
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?