2007 Popcorn Kernel Information

Terry Smith waterwizard@beol.net phone 268-7560

Popcorn folder contents

· Unit Kernel guide – detailed information on all responsibilities & procedures, including copies of unit popcorn and prize order forms.

· Prize brochure – with goal setting, how to sell, product list, and sample order form.

· Take-order form – Scouts’ sales record – fill in Scout’s name & $$ goal! (Order form, prize brochure and selling information all in one packet)

· Poster – hang in public areas just prior to October 1.

· Show & Deliver order form – for units doing S&D due Monday, Sept 10 by 4:00 pm.

· Unit Product order form – for take-orders due Wednesday, November 14, by 4:00 pm.

· Prize order form – for units using Trail’s End prizes – due by Friday, December 21.

· Unit Master Record – in hard copy or e-mail – due with prize order by December 21 (I will e-mail an Excel spreadsheet that will calculate all Scout’s product orders and prize orders and serve stainless steel a Unit Master Record).

· Individual Scout Prize Applications – for all special prizes this year.

· Thank-you cards – for Scouts to give to customers

Critical unit decisions – make them NOW

1. Show & Deliver (pre-order) program = more sales for your unit!

· Unit committee must decide on whether or not to do Show & Deliver.

· Make appointments with property managers in August / September to reserve a place to set up a sales booth.

· Distribute popcorn to Scouts to deliver as they go door-to-door – this is the most effective and profitable way to sell popcorn!

· Arrange to sell left over product at church or school at end of sale period to move all remaining products and yet not interfere with door-to-door boy selling.

· If you use the prize program or track boy’s sales for Scout accounts – use separate order forms from take order part of sale to log show & deliver sales!!

· Use S & D order form to order product in full case lots By Sept 10, 4 PM

· Additional product will be available on 6 Saturdays in September, October & November – add to your Show & Deliver sales!

2. Will you be using the Trails-End prizes?

· There is no cost to the unit for prizes this year!

· Prizes create incentive for Scouts to sell more popcorn!

· The prize flyers are included in the popcorn order form packet.

· Boys may order two or more prizes, total value not to exceed Scout’s total $$ sale.

· $1,500 gift Certificate level and $2,500 scholarship is available to ALL Scouts regardless of whether you are using the Trails-End prize program.

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Preparation and training – have a unit kickoff

1. Discuss the details of the sale with the Unit committee.

2. Using the Ideal Year Of Scouting concept to set unit & Scout sales goals:

· Determine this year’s activities and unit’s total costs.

· Determine cost per boy by dividing total cost by number of boys in the unit.

· Determine popcorn sale per boy to cover all costs.
EXAMPLE: cost/boy of $100; $100 / 32% = $ 312 > $320 in sales per boy.
$320 in sales / $15 per average sale = approximately 21 sales.
$320 in sales X 32% commission = $102 profit to the unit.

3. Train the Scouts – discuss selling & safety procedures (found in prize brochure).

· Quality training = more sales. Devote time at a unit meeting for training.

· Have Scouts become familiar with order forms and product descriptions.

· Have Scouts practice selling to each other.

· Have Scouts practice ASKING for an order!
Example: “May I show you this sheet with all the products listed on it?”
Then the Scout briefly describes each product.
The Scout emphasizes that about 70% goes to local Scouting.
Then the Scout says, “You’ll help me support Scouting, won’t you?”

· Provide appropriate communication with parents, encouraging their assistance by selling at work or working with the boys to reach sales goals.

· A single, successful sale may raise all the money the unit needs!

· Emphasize to parents that about 70% of the price supports local Scouting activities.

4. Prepare a sales coverage plan.

· Prepare maps showing where each boy will sell. Try to assign a Scout to his block or to a nearby street – neighbors prefer to purchase from neighbors.

· Work with a sister unit on preparing maps if coverage might overlap.

· Agree on who will approach which local businesses for holiday sales.

5. Cover safety & courtesy aspects with Scouts & parents:

· If using prizes, the safety & selling information is in the flyer.

· Always sell with another person (preferably with an adult nearby).

· Never enter someone’s house.

· Never carry large amounts of cash (place large bills in another envelope to be left at home – empty the Scout’s collection envelope regularly.)

· Never sell after dark unless accompanied by an adult.

· Wear your uniform (the only sale where the uniform is authorized).

· Smile; say “thank you” – even if no sale is made.

· If the person says that they purchased from another Scout, be cheerful and say “thank you for supporting Scouting!”

6. Prepare a sales order form(s) for each Scout, including Scouts name, delivery date of after December 1, and make checks payable to “PACK / TROOP / CREW # ---“

7. Place sales posters in high traffic areas just before Sept. 30 to announce the sale.

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Selling popcorn

Selling starts Saturday, September 29. Sales forms should be handed out to the Scouts as close to that date as possible. Scouts – and parents – should be aware that taking orders early is unfair to other Scouts and units!

1. Blitz Day (recommended)– set a weekend date convenient to your unit early in the sale.

· Blitz may start and end at a time convenient to your unit. Some units schedule a hot dog party or similar event for the end of the event.

· Have Scout teams cover preassigned areas; prepare maps showing blocks to cover.

· Have Scouts write each house number they come to on a piece of paper and the words: “bought” or “no”. A blank means the house should be visited again.

· If Scouts sell in pairs, it may be better for each Scout to have his own order form for ease of record keeping for prizes or Scout accounts.

2. Individual sales

· Have Scouts continue to sell during the sales period to neighbors, friends and family. Continue logging street numbers of houses visited to obtain complete coverage.

· Have parents take order forms to work, clubs and other activities.

· Sell popcorn to a business to enhance sales. Share the “holiday gift” concept with doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants & friends who own their own business and other local small businesses. A business may purchase hundred of $ of popcorn!

3. Collecting money:

· Show & deliver reduces the time spent delivering & collecting money!

· People are more likely to purchase if they can pay upon delivery.

· Do not deliver product without collecting money.

· If a customer offers to pay when ordering, try to make those deliveries first.

· Checks should be made out to the unit’s bank account, NOT “Boy Scouts”. Reminder – boys should not carry large amounts of cash.

Preparing & submitting take orders to Council

1. Ensure that you receive Scouts’ orders on time. To prepare orders:

· Set a deadline of Sunday, November 11 (or earlier) to receive Scouts’ orders. Remind them a week ahead of when orders are due! Use e-mail to communicate.

· If Scouts do not bring orders to you, call them to receive totals over the phone. Enter phoned – in orders on a spare order form or directly on the Unit Master Record. MAKE SURE AN ADULT IN THE HOUSE HAS CHECKED THE ADDITION of orders taken over the phone!

· Add up the amounts on Scout’s order forms / check the math if already done.

¨ If using the prize program, make sure Scouts have selected a prize.

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· Transfer the Scouts’ totals to the paper Unit Master Record or your spreadsheet.

¨ The Unit Master Record is required, and provides proof that a Scout was selling popcorn in the event of an accident insurance claim – this is a Scout activity.

¨ Make sure that this Take Order amount does NOT include Show & Deliver!

2. Prepare the Unit Product Order Form, entering product in number of containers.

3. Submit orders as follows; NO FAXES OR E-MAILS TO COUNCIL:

· Bring orders to Show & Deliver return location on Sunday, November 11.

· Units with small orders may be able to take product with them, from popcorn being returned from the Show and Deliver program at this time.

· OR Place orders on the Trails End web site no later than Wednesday, November 15.

· OR bring orders to Council Office and give to Jan Berry no later than 4:00 PM Wednesday, November 14.

· OR e-mail to Terry Smith by 4:00 PM Wednesday, November 15. You must phone me to confirm that I have received the transmission!!

4. Prepare the Unit Prize Order Form: must be turned in no later than December 21!

· Enter the number of patches OR pins desired in the space provided on the top left corner of the prize order form. Total patches / pins = number of Scouts on Unit Master Record.

· Enter the number of prizes desired (an Excel prize worksheet will be sent later)

5. Fill in the Individual Scout Incremental Prize Application for the Fill Up An Order Form, $1,500 level for $50 gift card or $2,500 scholarship levels; due by December 21.

6. Submit the Unit Master Record along with the prize form. Prizes will not be ordered without the UMR at Council. Prize forms will not be accepted after 12-21!

Popcorn pickup, distribution & payment

1. Popcorn pick up is on Saturday, December 1 at a location to be announced. We will likely have Thursday & Friday pickup also – a sign up sheet will be e-mailed later.

2. Distribute popcorn to Scouts from a location other than the above pickup location.

3. Some additional product MAY be available; extra products & quantities are unknown at this time. Extra products purchased after the November 14 order date will NOT be reflected on your 2006 sales records or count toward boys’ prizes.

4. Collect money from Scouts; deposit in your Unit bank Account. Checks should be payable to Simon Kenton Council no later than December 27, after which a 2% fee will be charged.