So, you have set up your Show and Sell Locations, organized your Wagon Draggin's and picked up your product what is next? Here are a few things to remind our families about and some thoughts on how to manage your sale.
Did you have your boys and families set goals? Setting a Sales Goal teaches a major skill. Did they set a goal that challenges them and is yet attainable? How will they reach that goal? By setting and achieving a challenging goal the youth will build self-confidence. It will also help them learn to handle rejection as not every approach will yield a success.
Does every youth know what to say? Have they practiced their sales-pitch, a sample is in the Unit Leaders Guide. This is a great leadership opportunity for older youth to help the younger youth learn how to approach prospects and how to handle themselves, again building self-confidence.
Are they wearing clean uniforms, with hair and teeth brushed? While selling they are representing not only the council, but your unit, community and themselves. Along those same lines have they been taught to thank everyone, even those who either choose not to, or are unable to buy. A Scout is Kind.
A few other tips;
If using a table, do not have the Scouts sit behind it. It creates a barrier.
If Wagon Draggin' do they also have their order sheet, so people can see all the products if they choose.
Have the boys handle the money as much as possible, it demonstrates responsibility.
A two-hour shift is about the maximum most Scouts an handle at a Show and Sell, and the younger the less they can handle.
Are you keeping it fun for your Scouts? Small prizes and recognitions can go a long way.
Are you communicating at least weekly with all your families?
If you have distributed product how are you keeping track of your inventory to best get it out there and maximize your sale.
There are still 7 weekends to sell before returns so keep up the good work and keep it fun.
