Good incentives
Americans love donating to good causes. But incentives go a long way. That’s why it’s important to pick fundraiser items that work. If a potential donor finds a product useful they are more likely to purchase it, and even buy for family and friends depending on the price point. Soy candles are an ideal fundraiser item because they are hypoallergenic, there aren’t clothing sizes to worry about or tree nut allergies to consider, they have broad appeal, and they make great gifts, especially at the holidays.
Why soy candles are an ideal fundraiser item
Eight out of ten U.S. households burn candles! When is the last time 80% of people agreed on something? Maybe that puppies and kittens are cute? In politics a 60% approval rating is considered off the charts.
Many products only cater to one sex, age group, or income demographic. Candles transcend categories. The market for candles is there! Their popularity is what makes them an ideal fundraiser item.
Key selling points:
- Wide appeal
- It’s not an unhealthy food people are trying to avoid
- Soy candles are eco-friendly for that socially-conscious friend
- Most people aren’t allergic to it
- Great for gifts
- Candles are affordable for most budgets
- Non-perishable
- Relaxing
- Aromatherapy
- Beautiful
- Come in a variety of colors and scents
- Useful in all rooms
- Elegant
- Most people want candles
Kristen & Company soy candles are great for:
- Valentine’s Day
- Thanksgiving
- The Christmas season
- Easter
- Halloween
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- House-warming
- Thank you gifts
- Wedding reception decor
- Churches
- Restaurants
- Just because
Candle gift ideas:
- Give scents that corresponds with the season. For instance, scents from our Holiday Delight collection in November and December, or scents from our Clean & Crisp collection during the spring/summer months.
- Create a gift basket of spa items and include a matching candle.
- Decorate your candle to make it more personalized for its recipient
Something for everyone
Candles are an ideal fundraiser item because they offer something for everyone.
Some critics say candles are too basic to be a good fundraiser item. But basic is one of a candle’s advantages!
It can be hard to shop for people that you don’t know very well or those hard-to-buy-for friends and family. In fact, economists say that giving gifts is extremely inefficient since it’s hard to know others’ tastes and we know our own taste best.
Hold your fundraiser around the holidays and many people will buy your candles to give away as gifts.
A candle is a sure bet they won’t be returning or re-gifting your gift. You can increase economic efficiency by gifting a candle!
A good-quality candle is also a great gift idea because it’s something people enjoy but might not buy for themselves.
In sum:
- Candles have a wide purchase appeal (many scents for various tastes)
- High chance the recipient will enjoy your gift.
- It’s a treat because they wouldn’t have bought it for themselves.
Quality is important
Don’t skimp on quality. While it might be tempting to buy a cheaper product to attract more sales or increase the price to maximize profit, this isn’t the best approach.
People appreciate quality, especially when gift giving. Just like you want to pick the right product type to sell, you want the specific product to be appealing as well. Kristen & Company’s candles are ideal fundraiser item because we make hand-poured high-quality candles that burn longer than most candles and cover your entire home with your scent of choice.
Samples
Another property that makes candles an ideal fundraiser item is that they are non-perishable so it’s easy to have samples on hand. Consider buying a few candles to show potential donors so they know the quality they will be getting. This will encourage them to buy more because they’ll know it’s well-made; they won’t be taking a risk just for the sake of helping out.
Sales ideas
Set a monetary goal
Make a goal. People get excited as you get closer to your goal, encouraging more sales to see you get there.
Coincide with an event or holiday
Candles are an ideal fundraiser item especially during the holidays. Set your fundraiser to coincide with an event or holiday. If there’s an event at the mall, it’s an opportunity to draw in a bigger crowd. During a holiday, people might be looking for a gift. If you time it right, someone might be browsing for a Mother’s Day gift and see your sales table as the answer!
Advertise
Advertise your sale everywhere you can. Is there a school newsletter coming out soon? Could you print posters for community boards or post your sale on social media?
Explain your cause
Explain your cause and what exactly the money is going toward.
Team up with other groups
Team up with another group or nonprofit to host an event. The more people you can draw in, the more likely you are to make more sales.
Set a time limit
Set a time limit for the sale. If there’s no end date, people don’t feel the urgency to buy. They might have good intentions of placing their order later, only to keep putting it off as more pressing things come up for them. You want to be the pressing thing that must get done!
Smile!
Remember to smile.
Say thank you
A sincere ‘Thank you’ goes a long way.
Communicate outcome with donors
Show the outcome of donor support after money has been used for its purpose.
Don’t over-solicit
People are generally happy to give, but don’t like to be harassed. If you have a fundraiser every month versus every year, your donor base is likely to get fatigued. In fact, it’s one of the top two reasons donors stop contributing.
Get started!
You’ll do great! Just get out there and share your cause. One of the reasons that make candles are an ideal fundraiser item is because most people like candles. If you ask those in the 20% who don’t burn candles, just politely smile and move forward. Good luck in your fundraising!
In sum:
- Set a monetary goal
- Coincide with an event or holiday
- Advertise
- Explain your cause
- Team up with other groups
- Set a time limit
- Smile!
- Say thank you
- Communicate outcome with donors
- Don’t over-solicit
- Get started!
Kristen & Company makes it easy for you to set up a fundraiser
Your organization can set up a fundraiser through Kristin & Company. We partner with Adrenaline Fundraising to make it easy. Groups and organizations can simply direct buyers to Kristin & Company’s Fundraising Page to make purchases via their custom purchase code.
Buying ahead
While the fundraising website is a wonderful tool, you might also supplement it by buying candles in advance. Some customers won’t want to wait for their order to come in. It also gives you the option of setting up a table in front of a store and attracting customers you wouldn’t have reached otherwise.
While this is riskier, it can pay off in increased sales and exposure for your cause.
Note: one upside of the risk is that candles are non-perishable. You can save them for next year to sell if needed.
Contact us
There are myriad reasons candles are an ideal fundraiser item. If you’re looking for fundraiser items that truly work (translation: sell), look no farther than candles from Kristen & Company. Our expertise in candle making will help you achieve your fundraising goals. Contact Us today to start raising money with a product your donors will thoroughly enjoy!
Links:
https://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/products/candle-fundraising/
http://www.rewarding-fundraising-ideas.com/candle-fundraisers.html
http://www.all-unique-fundraising-ideas.com/candle-fundraising-ideas.html
https://www.vogue.com/article/best-candles-holiday-gift-ideas
https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/thought-leadership/showing-respect-donors