Fundraising Ideas - Christmas Tree Fundraiser

Christmas Tree Sales

by Jesse Carter

Christmas tree sales have been a favorite way to raise funds for community service organizations like the Optimist Club, Lions Club, and other service organizations.

We've all seen the colorful lit lot with different size trees and the big signs describing what they will provide with the funds generated.

Fairly Easy Fundraiser

This is a fairly easy way to earn several thousand dollars. Although, it will require two volunteers each night which means it is moderately labor intensive.

I remember when I volunteered to help a Boy Scout Troop in Maumelle, Arkansas one year and it raised $1500 on a small corner of a bank lot in a two week time.

Start Selecting Your Tree Source Early

In the late Summer or early Fall your group should contact a number of tree farms in your area. If you are having trouble finding it in the yellow pages or the Chamber Of Commerce, you might try the Department of Agriculture and Forestry for help.

You might also ask neighbors where they got their trees. Keep your eye out for signs indicating Christmas tree farms as you drive through the country side. Here's one good national tree farmer -- Evergreen Agricultural Enterprises, 866-434-4818, which ships all over the country.

Contact at least two tree farmers, but usually it's good to get a quote from four different farmers. These price quotes are estimates only since the tree farmers will the more perfect trees at higher prices compared to those that are slightly crooked or squat at lower prices. You may not know the exact price until they are cut.

Next, you must factor in your profit. For example, if a tree farmer sells you a tree for $10 then you will want to sell it for $18 or $20. If he sells you a tree for $20, you will have to sell it for $34 to $40.

Get The OK From Authorities

A few months prior to your sale, be sure to get clearance from local governing authorities. Make sure that the local police are notified if you expect large traffic output on the streets near your site.

Also, ask them to drive by and keep an eye on your lot at night while you are away. As you choose your location, check with your city planning or zoning office to determine the ability to sell Christmas Trees. Usually, if you use a section of a supermarket parking lot, it will most likely be alright.

Locate electric sources for your lot if possible. Ask the merchant whose lot you are using if you can run an extension cord from their building.

Generators are to be discouraged unless you have a way to muffle 95% of the sound. Otherwise, you will run customers off.

You will also need a tarp and/or small storage building for conducting the transaction of the sale. Get your customer out of the cold or wet when possible.

Offer Free Customer Incentives

Offer hot cocoa or hot coffee for your customers. On a cold or drizzly night, this enticement will make the difference whether someone drives by or goes somewhere else.

Have large signs so that all will know about your FREE coffee or cocoa. Have a Coleman Stove going to heat the drinks or bring your hot drinks in Thermos jugs with a way for refilling them if you run out.

Small cups are the way to go since you are not really out to satisfy their thirst. Everybody loves a freebie.

Offer Other Complimentary Items For Sale

Play Christmas theme music as you offer other items like Wreaths to order. Have several wreaths on display for customers to sign up for with delivery during the next few days. Sell for at least $25 or more depending on the affluency of your neighborhood.

And don't forget cords of firewood that your group has cut prior to your sale. Check for prices at the supermarket (usually on display outside) and then drop your prices a little to make it more enticing.

Contact a local tree surgeon to inquire about donating hardwood trees they cut down during the fall.

Don't forget to offer Christmas gift baskets with food items, Christmas mugs filled with candies or Christmas lighting and decorations. Get sellable decorations on consignment from"friendly" merchants to your cause.

If you have a full year to plan, get Christmas decorations donated from supporters or merchants leftovers that they will not carry next year. Donations of items from merchants will help clear their inventory space and keep them from paying taxes on the inventory.

Use multiple sale items to attract different customers thereby, creating more traffic to your site and an enjoyable festive occasion so that they will refer their neighbors about the good time they had buying a tree from you.

As always, record the names and contact information of your customer so that you can send them a newsletter, email or note of thanks with a way that they can make a further donation later if they choose. As they leave with their purchases, give them a receipt showing your donation webpage on it.

Most of all have a fun time making money for your group. After Christmas, pickup old Christmas trees for profit. Go here to learn more.