P 2014 Leaders Guide opcorn Middle Tennessee Council Boy Scouts of America www.mtcbsa.org
Table of Contents Unit Popcorn Chair Responsibilities 3 Product Catalog 4 2014 Prize Program 5 Commissions 6 Show N Sell Checklist 7 Unit Tips (Show N Sell) 8 Take Order Checklist 9 Unit Tips (Take Order) 10 Press Release (Sample) 11 Complete Calendar 12 District Chairmen 13 Pick Up Locations 14 600 Club Turn In Form 15 Thank you, For your participation in the Middle Tennessee Council 2014 Popcorn Sale. We are continuing to work with Trails End as our popcorn vendor. Each y ear the sale achieves three main objectiv es for our organization. First, the sale raises a substantial amount of money f or our units. Second, the money made by your unit is matched back to the council by Trails End Popcorn Company. Third, the sale gives us the opportunity to instill a strong work ethic in our y outh, encouraging scouts to earn their way to activities and ev ents. Thanks to the fact that ov er two-thirds of the sale comes back to Scouting, our annual product sale is a huge resource f or our local Scouting program. By participating in the sale you guarantee y our unit a good rev enue stream prices for programs (such as subsidizing summer camp) camperships continue to be available for scouts serv ices and training are available for your leaders On behalf of all our members, thank you for your leadership and inv olvement in this important program. Unit Top Seller Form 16 Danny Sutherland Council Staff Advisor Hugh Travis Scout Executiv e Sherry Rakes Council Support Additional Unit Leader Information The following materials are just some of the items you can find at Trails- End.com. Log on to find additional flyers, handouts, and presentations to help you give your unit the best popcorn kickoff. Information Sherry Rakes: 615-383-9724 ext 228 srakes@mtcbsa.org popcorn@mtcbsa.org Danny Sutherland: 615-383-9724 ext 257 dsutherland@mtcbsa.org Trails End Website : www.trails-end.com Popcorn Sale Calendar July Unit Kernel Orientation 7/19 Unit Kernel Orientation 7/26 August Popcorn Kickoff 8/26 Show & Sell Orders Due 8/27 Order Forms (available at District Roundtable) September Show & Sell Pickup at Averitt Express 9/13 Blitz Weekend 9/20 October Show & Sell money due 10/24 Take Order and Prize Orders due 10/24 Late Sale Begins 10/28 November Take Order Pickup 11/7 Take Order Pick up 11/8 (Various Locations have different pickup dates) December Late Sale Orders Due 12/1 Take Order Money Due 12/5 Late Sale Money Due 12/19 January 2015 600 Club Date and Time to be announced in the invitation - 2 -
(KERNEL) 1. Develop unit fundraising committee to share responsibilities for Kickoff, Show & Sell, and Take Order and to ensure effective and efficient sales program. Responsibilities should not fall to one person. With a committee in place, responsibilities can be appropriately delegated to maximize resources and ensure success in reaching unit goals. 2. Attend unit popcorn sale training session on either July 19th or 26th. Pick up forms and information. 3. Work with committee to develop a unit sales goal. Divide that goal into a per boy goal. 4. Develop a unit incentive plan for your Scouts in addition to the Council prize program. 5. Arrange Show & Sell in locations (i.e., Walmart, Dunkin Donuts, Kmart, and Lowe s, any high traffic area, etc.). Do not wait. PLEASE MAKE SURE NOT TO CONTACT KROGER DIRECTLY. YOU WILL HAVE TO PRE-REGISTER THRU THE COUNCIL OFFICE TO SELL AT ANY KROGER LOCATIONS. 6. Decide when Take Orders, money and prize forms will be due to you. Orders are due to Council by October 24. 7. Prepare handouts for unit kickoff meeting for both leaders and Scouts. Handouts include: Timeline showing sale dates, date orders due, time and place for pickup Unit goal and per boy sales goal Unit Master Record form(s) to record Scout s sales for den/patrol totals 1 order form and 1 prize flyer per boy. 8. Hold unit kickoff meeting near date popcorn sale begins. Discuss sales techniques, money collection, safety suggestions, unit recognitions and per boy goals. 9. Collect and total orders from dens/patrols on designated unit order due date. 10. Submit all popcorn and prize orders at www.trails-end.com by October 24. If you do not have a computer to place the order, please call your district popcorn chair or the council office for help. 11. Pick up popcorn at the designated site on popcorn pickup day. Make sure to bring enough vehicles large enough to accommodate your order and be on time to ensure timely distribution. You will be expected to meet with a site worker to verify counts and sign the Unit Packing Slip form acknowledging receipt. Please do not move the products to you vehicle before doing so. Small children should remain in your vehicle with another adult. 12. Money for Take Order is due NO LATER than December 5th. You can come to the Council office to pay in person, call with a credit card number or mail it in. If you mail in your payment make sure it is postmarked NO LATER than December 5th. Commission checks will be issued on the same day your full payment is made. Note: Late payments will make your unit loose out on bonus commission. - 3 -
2014 TRAILS-END PRODUCT Chocolate Lovers Collection TIN 1 per case $55 Sweet & Savory Collection BOX 1 per case $40 Cheese Lovers Collection BOX* 1 per case $30 White Chocolatey Pretzels BAG 12 per case $20 each 18 Pack Microwave Kettle Corn* 6 per case $20 each Dark & White Chocolatey Drizzle BAG 12 per case $20 each Caramel Corn w/ Almonds, Cashews & Pecans BAG* 12 per case $20 each 18 Pack Microwave Unbelievable Butter* 6 per case $18 each 18 Pack Microwave Butter Light* 6 per case $18 each Bacon Ranch BAG 6 per case $15 each NEW THIS YEAR White Cheddar Cheese Corn BAG* 6 per case $15 each Classic Caramel Corn BAG* 12 per case $10 each * = Products offered for Show n Sell Popcorn for the Military $50 and $30 Military Donations - 4 -
2014 PRIZE PROGRAM In addition to the prizes offered by Trail s End (prizes and prize levels are listed on the prize form), Scouts may qualify for the following additional special prizes provided by the Middle Tennessee Council. Fill It Up Prizes: To receive your Scout Shop Gift Certificate please email, fax or drop off a copy of the completed form with the Scouts Name, Address and Unit Number (the original order forms are turned into the Unit Popcorn Kernel). Unit Top Sellers: Unit leader must turn in the Unit Top Seller form (located at the back of the guidebook NO LATER than October 24th by 5:00 PM. - 5 -
Commission Structure for Unit Prize Program Base Commission Starts At: 33% Trail s End Prize Program (prizes done thru Keller Marketing) Base Commission Starts At: 28% Extra Commission Rates NEW THIS YEAR 2% bonus Attend Unit Kernel orientation on July 19th or July 26th AND turn in your units Ideal Year of Scouting budget at the orientation ***AND*** 2% bonus Obtain a 2% increase in total sales over your 2013 total sales You could earn up to 37% maximum commission on your popcorn sale! Deadline for on-time commission rates are listed as follows: Show-N-Sell Commission Rates Commission Checks for Show-N-Sell w ill be given on the date the money is turned in. Money Turn-In Date Unit Prize Program Trail s End Prize Program October 24, 2014 33% 28% October 25, 2014 25% 20% November 10, 2014 15% 10% November 17, 2014 5% 0% *Bonus commission upgrade will be added if all criteria is met at time of payment Take Order Commission Rates Commission Checks for Take Order w ill be given on the date the money is turned in. Money Turn-In Date Unit Prize Program Trail s End Prize Program Eligible for 4% Upgrade** December 5, 2014 33% 28% YES December 6, 2014 25% 20% NO December 15, 2014 15% 10% NO December 22, 2014 5% 0% NO ** Must meet requirements established for bonus upgrade - 6 *Helpful Hint: All commission plans require on time payment!*
During the Show & Sell Sale, which runs from September 13th through October 24th, units sell popcorn in front of businesses or at events. August Familiarize yourself with all the printed materials especially the Popcorn Leaders Guide. Browse additional materials and sale aids at www.trails-end.com. Decide with your unit leaders how many locations and dates your unit will sell at. Be sure to only sign up for 2 hour blocks at a time. This will prevent burnout and youth boredom. Place your order NO LATER than August 27th. Be sure you order all of the product you think you might need. Orders are done by full cases NOT individual pieces. We can not take back any product (see note below). September Create a sign-up sheet for your weekends and have unit parents and youth sign-up for time slots. Train youth on salesmanship techniques and have them memorize and practice the sales script. All Scouts should be in uniform while they are selling. Pick up your popcorn at Averitt Express on Saturday September 13th. Make sure to bring enough vehicles large enough to accommodate your order and be on time to ensure timely distribution. If you require more popcorn, you can come to the Council office anytime Monday Friday during the hours of 8am and 4pm. Extra popcorn is available on a first come first service basis, there is no holding of orders. Store product in a cool and clean location to keep fresh. Sell during BLITZ weekend, September 20th, and earn a special patch from the Council. September and October/On site Pack items that you will need for the sale; Popcorn, Banners, Petty Cash, Schedule, Pens, etc. Arrive early and check in with store manager to find out any necessary information for the location. If there is a unit already in your location do not confront them. Call your District Executive or District Popcorn Kernel for assistance. Clean site. Sweep up dirt and pick up any garbage. This will make your presentation look better and strengthen your unit s relationship with the location. Set up location. Be sure to organize product in a neat and orderly fashion. Do not set up any chairs or tables. It will create unnecessary barriers between the Scouts and the customers and keeps your Scouts from remaining mobile. As your unit shows up begin to build teams of two putting more extroverted youth with more introverted youth. This will help build confidence. Let the youth do the selling. Its easy for adults to say no to adults but, very tough for adults to say no to Scouts in uniform. Be sure to pickup and be done on time. Be sure to clean up after yourselves and take all garbage with you. Please make prompt payment and make checks payable to the Middle Tennessee Council by October 24th to av oid loss in bonus commissions. NOTE: If you have excess Show & Sell popcorn please use that product to fill your Take Orders before placing your final Take Order in the popcorn system. This way you won t double order on product that you already have. - 7 -
SHOW & SELL 1. Find a location that has high foot traffic and is safe for the boys to participate. 2. If you want to sell at Kroger make sure that you sign up thru the Middle Tennessee Council website and do not contact the store directly. Kroger will only offer us select dates to sell at their store. 3. Contact store or event organizer to gain permission and setup times and dates. 4. Set up a schedule for boys w ith specific times of participation, i.e., 2-4 boys per 2-hour shift. 5. Gather pictures of Scouting events in w hich you have participated or are planning to attend. Be specific regarding these events and / or that for w hich you are fundraising. 6. Display banners for advertisement and point of sale on the store sign. 7. Have the boys practice w hat they are going to say to the customers. 8. You need to have these items: tables, chairs, posters, activity displays, tape, product for samples, sample cups (can be found at Sam s Club type stores). 9. Make sure boys are in their full Class A uniforms and appear neat and clean. 10. Provide samples of the product for passers by. Quality sells the higher priced products. 11. Alw ays mention Scouting. 12. Focus on Scouting instead of the product. i.e. Would you like to support Scouting by purchasing popcorn today? Would you like to help us go to camp by purchasing popcorn today? 13. Alw ays emphasize safety. Review the safety information provided in the sales material. Adult supervision is required in the door to door and Show & Sell methods. 14. The left over product from the Show & Sell can be cleaned up by the Take Order needs. Just reduce the amount that you order for the Take Order Sale by what you have left over. - 8 -
During the Take Order Sale, Scouts travel door to door with order forms collecting orders and return in November to deliver the product and collect money. The Take Order Sale can begin as early as August 26th and concludes by October 24th. Your unit needs to place their order NO LATER than October 24th and popcorn can be picked up on November 7th or 8th (depending on your pick up location) for distribution. August Familiarize yourself with all the printed materials especially the Middle Tennessee Council Guidebook. Browse additional materials and aids at www.trails-end.org Recruit a Unit Popcorn Kernel and give them this guide and the popcorn packet. Be sure to brief them on each of the items in the packets and provide them with an overview of how the sale works. Assist them in the formation of your Popcorn Sales Committee. September Create Unit Level sales incentives and procure weekly prizes for your scouts. Pass out order forms and prize vouchers to all unit youth. Emphasize importance of the sale to parents and the benefits they can receive. Make sure each parent and unit leader are aware of deadlines for handing in popcorn orders, prize orders, bonus prizes and weekly drawings. Share and post a chart with your unit goal and individual Scout goals in your meeting place or have it on hand during meetings. As the sale progresses be sure to update the chart. October After the final week of sales collect all popcorn order forms and prize orders from the Scouts. Total all the orders onto a single order form to make entering the orders online simpler. Enter popcorn orders and prize orders online. Last day to order is October 24th. Call your district kernel or Council office if you need help. Assure that all Fill It Up and Unit Top Seller forms are turned in no later than October 24th by 5PM November Pick up your popcorn at your selected distribution location on either November 7th or 8th (you will receive a confirmation of your order along with a map and pick up times in the mail prior to pick up day). If your unit would like to help sort popcorn, please email your district kernel so they know how many people are coming. If you help sort, you may pick up your popcorn order after you sort. Make sure to bring enough vehicles large enough to accommodate your order and be on time to ensure timely distribution. You will be expected to meet with a site worker to verify counts and sign the Unit Packing Slip form acknowledging receipt. Please do not move the products to your vehicle before doing so. Small children should remain in your vehicle with another adult. Distribute the popcorn to your youth at a pre-scheduled time. Make sure you have copies of your Scouts order forms. December Take Order money is due into the Council office NO LATER than December 5th by 5:00pm. You can come into the Council office in person, call with a credit card number or mail in your payment. If you mail in your payment make sure that it is postmarked by December 5th. Checks must be made out to Middle Tennessee Council, Boy Scouts of America. Units that have an outstanding balance due after December 5th will loose bonus commission on their sales. - 9 -
TAKE ORDER POPCORN SALE 1. Set a unit budget and establish a unit goal. 2. Pick a kernel (Unit Popcorn Chair) and have them attend all the training sessions. 3. Educate parents of the direct benefits to them. i.e. Johnny sells $x amount and gets to go to camp. Explain w hy this is such an important fundraiser, state goal, uses, explain Bonus Aw ards Program, Achievements that can be earned, etc. Show how this fundraiser gives more back to their child than other fundraisers. 4. Having a big unit kickoff for the youth to get all materials and GET EV ERYBODY EXCITED! All youth should receive the Prize Brochure and Take Order Form. Review all prizes available to the youth. Set per Scout sales goals. 5. Contact your local Wal-Mart manager, shopping mall, or other retail stores and request that Scouts be allow ed to sell in their parking lot. 6. Have a unit Blitz Day w here every youth in the unit goes out selling and w homever sells the most that day gets a prize. 7. Establish a unit prize program in addition to the Council prize program. 8. Have a prize for the youth that has the highest sales each w eek. 9. Establish a unit customer base. Make 2 copies of all Take Order forms. One to keep in unit records for next year in case a youth moves, etc. and one for the youth to keep so they can call on them next year. 10. Write a letter that all your Scouts can use w hich explains the popcorn sale and w hy you are selling, tell the dates of delivery, and explain the benefits for your unit and Council. Have your Scouts leave a copy of this letter w ith an Order Form copy in the mailbox or new spaper box at the homes of people they know who are not around w hen the Scouts stop by. This is a good letter to share w ith parents. 11. Conduct corporate sales using employers and companies of parents and leaders w ithin your unit. - 10 -
For Immediate Release Date Contact Name: Phone: Email: Or Second Contact Name: Phone: Email: LOCAL SCOUTS KICK OFF ANNUAL POPCORN SALE City, (State) Cub Scout Pack of the Middle Tennessee Council, Boy Scouts of America will be pounding the pavement on as they kick off their annual Popcorn Sale. The sale runs through. Cubmaster for Pack, indicated the Scout s popcorn sale helps to provide supplemental income to finance Scouting activities for the Council, as well as their individual Scouting unit. Money raised from the sale goes to support (programs). If you wish to purchase popcorn and support our local Scouting program please contact (Name & Number). # # # About the Middle Tennessee Council - Boy Scouts of America. Middle Tennessee Council, BSA serves youth in 37 counties in Middle Tennessee including Ft. Campbell, KY and provides an educational program for boys and young adult men and w omen to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness. Visit us online at www.mtcbsa.org. - 11 -
Popcorn Sale Calendar August 8/26 Popcorn sales kick-off 8/27 Show & Sell orders DUE in popcorn system September 9/13 Show & Sell Pick-Up Averitt Express, Nashville 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM 9/20 Blitz Weekend October 10/24 Show & Sell Money DUE 10/24 Take Order Orders DUE in popcorn system 10/24 All Prize Orders submitted 10/28 Late Popcorn Sales Start November 11/7 & 8 Take Order Pick-Up (Each pick up site will have their own date and time for pick up. Please refer to your order confirmation and map that you will receive in the mail) December 12/1 Late Sale Popcorn Orders Due in popcorn system 12/5 Take Order Money DUE 12/19 Late Order Money DUE - 12 -
Middle Tennessee Council, BSA 3414 Hillsboro Pike Nashville, TN 37215 PH: 615-383-9724 FAX: 615-297-9916 wwww.mtcbsa.org