Fundraising

This year's fundraiser is the Hybrid Light sale. Hybrid Light is an excellent supporter of both Trail Life and American Heritage Girls, and we're thankful for all they do for troops around the country.

Troop Goal: $30,000 funds raised
Individual Trailman Goal: 12 Lights (total $420 in sales)

*HybridLight and the Troop Committee will work with Trailmen who have previously been rewarded with one of the standard rewards to create a custom reward package of an approximate $300 value.

Resources

• Printable Sales Tracking Sheet

• Printable Product Sheet

• HybridLight flier with reference to some of the products and incentives (this does not reference the camping package--see below for that)

• Example Camping Hiker bundles avaialble as an incentive (alternative to bow/arrow and rifle)

• CheddarUp POS Code "T4d5ddZ753d69"

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the troops’ fundraising goals?
   Our fundraising goals will necessarily adjust as the size of the troop changes, but tentatively, our goal is $30,000.
   
   We target a number of lights by program level:
   
   

   1. Woodlands Trail: 12

   2. Navigators: 12

   3. Adventurers: 12

2. I really don't like sales, and I don't have much experience, but I'd like to support the troop. What will it take to meet the sales goals?
   We estimate that a Trailman will sell about 2 lights per hour of effort expended during weekday evening door-to-door sales and storefront sales. Our intake form requests the hours spent so that we can refine our metrics.

3. I still don't like sales, and I'm pretty busy. Can I just do a buy-out of the fundraiser?
   The troop will always accept donations. Also, participating in the fundraiser isn't required. We do, however, encourage all Trailmen to participate for several reasons:

   1. Participating in the fundraiser develops people skills.

   2. Participating in the fundraiser develops discipline and character by challenging the Trailman to establish a goal and then proactively make choices and even sacrifices to achieve that goal.

   3. Participating in the fundraiser increases the sense of ownership for the troop and increases the enjoyment of activities that the Trailman participates in later that were funded by the fundraiser.

   4. You don't want to be left out of the opportunity of doing the work to support your troop. And there's incredible prizes.

   5. Many adults today look back fondly remembering the work they did every year to raise money for their troop's activities.

4. How do I report my sales?
   Bring your sales sheet and we'll make a copy and deliver the items to you the following troop meeting.
   You may also use the intake form to pre-order items so that you can deliver products immediately. Please be judicious with pre-orders, as we need to ensure the saleability of the products and a large number of pre-orders may significantly increase the stock we need to maintain and the returns we need to may need to make at the end of the fundraiser.

5. When do I get my lights?
   Generally, orders will be available at the following troop meeting. 

6. Can my AHG daughters participate in this fundraiser?
   The AHG troop conducts its own fundraisers. However, the Trail Life troop will donate all profits raised by any girls that participate in the fundraiser to our sister troop.

7. Can I have lights delivered to my out-of-town friends and relatives?
   Yes! Please add $5 per order that needs to be shipped directly and will not be distributed through the troop. The $5 is sufficient to cover shipping fees for orders of any size to a single address.

8. How can I maximize my sales?

   1. Practice your pitch (example provided below)

   2. Where your uniform!

   3. Consider purchasing a demo kit consisting of 3 lights (Nav, Journey 160, and  PUC) to demo the $35 products. Demonstrate the functionality of your favorite product during your pitch.

   4. Think about your contacts and connections, including family, work, social,  church  (we do not condone selling flashlights on Sundays at church--let the Lord's Day be for the worship and fellowship of the saints).

   5. Christmas is coming; let your contacts know these are great gifts for the outdoor enthusiast, the shop, the car, 72-hour kits, and home emergency kits.

   6. Participate in our storefront sales!

   7. If someone declines to purchase something, ask for a small donation.

   8. Learn how to collect money by credit card (see below).

   9. Start knocking on doors. Take an hour tonight to walk around your neighborhood or drive to a different neighborhood. The success of this fundraiser ultimately comes down to hitting the pavement and making consistent progress. History shows that the hardest part is starting--get that out of the way by starting today.

   10. The biggest thing is get started! The hardest step to take is the first one, but get out there and give it a try.
       
       

9. Is door-to-door solicitation allowed in my neighborhood?
   Door-to-door solicitation is allowed in most neighborhoods, and religious-based non-profit solicitation is generally protected by local ordinances. A parent/guardian or troop leader should be visible, and door-to-door visits should be conducted during daylight hours. On weekdays when local schools are in session, conduct visits no earlier than 3pm. Be respectful of signs that state no solicitation, and remember the Trailmen Oath, “… to treat others as I want to be treated,” and the Trailman Motto, “Walk Worthy.”

10. What are some of the noteworthy features of the flashlights we're selling?
    Hybrid Light provides a lifetime guarantee for all lights, including batteries. Lights will hold a charge for up to 7 years. All lights come with a USB charger. Also, lights except the Nav can be charged by solar energy and they can charge a USB device such as a cell phone.

    1. PUC - The PUC Expandable Lantern is a portable and lightweight lantern that can also double as a flashlight when collapsed. It’s a versatile, water-resistant lantern that shines at 150 lumens. You’ll get 40 hours of light on one full charge from the 2000 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery (holds a charge for 7 years). The Puc has a USB port for charging your mobile devices. It also features a Micro USB port for rapid charging or you can simply use any light source to keep your Puc charged through its built-in solar panel. The Puc measures 5.3” when opened as a lantern and only 2” when closed as a flashlight. The lightweight design also comes in at 7oz. It also includes a fold-down metal hanger hook to hang the PUC from almost anything and anywhere.

    2. The Journey features a fully waterproof enclosure. It has a USB port for charging your mobile devices, a Micro USB port for rapid charging the flashlight, or you can simply use any light source to keep your flashlight charged through its built-in solar panel. The Journey 160 super-bright LED shines for up to 30 hours on low beam and 8 hours on high from the 2200 mAh lithium-ion battery (holds a charge for 7 years). It’s 6” in length and weighs in at only 4.5oz. You can take it anywhere and store it in your glove box, kitchen drawer, garage, or boat.

    3. The NAV is a versatile Headlamp that comes with both a comfortable Headband, and a Hat Clip that slides snugly on your hat. The head of The NAV pivots at 180° allowing you to point the headlamp where you need it. The NAV is equipped with 3 LED’s (White, Red, Green) that shine brightly at 75 Lumens, and a Switch Lock Mode to prevent the light from turning on in your bag. You’ll get 5 hours of light on one full charge, and can be recharged via the MicroUSB port (cord included). The NAV Headlamp measures 3.25” in length and weighs in at only an ounce. The NAV’s super light design makes it the ideal choice for outdoorsmen and outdoors enthusiasts.

11. What's a good sales pitch?
    There are two approaches. One encourages individual ownership and responsibility. The other recognizes that Trail Life is a discipleship ministry serving our community. I prefer the latter, but you are welcome to try both

    1. Common component: Hello! My name is _________. I’m a (Fox, Hawk, Mountain Lion, Navigator, Adventurer) of Trail Life Troop OH-1202.

    2. Ownership approach: I am raising funds to participate in the Trail Life program and go on a _____________ (fill in your favorite idea of a high-adventure activity you hope to do this year).

    3. Discipleship approach: Trail Life is an adventure, character, and leadership ministry serving young men of Douglas County. Our goal is to make outdoor adventure, character, service, and leadership development opportunities available to as many young men ages 5-18 as possible.

    4. Common component: We are selling HybridLight’s Solor Powered LED Flashlight, expandable lantern, and multi-colored headlamp. The Flashlight and lantern recharge with solar, and all 3 items can be charged through micro USB ports. No batteries to replace, and the flashlight and lantern can charge your phone. Each item holds a charge for 7 years. They are great for emergencies. preparedness, and daily use. These lights work every time you need them, and every light has a lifetime guarantee. Will you help us reach our goal?

12. I know of a local business I'd like to approach for a potential bulk sale. Do you have any ideas?
    Yes! I'm linked in with the national sales director for Hybrid Light, and troops from across the country reach out to me with their success stories. We can brainstorm together on some possible approaches. Contact Blair Watkinson, blair.watkinson@me.com, 937-999-7279.

Finances

1. Should people pay upfront?
   This is definitely preferred! We pay Hybrid Light at the time of shipment, and delaying payment increases our troops’ upfront costs and presents risk that we order an item that someone chooses not to pay for later. Please use the following notations on the order sheet to note payments in the payment column:

   • CC for payment by Credit Card

   • $ for payment by Cash

   • ✔︎ for payment by Check
     
     

2. To whom should checks be written?
   Checks can be written out to Trail Life Troop OH-1202. When receiving payment by check, please enter a ✔︎ in the paperwork "total" column.

3. Can we accept cash?
   Yes, please keep careful records! When receiving payment by cash, please enter $ in the paperwork "total" column.

4. Can we accept credit cards?
   Yes, please see credit card instructions below. Our processing vendor charges a small convenience fee. For instructions on how to access our credit card processing platform, please see instructions below. When receiving payment by credit card, please enter CC in the paperwork paid column.

5. Can we accept donations?
   Most definitely! If individuals would like a donation receipt, please enter the donation into the CheddarUp app using the point-of-sale application instructions below.

6. Will we have individual accounts for our fundraising revenue?
   No. The IRS (along with biblical stewardship principles) does not allow members of charitable organizations to use the direct profits of fundraising sales for their own individual use. Instead, the troop and Hybrid Light provides incentives as depicted below.

Credit Card and Point-of-Sale application

1. How do I collect money by credit card?

   1. Download the CheddarUp app.

   2. Open the CheddarUp app, and log out if you're already logged in.

   3. Select "Get Started" on the splash screen (do not select "Sign In")

   4. Select "I have a POS Code"

   5. Enter the POS Code "T273a0Zf296bd"

   6. Add your name and email address

   7. You should be ready to go!

   8. You might consider a trial purchase just to learn the process--Blair Watkinson can refund the trial transaction after the transaction posts.

2. Can I give a credit card refund?
   Yes, please contact Blair Watkinson, 937-999-7279, to initiate a refund.

3. Should I use the POS (CheddarUp app) for non-credit card transactions?
   Use of the POS is encouraged and can be used to provide a receipt to the user, assuming the user provides his/her email address, but it is not required. 

Incentives

1. What are the incentives for the fundraiser?
   12 lights: NAV Headlamp and PUC
   24 lights: Atlas Fire
   48 lights: choice of:

   1. 1. Henry 1 .22 lever-action rifle

      2. Genesis Compound bow

      3. 2 Hybrid light pro-kits

      4. Choice of one of two Alps Mountaineering backpacking kits both of which include a backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and ground pad.

      5. If you have other ideas for incentives, let the Troopmaster know!

Rewards are cumulative! Selling 48 lights earns the rifle, PUC, Atlas Fire and the headlamp!

2. How do incentives work for the higher-priced items, for raffle tickets, and for donations?
   For every $35 the Trailmen brings into the troop, he will receive credit for one flashlight sale. For example, the Trailman will receive 8.57 lights credit for a $300 pro kit sale and 2 lights credit for a $70 Atlas Fire. Alternatively, you can just use the total sales plus donation collected divided by $35 to determine the equivalent number of lights sold.

3. Will my son receive credit for their fundraising with reduced activity costs?
   Troop dues provide access to all of the troop activities. There is a nominal $5 fee for Trailmen attending an overnight or high-cost event. However, there is a significant cost associated with summer activities. Both IRS rules and principles of stewardship integrity prevent us from directly crediting Trailmen with a percentage of funds raised.
   
   With this in mind, in addition to the incentives offered above, the troop offers the following incentive: for every additional 12 lights sold above and beyond the target amount, the troop will discount summer adventures by $100.

4. Can the troop incentive of $100 for every 10 lights sold be applied to a different son or adult in my family?
   Absolutely! How the $100 discount is applied to members of the family is left to the family’s discretion.

5. I have multiple kids and it’s hard to credit only one with a particular sale. How can the kids be individually credited with their effort?
   We encourage Trailmen to work together in door-to-door sales, storefront sales, and reaching out to family, but we can only credit one Trailman for each light sold. Your family is welcome to divide the number of products sold based on the effort made by each member of your family or with an eye toward troop goals and incentives.

6. How do I communicate division of sales among my family?
   Please use a different order form for each Trailman and enter the total product sales for the members of your family and bring to a troop meeting.

7. How is credit at storefront sales assigned?
   Donations and product sales will be tracked hourly at each location. Product sales and donations will be credited proportionately to each youth Trailman supporting the storefront sale during that hour.

Other

1. Hybrid Lights aren’t consumable. What will we do next year?
   Great question! This is one of the factors why the Troop Committee was initially reluctant to adopt this fundraiser. There are a couple of thoughts here. According to Hybrid Light, they make different flashlights available each year, so we may still have an opportunity to repeat this fundraiser with different products. Also, experience shows that after owning a light, many folks will want another light for their family or friends. We hope to collect success rates regarding storefront sales, family/friends, and neighborhood sales to help identify whether this is a fundraiser that we can repeat next year. We will also invite input from families regarding their assessment on the viability of repeating this fundraiser or whether a different one should be adopted.

2. Should we collect email addresses for our orders?
   Yes, as often as possible, we should get email addresses. While email address are optional, having them allows us to stay in contact with those who have supported our troop in the past by providing them an occasional update with how we are using the money they have given us. Saying “thank you” and providing supporters an understanding of how their gifts and support are being used are key factors in repeat giving.