Popcorn Selling Season Is Here

The Council has listened to the feedback provided by Scouting units and COMPLETELY REVISED the popcorn funding mechanism. In a nutshell, the program is MUCH SIMPLER than in previous years. There will be more details forthcoming, but here are some highlights:

Only THREE ITEMS to sell

• Caramel Corn
• Microwave Butter (6-pack)
• Donation to Greater Cleveland Food Bank

Only ONE price point

• $10 for each product, period.

Larger Variety Online

• A larger lineup of products will be available for online sales.
• Scouts can have their own personal selling page at Trailsend.com
• Scouts will be credited with online sales through their page, with the Troop getting commission

No Order Forms

• The sale is all “show and sell,” which means we order the product up-front so the Scout has product to sell immediately.
• The customer hands you $10, you hand them the product.

Highest Commission in the Country

• Troops will now make 50% COMMISSION, which is the highest popcorn commission of any Council in the country.
• $5 from every $10 item sold will be returned to the troop.
• In the past, popcorn was a 33% commission to the troop.

Simple is good…

NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO STEP UP AND GET INVOLVED

We need a new “Popcorn Kernel” to manage this program (which is really not very difficult). I have been the Kernel for many years, but Noah is turning 18 in October and another parent must take over this task. I still plan on being involved in the Troop, but I need to step back from popcorn. WE NEED YOU! I am more than happy to assist and advise, so you won’t be without support. This is Scouting after all, and as Mr. Campbell says, “we always have our wingman.”

Thank you!

~~ Mr. Furin

Scout Selling Tips

• ALWAYS wear your Field Class “A” uniform. Everyone loves to support a Scout in uniform.
• ALWAYS sell in pairs or with an adult. Never sell after dark.
• ALWAYS act like a Scout and be polite and courteous. Wear a smile and introduce yourself.
• ALWAYS walk on the sidewalk and driveway, not through the yard. Watch for traffic.
• Never enter anyone’s house.
• Make sure you know the different types of popcorn you are selling.
• Be sure to tell the customer how the money will be used. (1/2 to the Troop, 1/2 to Lake Erie Council & cost of popcorn)
• The more people you ask, the more you will sell.
• Place popcorn sale articles in your school, church and community bulletins/newsletters.
• Remind your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and neighbors what a great gift popcorn makes
  for teachers, friends, co-workers, etc.
• Tell them why you are selling.
• Let them know how good the popcorn is.
• Say “Thank You” even if they don’t buy anything.