Knock knock! It’s a member of your local football team standing at your door selling a discount card, a Cub Scout selling popcorn, or maybe a baseball or softball player selling chrysanthemums. Perhaps your family is like ours– my boys will be heading out soon to raise money for their local Scouts pack. They’re seasoned fundraisers now, but I always hope the people they approach will be patient and kind, regardless of whether they buy/contribute to the cause.
Being intentional in your interactions, including using some of the tips below, can help young fundraisers learn valuable skills and be successful in their efforts. (These can also be turned around to be selling tips if your child is the fundraiser!)
- Listen! Let the seller do the talking. This encourages confidence and communication skills. Gently prompt them if they get stuck: “What cause are you fundraising for, again?”
- Ask questions that make them think! This helps them practice persuasive speaking and product knowledge. For example:
- “How much of the money you raise stays with your team/club?”
- “What is your favorite thing about this product?”
- “What is your individual fundraising goal?”
- Focus on encouragement, not just the sale. This contributes to their skill development, if not their bottom line. For example:
- “You’re doing a great job explaining the purpose of your fundraiser!”
- “You’re polite and direct– both are important for sales!”
- “It’s clear you’re very organized, keep it up!”
- Let them handle the transaction. Closing a sale is empowering and helps them use their math and money skills. Be patient, it could take a few minutes.
- Model good customer behavior. Be patient, kind, and respectful. They aren’t titans of industry; they’re teens or tweens (or even younger) and might mirror your behavior in future interactions.
- Consider even a small purchase or donation. Even if you don’t want the product, many fundraisers allow sellers to collect donations toward their goals. Always ask first to know your contribution is meaningful for their project.
- Follow up later (if you know them). Ask if they were successful in meeting their goal(s). This reinforces their effort and teaches that relationship-building is part of good salesmanship.
Supporting kids in this way creates a safe environment for them to grow in confidence, communication, and real-world skills. Even five minutes of your time can have a lasting impact!