SaveAround's Community Conversation

Earlier this week, SaveAround was featured and recognized as the Business of the Week by the Chamber of Commerce in Binghamton, NY. Click on the link to see the interview with the Chairman and Company Founder, Raymond Stanton, II, as he highlights the humble beginnings of Savearound, graduating to the garage, and growing the company into a multi-million dollar company. Over the past 45+ years, SaveAround has helped thousands of schools and non-profits raise needed funds all across the country.

https://fb.watch/gpb8aVUqoW/

Teamwork is a critical key to being successful while recognizing that all of the members are important. There are several aspects of the team and it is important to remember that each cog in the wheel is vital. If you decide to play “solo” along the way you will most likely be beaten by a team. What are the important parts of our “team” here at SaveAround?

"Great things in business are never done by one person; they're done by a team of people." ~ Steve Jobs

1. Independent Consultants / Reps
The reps are the frontline of the sales efforts and the first opportunity to make a good first impression out in the field. Sales are generated through the salespeople and they are critical to making the wheels turn. Skilled and knowledgeable, the reps must not only know their products inside and out, but also be able to build (and maintain) relationships with their customers. They must possess exceptional communication skills and be extremely flexible and willing to adapt.

"None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful." ~ Mother Teresa

2. Customers and Groups
The second part of the team is the customers and groups that work with our company. While the reps get them set up and ready to go, the chairperson has a lot of responsibility, too. Hopefully, they are organized and up to the task while motivating other school staff, PTO, parents, and students while working a full time job. Many times, fundraising is an “extra” piece of their workload and while it is rewarding to raise funds for the team or the club, or the school, it is usually a thankless position.

"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, & working together is success." – Henry Ford

3. SaveAround In House Teams
(Group Relations Team, Sales Team, Customer Service Team, Warehouse team) The third part of the team is the internal members of our team. We have the salesforce and the customers, but now we need the in-house team to tie the bow on the package. The in house team will assist in setting up contracts, shipping books, answering questions, and sending an invoice or shipping label. They will help the reps and the customers throughout the process and help achieve and accomplish the goals of the overall team.

The key to an effective team is remembering that EVERYONE is VALUABLE. Without the salesforce, there are no orders or groups to work with. Without the customers, there are no uniforms or equipment to purchase or playgrounds to build. Without the in house team, there are no contracts entered, books shipped, or emails sent. It takes EVERY SINGLE PART OF THE TEAM to make the project a “go” and in the same direction. As we continue into the heat of the season and the stress of doing the daily tasks, try to stop along the way and say THANKS to a fellow teammate. Remember, we are all in this thing together. Ask yourself - are you a productive helpful member of the team or not so much?

"The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work." ~ Vince Lombardi Jr.

IFC Website - where is it and what’s it for?

The IFC website is a valuable tool designed with the ICs in mind. This website is dedicated to providing the reps with support materials and everything they need in a single location. Visit www.ifcsavearound.com. Click Resources and then scroll down. You will see everything from helpful videos, to downloads, editable PDFs, and archived newsletters. Each section is specifically designed for a Product Line and it's collateral or support materials are below each header.

The main sections include Videos; Important Forms; Coupon Books; Apparel; First Aid Kits; and Newsletters. You are encouraged to visit this site often as the materials you need will be located there and you can download them at your convenience. If there is something you don’t see or think should be on this website, please contact sales@savearound.com and let the team know what is missing.

Profit Checks

Some groups do their sale as “online only” while others have a high volume of online purchases. Sometimes the online sales exceed the cash and check sales. In that case, a profit check would be requested and sent to the group. Make sure that the field on the Agreement for the profit check is filled out. This includes WHO to make the check payable to (i.e. booster club, the school itself, the club name, etc) plus the mailing address for payment. This will help expedite the profit check at the conclusion of their sale. If you have any questions about profit checks or need assistance, please email the team: grouprelations@savearound.com.