SaveAround's Community Conversation

In previous articles, we discussed SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time frame). All key components in measuring goals and figuring out if you hit them or not.
Another key to goal setting is figuring out how many new groups are possible and how to achieve that in terms of goal setting. In an earlier email, it was communicated that “we want everyone to be productive while effectively working with as many groups as possible.”

How Many IS Possible?

First, you need to ask yourself, what is your income goal? How many groups based on an average wholesale per group would you need to run to get there? Once you have identified how many groups where will you go to get them and not just big groups? How many each month? Break it down and figure out how many you will need to meet with each day?
Now, what are you willing to do to hit your goal? If it’s important enough ANYTHING is possible. People can miraculously lift a car off a child for example.

What will it take for you to make an additional $2k? $5k? $10k? How many people do you need to meet with to hit that goal? Here are some case studies from some reps in the market:

Rep A: 35 groups / $4600 per group / All elementary school wides w/the exception of 2 groups
Rep B: 20 groups / $2613 per group / All music (band/choir) groups w/the exception of 3 groups
Rep C: 25 groups / $1742 per group / 10 schoolwides, 5 clubs, 6 music, 4 other
Rep D: 9 groups / $4521 per group / All sports teams w/the exception of 1 group
Rep E: 28 groups / $1525 per group / Schoolwides, sports, music, cheer, and clubs

So once you know the WPG (wholesale per group) you know how many more groups are needed to hit your income goal. Do you need more groups? Do you need larger producing groups? Do you need to move into a different group type? Are all of your eggs in one basket? Do you need to work with more of a variety of groups?

Where are you going to get them “in season”? This is prospecting the B and C groups in the secondary markets in your high schools, middle schools, and elementaries. The big groups are easy targets (football, band, large clubs, etc). That is low hanging fruit and usually repeat customers because fundraising is a way of life for them (and it’s expected/mandatory).
Who else needs money? Have you considered groups like these?
DECA / Archery Club / Swim Team / Rhythmic Gymnastics Team / Robotics Club / Dance Team

Have you considered a Sprint 1-hour sale? If you haven’t tried one, accept this challenge to give one a try this Fall. These work well with sports teams and with grade level groups.

All of these groups NEED money and would be willing to fundraise. They might not generate as much as a large band or the football team, but put a few of these together you will be running quickly toward that “income goal”, “dream vacation”, “gift for your spouse”, “college fund for the recent graduate”, “vehicle upgrade’, “addition to your home”, heck it might be an extra round of golf or a nice dinner out with friends. WHATEVER the goal - put the numbers to it and figure out how you are going to make it happen. Remember, anything is possible if it’s important enough.

Know your business and know your WPG. You want to pressure yourself to perform by securing more groups and not relying on a group to over-produce.

During August, we conducted 2 training sessions that focused primarily on the IFC website. Here are a few Q & A’s from those sessions.

What is the Group Relations Email Address?

grouprelations@savearound.com

When the agreement is sent in, how will I receive the online code?

Group relations will email the SAPayNow link to you.

What is the online profit percentage?

40% profit for any books shipped directly from the warehouse to the customer’s home address

Who pays for the apparel incentive?

The company pays for it.

Can we increase the levels for t-shirts?

Yes, that needs to be noted on the agreement (Sell 7 books to earn a free t-shirt)

Is there a charge for larger sizes if the minimums are hit?

Yes, large apparel has an extra charge even if the minimums are hit

Is the apparel incentive available for online only sales?

No, it isn’t. The apparel incentive requires that books go home with the student seller to show and take orders.

How do I request books on the agreement?

The # of sellers equals the # of books that will be shipped. 50 sellers =’s 50 books

Where do I list the name of the book I want sent?

The top right section that says “market” is where you will list the name of the book

What if I have specific or special instructions? Where do I write those in?

Write them in the “notes” section of the agreement. A follow up e-mail or phone call might be in order as well.

HELP US HELP YOU!

When filling out the fundraising agreements, it is critical that you are CLEAR on your notes, information, and instructions. The more details we have, the fewer delays there will be in processing your orders. Please note the following on any contracts you send in:

1. New Group vs. Resign Group

2. Rep Delivering Books vs. Corporate Shipping Books

3. What Market? (don’t make us guess which book you are using for a group)

4. Contact info for the Group Leader including email and cell phone number

If you have questions, contact the Group Relations team (grouprelations@savearound.com).

1. September is the first of the autumn months.

2. September is associated with fire. The month of the roman god Vulcan god of fire and the forge.

3. Birthstone for September is the sapphire.

4. The flower for September is the aster.

5. Zodiac signs for September are Virgo and Libra.

6. During September, we celebrate Labor Day, Grandparent’s Day, Patriot Day, and Rosh Hashanah. It’s also Hispanic Heritage Month.

7. September is National potato month, chicken month, piano month, and biscuit month.

8. 7th month in the Roman calendar and September is named for the word “seven”.

9. College and professional football begin in the month of September.

10. September celebrates Talk Like a Pirate Day.