There is a lot of debate today about whether children should be allowed to sell door-to-door to raise money for their schools. Some schools are doing away with door-to-door sales and replacing them with school fairs and other fundraising ideas.
Those ideas are perfectly fine. But door-to-door sales still can be an effective way to raise money – if they are done properly. We thought we would share a few tips that will help your children have a successful and safe door-to-door selling experience.
Be prepared for rejection. In general, people don’t like solicitors at their door. Some people are going to be rude. Remember, you’re not going to make a sale each time you knock on a door. Be prepared to get about 30 ‘no’s’ for every sale.
Dress for success. You should be neat and well groomed. You only have a few seconds to make an impression. Dress like you would for church or another occasion where casual clothes won’t do. Another option would be to wear something with a school logo.
Always be polite and respectful. Don’t be pushy. And be respectful. Don’t walk on the grass or over somebody’s flower bed. And when you do ring the doorbell, step back a bit from the door.
Introduce yourself and explain what you are selling. It’s also important to let any potential customers know what you are trying to raise money for. One of the most common questions you will be asked is ‘what does the money go for?’ It sounds a lot better if you have a goal. For example, ‘we’re saving up so our band can travel to Florida to participate in a national competition.’
Know your product. You might want to bring something along with you that has pictures or information that supports your cause.
Sell to people you already know. Selling to friends and relatives is always a good way to make a sale. It’s also a good way to practice your sales technique.
Safety first! We can not stress this enough. Selling door-to-door also comes with a safety risk. Parents need to be involved every step of the way. When selling door-to-door, children ALWAYS should be accompanied by a chaperone. This can be a parent, coach or older sibling.
Selling door-to-door is not easy. But it is a great way to build confidence and selling skills. Remember, do your best and don’t get discouraged. Good luck!