Pack 1776, Murphy

Face it parents: we grew up in a different time. As kids, nothing was handed to us. We either worked or helped to earn our rewards: money, an activity with friends, or something we wanted.

Scouting still believes in and stands for the core value of earning!

Selling popcorn is the primary way we raise money to fund our pack. The money helps pay for our operating expenses, scout advancements and achievements, pays for/reduces pack activity costs, and more. Additionally, selling popcorn helps develop communication and goal setting skills as well as perseverance.

Benefits to Your Scout and Family:

Teaches Scouts the value & process of setting and working toward goals
Gives Scouts a strong sense of accomplishment through recognition
Enhances communication, leadership skills and confidence in your Scout
Scouts can earn valuable rewards including gift cards and prizes
Scouts can earn their way to an adventure at a Pack Sleepover

Ways to Sell:

Take Order - This is the most traditional way to sell; going door-to-door with the take order form, which you receive from your leader or council. Your customer chooses the product(s) he or she wishes to buy and writes the order on your form. You will collect the money when you deliver the product to your customers a few weeks later.

Advantages: Provides a personal connection with your customers. Higher dollars per customer than storefront sales.

Selling Online - This is the best way to sell to your friends and family who live out of town. You can send emails to your customers asking them to purchase Trail's End products online. Your customers click on the link in your email and can begin shopping right away. They order products online and pay with a credit card, and Trail's End ships the products directly to your customers.

Advantages: No product delivery or money collection. Ability to sell popcorn year-round and reach your friends and family who live far away.

(click here for additional info on setting up online sales)

Selling at Work - Your mom and/or dad take an order form to their work place. Their co-workers write their order on the order form. Your mom and/or dad deliver product and collect the money a few weeks later.

Advantages: Expands your customer base, and offices often need snacks and gifts.

Show and Sell - Your den, pack, or troop gets permission to sell in front of a retail store or in the local mall. You set up a display with products for people to purchase as they walk by. Have plenty of products on display for people to buy.

Advantages: Gives you access to a large number of potential customers and promotes the Boy Scouts of America in the community.

Resources & Forms

Timeline

Popcorn Sales Begin

Mid September
Popcorn Kick Off/Packet Pickup
(Time & Place will be emailed)

Order Forms Due

Late October / Early November
Money from Take Orders due to Popcorn Kernel
(committee meeting)

Order Pickup

Late November
Pick up your popcorn for delivery
(Time & Place will be emailed)

Questions? Contact the Popcorn Kernel found on the Pack Leadership/Committee page.

Selling Tips

Tips for Success:

Scouts must dress in proper Class A uniforms for Show & Sell and Take Order selling.
Scouts should practice and use a selling script to explain why you are selling popcorn. For example: My name is ________ and I’m selling popcorn to support our pack programs. We have many flavors to choose from. ________ is my favorite. Can I count on your support?
Always be courteous, and say “thank you” even when a sale is not made. Use eye contact.
Always sell with a parent or Scout buddy!
Please arrive 15 minutes in advance of your Show & Sell shift. Please call the Kernel if you are going to be late or have to cancel a shift at the last minute.
Parents, allow the Scouts to do as much of the selling as possible.
Always try to make a sale for popcorn first. Donations can be requested as an alternative.

DOs and DONTs:

ALWAYS wear your uniform
ALWAYS smile and introduce yourself
ALWAYS tell your customers why you are selling popcorn
KNOW the different kinds of popcorn you are selling
ALWAYS say "Thank You"
ALWAYS make a copy of your order form
ALWAYS have a clean order form with a pen
BE SURE to get customer email addresses to send them a "Thank You" email after the sale, reminding them they can re-order online.
Leave a Note: If you are trying to reach a potential buyer and they are not home when you visit them, you can leave them a note such as this one: I missed you note
NEVER enter anyone's home
NEVER sell after dark unless you are with an adult
DON'T carry large amounts of cash with you
ALWAYS walk on the sidewalk and driveway
ALWAYS sell with another scout or with an adult
Additional selling tips