How to Choose a Fundraising
Company
Finding
the
Right
Fundraiser
Company
Selecting the
right fundraising company is a critical step
toward your program's success. In some areas, dozens of
companies offer fundraising products and services. Though the
competition may create certain advantages for the fundraising
organizer, it also increases the need to completely evaluate a
company before choosing a program. It is a good idea to pare
the list of candidates down to two or three companies before
scheduling appointments to allow ample time for thorough
interviews.
A critical consideration when
evaluating a company is service. Let the
company explain what they will do to make your fundraiser a
success and, importantly, make your job easier. Allow them to
demonstrate their expertise and professionalism. To help you
and the company determine whether or not your group requires a
full-service program, know up front your financial goals. The
company will also want to know the age and number of your
volunteer force.
Armed with answers to the
following questions, fundraising sponsors can make solid
decisions for their group:
1. How
long has the company been in business?
2. How many years
of experience does the company representative have in
fundraising?
3. Do they listen
to your needs and are they easy to work with? If so, then they
will help you later if problems arise.
4. Are the their
products of high quality? If so, then your fundraiser will
raise more with less hassle.
5. What is the
percentage profit of sales? Although the percentage profit is
important, there are many other factors that need to be
considered (product quality, shipping included, time saving
help).
6. What services
are available to save you and your volunteer's time and energy?
Does the company provide checklists, collection envelopes,
tally sheets and pre-sorting?
7. Are products
paid for in advance or upon delivery? Will they work with you
on a fair payment option?
8. Is there an
incentive or prize program? If so, who pays for it?
9. How are
products shipped and when? Who pays the freight?
10. What is the
policy regarding damaged or unsold product? What about back
orders?
11. Can the
company provide references?
Article courtesy: The Fundraising
Edge from The Association of Fund-Raising
Distributors & Suppliers
| 
