Everyone likes to be recognized for their extra efforts - especially kids. However, some items are motivating and others are not. Try to develop a prize program that is unique, motivational, and gets the production up “per seller” vs. just throwing money at something that really isn’t working. Below are some prize ideas and things that have worked for other reps.
1.Cash is King This is true for all student sellers, but more specifically your older kids who need spending money or more specifically GAS money. Cash prizes for the top seller or top 3 sellers are a great motivator.
2.Age-appropriate prizes Key chains and school spirit wear or gear are great incentives for pretty much any age seller. Talk through options with the sponsor or administration to make sure you are in line with those items and that they will be motivational and help increase sales across the board. 3.KISS approach Keep It Simple Stupid!!! Don’t overcomplicate the prize program. If you want to do a participation prize for anyone who sells a single item that’s great. The main purpose behind the prizes is to motivate the sellers, get them moving and selling quickly, and recognize those efforts.
4.Instant gratification Younger sellers like instant gratification and winning the prize immediately. Again make sure it follows the KISS principle and that it makes sense.
5.Share the cost Don’t be afraid to ask the sponsor/coach/teacher to help cover the cost of the prizes. If they want an elaborate prize program (gift cards, food, cash, etc) then they should chip in to cover at least half if not all the prize costs. Have this conversation BEFORE THE SALE starts - not at the end - and certainly don’t spring it on them at the last minute.
6.Cost is a factor If cost is a factor and you don’t have extra resources, get creative. Offer a free homework pass. Offer 15 extra minutes of recess. Offer to have lunch with your favorite teacher or the principal. Be principal for a day. Preferred parking spot for a month or a semester. The principal sleeps on the school roof overnight. Head shaving of the principal or silly string party for all the participants to douse the principal or coach. All of these things are great incentives with zero (or minimal) cost attached to them.
7.Ask for ideas If you are having trouble figuring out a good prize program or something that makes sense, shoot an email to sales@savearound.com and we’ll be happy to brainstorm some prize options and ideas with you.
Prize Ideas
coupon books
gift cards
earbuds
lanyards
key chains
apparel
free pass for ______ while at school
free parking spot for (designated time frame)
lunch with the principal or favorite teacher
extra privileges - extra time at recess, free homework pass
Elaborate prize incentives might include: *pizza or ice cream party for the entire class, grade, or school *limo ride during the school day to and from lunch (top 10 sellers) *game day experience - professional sports team - locker room tour, on the field or the court, meet and greet (maybe) with some of the pro athletes
One of the supplementary product lines SaveAround offers is Popcorn. SaveAround partners with Poppin’ Popcorn out of Michigan and who doesn’t love popcorn. A variety of several delicious flavors are offered at a reasonable retail price point. Brochures are located on the ifcsavearound.com website or contact sales@savearound.com for more info.
Go back and re-read the May and June articles as it relates to building a productive Fall season. Since the coupon books at SaveAround print late July and early August, fall actually starts mid-summer Review your budget and personal goals for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022. Translate that into the number of groups and the number of books to be sold. Develop your target market listing of specific groups, accounts, schools, and people you want to go after. Look at markets outside your comfort zone and try to sign at least 1 or 2 this Fall and give it a try. If you need help in these areas, please reach out to sales@savearound.com and schedule some time to brainstorm ideas for a productive Fall 2021 or to go over your financial goals and how it relates to groups, production, sell through, quantities, etc.
Fun Facts
1.Which tower actually grows in the heat of the summer? The Eiffel tower - on a colder day it is 6” shorter
2.What happens more often in the summer because of the warm humid air? Thunderstorms - 16 million annually with the majority in the summer months
3.Which place holds a hotdog contest on Independence Day annually? Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY since 1972 - Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
4.What beach sport was made official in 1986? Beach Volleyball
5.What horror film directed by Steven Spielberg takes place in the summertime involving sharks? Jaws (1975)
6.What insects are most prevalent in the summer months? Mosquitoes
7.What star is associated with the phrase “dog days of summer”? Sirius
8.What resort boasts the highest number of pools in the world? Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickinson - a five-star Malaysian resort with 639 pools
9.How long is the largest cruise ship? 4 football fields / the 18 decker, 1188 ft long, Symphony of the Seas cruise ship has 2759 cabins, 22 restaurants and, 24 pools
10.What country has the largest waterpark? Germany
How long have you worked for SaveAround? Previously I worked with SaveAround as my vendor for 8 years before joining the team. I have been a part of the team now for over 2 years and involved in the fundraising industry for almost 29 years.
What is your favorite thing about your job? I get to talk to reps all over the country and some have become lifelong friends. I love helping others!
Favorite things to do outside work? Church, softball, umpiring, & spending time with my family.
Favorite food? Ice cream
Favorite teams? Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), Vanderbilt Commodores, and any SEC team when they aren’t playing Vandy.
Married? widowed
Kids? Two boys - Darrell and Stephen
Pets? Rescue dog - Magnum (boxer mix)
Favorite place you have visited? British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, and Maine
What is something that most people don’t know about you? I pitched a perfect game in college playing fast-pitch softball my sophomore year and still hold a few records even today. :)
Something you live by daily:Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. Try to be kind and do the right thing even when no one sees it and you will be rewarded when you least expect it.
IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS, OR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE NEWSLETTER?
Do you have an idea or topic that you would like to see covered in the Community Conversation newsletter? If so, please send it to sales@savearound.com and we’ll get right on it. Remember if it is something that you would like to know more about or learn about then chances are someone else needs to know it, too.
