Based at Trinity Presbyterian Church in McKinney, TX, Pack 496 provides a quality year-round program.

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Pack 496 will be selling popcorn this fall! This is more than just a fundraiser, it is one of the most valuable parts of the Cub Scout experience.

Popcorn sales are the primary way our Pack funds all the amazing adventures we plan throughout the year and your Scout benefits directly from each sale.

Scouts can earn gift cards at different values corresponding to total value of popcorn sold, and 30% of total sales will end up back in the Pack's bank account to allow for more adventures for the Scouts! Plus, more Popcorn Sales equals lower annual dues!

Download the Trail's End App

Dues and event costs alone are not enough to cover all the expenses of a robust scouting program. We need to turn to outside sources for some funding, which means... fundraising.

How to Use the Trail's End App

The Trail's End app helps Scouts manage fundraising by allowing them to record sales, process payments (including credit/debit cards), and share their fundraising page online. Scouts can also track their progress towards goals, manage storefront shifts, and access rewards.

To get started, download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Each Scout needs their own registered account, even siblings. However, the same email can be used for multiple accounts, and you can toggle between accounts within the app.

Download Trail's End App

The first page you see when logging into your Trail's End account. From here you can sign up for shifts, view shifts, toggle between siblings, view orders, and get into your Scouts personal online page.

If you scroll down on that first page you come to when logging into your Trail's End account, you will see links for training, resources, user support and more.

After clicking on the "Sign Up For Shifts" link from the first homepage you will immediately be encouraged to watch a video discussing a sales pitch. You may watch it or close out of it to continue.

From the "Online Sales" link you can begin setting up your Scout's personal online page by adding a short summary about their goals and scouting journey as well as a few pictures.

After clicking the "Sign Up For Shifts" link and exiting out of the sales pitch video you can continue selecting your desired shifts from here. Two scouts per shift. Locations and available times will vary from week to week.

To make a sale you will click the black button link that says "Make a Sale" and it will take you to a list of products. Select desired products and quantities and then select the black button link which says "Cart."

You may process payments in a variety of ways. Select the button links which say "Card" or "Cash." Please note that capabilities differ between android vs iPhone and it is helpful to pair an external device for tap and chip reader.

If you accepted and logged any cash payments you may convert those at the end of your shift from the homepage, but allow someone to show you how to do this for the first time.

More About How Selling Works

Popcorn sales can be a big money generator for us as a Pack. Scouts may go door-to-door to sell popcorn to their neighbors, or online to friends and family, parents may bring forms in to work and sell to their co-workers, and scouts may also sell popcorn directly to the public at booth/storefront sales. Additionally, we are allowed to take direct donations in lieu of selling popcorn, or to have the popcorn be donated to military troops, families, or veterans' organizations.

The BSA provides special prizes for scouts, at different levels depending on how much popcorn they sell. Additionally, the Pack will cover the cost of annual dues for scouts who sell more than $800 of popcorn!

Finally, we always have some fun activities to further encourage participation. Each year, for example, our Pack Leadership received cream pies in the face, "thrown" by top sellers in the pack!

The Sales Pitch

Grab someone's attention by using a confident, friendly, and clear voice. Quickly announce what your selling and who for. Once you have a potential buyer's attention a good pitch includes sharing their name, Pack number, and explain that popcorn sales help fund their scouting activities. Point to a specific popcorn product you enjoy and recommend it to the customer. Thank the customer for their time and consideration and if they do not purchase or walk by thank them anyway and wish them a good day.

Set realistic expectations for your Scout based upon their age and capabilities. Teach them how to be flexible with their pitch, recognize body language, and how to gracefully handle rejections. Let them know that a positive attitude, a crisp Class A uniform, and a genuine smile can go a long way.

Cub Scout Popcorn Storefront Sales FAQs

1. What is a storefront sale?

A storefront sale is when Scouts set up a table outside a local business (like a grocery store or hardware store) to sell popcorn directly to the public.

2. How are storefront shifts scheduled?

Storefront shifts are managed by the Pack's designated coordinator. Scheduling is done via the Trail's End app.

3. What should Scouts wear at storefronts?

Scouts are required to wear their full Class A uniform to represent Scouting proudly and appear professional to customers.

4. What should we bring to a storefront sale?

A designated coordinator will assist with setup or in the least will provide you with necessary equipment such as table, popcorn product, cash box, change, credit card readers, price list, donation jar, small fans, and shade. Your family might like to bring sun protection, chairs, an additional fan, water bottles, and a personal phone with the Trail's End app downloaded and logged in.

5. Can Scouts accept donations at storefronts?

Yes, in most cases Scouts can accept donations, and it’s encouraged! Many customers prefer to donate rather than buy popcorn. You can even use the “Heroes & Helpers” option through Trails End.

6. How are popcorn sales credited to individual Scouts at storefronts?

Sales are individually tracked through the Trail's End app. From there you can see orders, progress, incentives, and set individual goals.

7. How long is a typical storefront shift?

Shifts are 2 hours per Scout, though you are welcome to double up if available. See availability and schedule your shifts through the Trail's End app.

8. How many Scouts and adults should be at each shift?

Staffing is 2 Scouts per shift with at least one adult per Scout for supervision, safety, and access to the Trail's End app in making transactions.

9. What are some good selling tips for Scouts?

Smile and be enthusiastic, know your product and prices (a pricing sheet is available to you for reference), and stand up and engage customers politely. Say something like, “would you like to support Scouting today?” when people approach the table and say, “thank you” whether or not someone buys popcorn.

10. What if a customer wants to pay by credit card?

Our Pack uses the Trails End app to process payments. Once paired to your phone you may also use a provided credit card reader.

11. Are there rules or restrictions from the storefront location?

Yes, some stores have specific guidelines like where to set up and not blocking entrances. Typically though someone in the Pack coordinating popcorn will assist you and ask the storefront in advance where to setup, especially for first time families.

12. What happens in bad weather?

Always check the weather and prepare accordingly (canopy, rain gear, etc.). If the weather becomes unsafe, we will cancel the shift and notify families as soon as possible.

13. Can siblings or friends help at storefront sales?

Generally, only registered Scouts should actively participate in selling. Siblings can tag along with parental supervision, but they should not engage in active selling unless part of the Pack unless they are a registered Scout themselves.

14. What are the safety guidelines?

Never leave Scouts unsupervised, follow youth protection policies, keep cash secure and supervised, and make sure Scouts stay hydrated and protected from sun/heat.

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Raise More.
Scout More.

Dues and event costs alone are not enough to cover all the expenses of a robust scouting program. We need to turn to outside sources for some funding, which means... fundraising.

How to Use the Trail's End App

More About How Selling Works

The Sales Pitch

Cub Scout Popcorn Storefront Sales FAQs

Boy Scouts of America

Join Our Pack

Follow Us on Facebook

Circle Ten Council

Raise More. Scout More.

Dues and event costs alone are not enough to cover all the expenses of a robust scouting program. We need to turn to outside sources for some funding, which means... fundraising.

How to Use the Trail's End App

More About How Selling Works

The Sales Pitch

Cub Scout Popcorn Storefront Sales FAQs

Boy Scouts of America

Join Our Pack

Follow Us on Facebook

Circle Ten Council

Raise More.
Scout More.