, there is no minimum order required for your program fundraiser. However, when selecting a program that requires refrigeration (e.g. pizza, cookie dough, pies), a shipping cost will be in effect if the minimum sale is not met. Ask your salesperson to go over minimums with you!
Do you require any money up front?
No. Payment is not required up front. You will be invoiced after delivery has been made. We ask that all organizations check shipments and return payment within 30 days.
Who can I call if I have questions during my product fundraising campaign?
If at anytime you have questions, please contact your salesperson or contact his/her CSR (Customer Service Representative) at 1-800-333-2565 We're here to make your job easier and we’ll be by your side every step of the way.
Do I have to pay for the product brochures I need to run my campaign?
No. Cherrydale will send you as many fundraising product brochures as you need at no charge.
How much time should I give my sellers to actually sell?
Plan on two to three weeks of selling. Be sure to include at least two weekends in the selling time.
Do I collect the money at the time the sale is made or on delivery?
Our organizations use both pre-pay and post-pay methods. Pre-pay is when your sellers take orders and receive payment upfront. These funds are deposited in your account. Post–pay is when your sellers take orders but collect either when picking up orders or after delivery has been made.
What do I do once all orders and monies have been collected?
Contact your salesperson and let them know that you are ready to either send in orders or have them picked up. Depending on your location and salesperson, they will guide you through the shipping process.
How do I know how much money we’ve made?
Usually within 5 days of receiving your orders at our tally department you can go online and review your invoice summaries. The sponsor will be given a 4-digit code and school id # to use in retrieving many different reports online. You will also receive all of these reports the day of delivery in the form of a spiral notebook.
When and how should I remit payment?
Payment is due upon receipt of invoice. Please send a cashier’s check, school check or business account check to Cherrydale for the amount due (shown at the bottom of the invoice). A self addressed envelope will be supplied with your invoice.
When will I receive my order?
Most orders will be tallied, packed and shipped to your organization in no later than 3 weeks. Ask your salesperson about our special 14 day turnaround time.
Are shipping charges included?
Yes, all freight charges will be paid as long as the minimums (refrigerated products) are met. Please consult your salesperson for those minimums.
What’s the best location for distributing the order?
Gymnasiums, cafeterias or other large areas make excellent distribution locations. Be sure you have at least two adult volunteers available during order pick-up.
When should I begin distributing the products?
Begin distribution of orders the day of or the day after they arrive. Set a specific date and time for parents to pick up orders. Schools often accommodate after school or evening pick-up times. Make sure notices are sent home with date(s) and time(s) of distribution.
What do I do when my shipment arrives?
Count the boxes you have received, and compare them with the delivery receipt. If they match, sign off on the delivery receipt. Sort orders by classrooms. If there is a damaged box or a missing box please note and let the salesperson know so that a proper credits and/or a re-shipment (at no cost to you) can be made.
Is it O.K. if food products are un-refrigerated for a period of time?
All perishable products need to be refrigerated ASAP. That means after distribution to parents all orders not picked up must be stored in refrigerators. It is important that parents pick up perishable items. Cherrydale is not responsible for product left out and not stored properly.
