Four Ways to Run Your Fundraiser
Every school is different. The right fundraising model depends on your volunteer capacity, storage space, event calendar, and how hands-on you want to be. Here’s a clear breakdown of your four options — with the pros, the logistics, and who each one is best for.
Ready-to-Sell Inventory Delivered Upfront
Your product inventory arrives at your school before the fundraiser begins — no pre-payment required (subject to pre-approval). Students have product in hand and can sell and deliver instantly.
High-traffic events, athletic games, and “on-the-spot” supporter moments.
See profit grow in real-time as families walk away with product in hand.
World’s Finest Chocolate · Classic & Gourmet Lollipops · Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Dough · Bliss Freeze Dried Candy · Smencils by Scentco · Gingerbread Holiday Shoppe
- Apply for pre-approval (quick, no upfront payment)
- Inventory delivered before fundraiser starts
- Students sell directly at events or on campus
- Remit payment after the sale — keep your profit
Time-Tested Order Forms, Zero Inventory Hassle
The method that’s worked for generations. Students take home a brochure, collect orders and payment from family, neighbors, and friends, then submit the combined order at the end of the sale period.
Schools with established volunteer networks and set distribution days.
Zero inventory to manage. Product arrives after orders and money are in hand.
World’s Finest Chocolate · Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Dough · Bliss Freeze Dried Candy · Gourmet Snickers/Twix/Dove Fudge · Nancy Daniels Gift Catalogue · Affordable Items Gift Catalog
- Brochures and order forms provided for every student
- Students collect orders and payment over a 1–2 week window
- Compiled orders submitted for fulfillment
- Product delivered to your school on a scheduled date
- Volunteers distribute product to families
Maximum Reach — Local Sales Plus a Nationwide Online Store
Combine the brochure approach with a custom online store branded for your school. Local supporters order from students directly, while out-of-town relatives, coworkers, and friends nationwide order online.
Schools wanting maximum profit and out-of-town supporter reach.
Double your sales potential. Social sharing multiplies reach effortlessly.
World’s Finest Chocolate · Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Dough · Bliss Freeze Dried Candy · Nancy Daniels Gift Catalogue · Affordable Items Gift Catalog · Color Runs / Fun Runs / Thons · Digital & Virtual Thons
- Brochures provided AND your custom online school store set up
- Students sell locally using traditional brochures
- Family and friends nationwide order online, direct-to-home shipping
- Local orders delivered to your school on a scheduled date
- Online orders ship directly — no extra work for your school
Zero Paperwork, Zero Product Handling
A streamlined, paperless fundraiser. No brochures to print, no order forms to track, no product to distribute. Everything happens through your dedicated online school portal with direct shipping to customers.
Busy parent groups or programs wanting a low-touch, high-efficiency sale.
We handle all the logistics and shipping — you focus on promoting.
World’s Finest Chocolate · Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Dough · Gourmet Branded Popcorn · Bliss Freeze Dried Candy · Nancy Daniels Gift Catalogue · Affordable Items Gift Catalog · Color Runs / Fun Runs / Thons · Digital & Virtual Thons · Build-A-Buddy
- Your custom online school store is set up with your branding
- You share the link via email, text, and social media
- Supporters order online — no paperwork or cash handling
- Every order ships directly to the customer
- You receive your profit check — that’s it
Quick Comparison
All four models side by side.
| Feature | On-Site Sales | Classic Brochure | Brochure + Online | 100% Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inventory upfront | ✓ Yes | — No | — No | — No |
| Online store included | Depends on product | — No | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Direct-to-home shipping | — No | — No | Online only | ✓ All orders |
| School handles product | ● Yes | ● Yes | Local orders | ✓ Never |
| Volunteer effort required | Low to Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
Still deciding which model fits your school?
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