In the Spotlight:

Number of Members: 30
Fundraising with Mickman Brothers since: 2001
Amount raised with annual Wreath Fundraiser: Between $2700 - $3700

How is the Wreath Fundraiser promoted?
We set up a table at the church that sponsors us for two weeks. Having a sample wreath is very important and play Christmas music (since we're selling in October and it's about 85 degrees outside). We also announce the activity in the neighborhood paper so that people will have heard about us before the boys start knocking on doors.
 


How do you motivate your members for the Wreath Fundraiser?
It is required that every Scout sell at least 10 "green" items ( lights & hangers don't count!) in order to remain members of the troop. Ten items earns them the wreath sales patch. Then we have 1st, 2nd, 3rd place awards. Mickman Brother's medallions and a $100, $50, $25 gift certificate to their favorite store. They have to sell at least 25 items to qualify for the gift certificate. (e.g. 15 items may be second place but no gift card will be awarded). Our "placers" have always been over 25 units and we never had to worry about this.
 
The first time, 1st, 2nd, 3rd were in the twenties and thirties. But now, as their customer base grew, you have to be in the sixties to be competitive. Last year 73 was a tie for first place! Also, if you beat last years record, you get an extra $10. If you tie, you don't have to share. The troop committee is more than happy to give out another gift card.
 
We keep a beautifully decorated tally chart in the scout's meeting room. Every week they report their sales. Unfortunately the older boys know to "sand bag" and don't report "65 units" until the end. This blows away the new kids.
 
Please share any "secrets of success" or additional comments:
Every boy gets two complete packages. One for them and one for their parents.

We charge $8-$10 above our cost!

HGP is a big part of our sales. So many people in South Florida have family somewhere else. The parents like it also, they don't have to drive around and deliver.

We don't buy too many extras, although the extra case of Victorian's flew out in a day. Usually the boys shooting for the gift cards want those extra's to sell. But once you check them out they don't come back! They have to sell them.

Every boy's selling package comes with a copy of last years envelope. This way they can contact last years customers first and developed a customer base. So this means you have to make copies when everyone turns in their envelope and save them for next year. If a boy leaves the group, their copy goes to a boy who is having a difficult time selling this year.

Awards and recognitions take place at our Christmas party in December.