How to Choose a Product Fundraising Partner
Are you and your supporters tired of the same old fundraising ideas? If you’re reading this right now, chances are you’ve fallen into a fundraising rut. Given that fundraisers thrive off originality and interest from your audience, this might pose a problem for your larger fundraising strategy.
Luckily, there is one timeless fundraising idea that can help put some pep in your step! Product fundraisers are a great way to get your supporters excited about your organization's cause and to raise plenty of money for your work. After all, who doesn’t love getting a little something in return while supporting a cause they love?
Let’s dive into how you can get involved with a product fundraising partner and how this type of campaign can revitalize your organization’s fundraising efforts.
What is a product fundraiser?
A product fundraising partner like ABC Fundraising provides items that you sell to supporters and you reap a percentage of the profit while the partner receives the other percentage. This is an easy and accessible fundraising format that any organization can add to its arsenal. Plus, it’s a fundraiser that guarantees your supporters get something in return: in this case, a product provided by your partner. Here are some of the other advantages of hosting a product fundraiser:
It’s a high-profit, low-risk campaign. In some cases, your organization can reap up to 93% of the profits from a product fundraiser! It’s so low-risk because your fundraising partner will help you determine which items will be the most popular with your audience. For instance, if your audience is mainly comprised of students, a cookie dough fundraiser is sure to attract the sweet-toothed kids.
Partners offer popular products. For example, your partner could provide a useful item such as a scratch card. Instead of just offering one product, you can appeal to a larger audience by including rewards for numerous vendors around town. This will make your product popular with a wide range of people in your community.
It can be easily adapted to online formats. A key part of fundraising is meeting your audience where they are, and today, they’re online! Online fundraisers are incredibly successful as they can reach new audiences outside of your existing supporter base. According to Double the Donation, introducing an online donation option can yield a 190% increase in donations. Many product fundraising partners offer the creation of an online store where supporters can buy your products. It’s super simple and doesn’t require a sluggish mail-in form. Your supporters will also get their items faster, which means money in your pocket faster!
You don’t have to run it alone. One of the best parts of having a partner is that they’ll help you through the entire process. That way you don’t have to be nervous about taking on a project that you don’t have the time or bandwidth to do.
No matter what products you’ll be offering, your supporters will love your fresh take on fundraising!
What to Look for in a Product Fundraising Company
Now that you know more about product fundraisers and the role your partner can play in them, it’s time to discuss the attributes of a high-quality partner.
1. They’re a true partner.
Above all else, your product fundraising partner should be more than just a partner in name. They should treat you with respect and help you throughout the entire process. Some other qualities and actions of a true partner include:
Addresses customer service concerns and is very responsive
Willing to work with you personally and learn about your cause
Is invested in your organization’s success
This might go without saying, but you should only work with people and companies that you trust. Be sure that your fundraising partner is professional and effective.
2. They have great reviews.
The first thing you should do before working with a product fundraising partner is to look at their reviews. Don’t just look at the star rating – read a wide variety of reviews and note any trends between them. Also, ask your colleagues in the space about their experience with this partner. You should only proceed once you have confirmation that they’ll be an asset to your fundraising efforts!
3. They offer customer-friendly features.
Product fundraisers have undergone a transformation brought about by the 21st century’s technology revolution. This means that you can offer even more flexibility and accessibility to your supporters. A great product fundraising partner will empower you to facilitate a smoother donor journey and set up a campaign that will improve donor retention. Here are some examples of useful features that your fundraising partner should offer:
Multiple delivery options. The most popular way to get items delivered is by offering your donors a pick-up at one central location, or by delivering the items yourself. But, to offer the most flexibility to your donors, look for a fundraising partner that can provide home delivery. This can take the burden off of you and your supporters will receive their product quickly.
Many types of products. In order to appeal to the widest audience base, your product fundraising partner should have a plethora of products to offer to your target market. For instance, For example, ABC Fundraising offers discount cards, branded merchandise, and snack items like popcorn. Whatever products you offer, they should be unique, useful, and of high quality.
Offers fundraisers for different audiences. Your fundraising partner should understand the market for each item so they can properly advise you about which option would be best for your organization. For instance, the best fit for your organization might vary if you’re marketing to schoolchildren and their families than if you’re marketing towards adult churchgoers.
Provides an online store. The best fundraising product companies offer fundraising web stores. Make sure the web store is functional and user-friendly so that it provides more value for your supporters. The right partner will be able to do the heavy lifting on this for you. Plus, online stores are easily shareable on online platforms, such as social media, which can add a valuable peer-to-peer element to your campaign.
It’s your job to make sure that your donors are taken care of so that they want to give again in the future. Your partner should make this job as easy as possible!
About the Author:
Debbie Salat is the director of fundraising activities and product development at ABC Fundraising.
Debbie joined ABC Fundraising in 2010 and is responsible for launching over 6500 fundraising campaigns for schools, churches, youth sports teams and non-profit organizations all across the USA. With over 20 years of fundraising experience, Debbie knows the path to success for fundraisers which she shares with groups on a daily basis so they can achieve their fundraising goals.