15 Things You Need To Know Before Choosing
A Scratch Card Fundraiser:

1- Coupons vs. None
Get a card with coupons so you can offer good value to you donors and try to get coupons for products and services your donors can actually use. They will remember on your next fundraiser.

2- Coupons Can Be Misleading
Even with big brand names, some coupons will have a lot of fine print which can make things more difficult for your donor. Choose a scratch card with simple coupons for popular merchants.

3- Coupon Expiration
Look for a company that will guarantee and replace expired coupon pads.

4- Watch For Quality
Choose a card that can last through your fundraiser. You want to raise all that the card can.

5- How much it raises $50 - $100 - $250
Stay away from cards that promise very high amounts, and don't sell your group or supporters short with the cheaper cards. EX. A card may say it can raise $250, but it may actually raise only half of that. This will not do if you have a fundraising goal to meet. $100 cards with coupons have shown to offer the best fundraising value.

6- Free Shipping
Make sure you can get free shipping included so you don't get surprised at delivery time.

7- Your Group Name & Logo
Look for a company that will print your group name and logo on each card for free. Also look for a card that has a large spot for your name and logo. A customized card shows your participants and donors you are serious about your fundraiser.

8- Free Cards
Although free cards are always a bonus, use this as your last decision maker. More of an inferior scratch card will not help you raise what you need. Choose the right scratch card first.

9- Collection Envelopes & Control Grid
Items like these are essential to helping you manage a successful fundraiser. Make sure the company you choose includes these for free.

10- Good Customer Support
Pick a scratch card fundraising company that demonstrates good customer service; they answer your questions, they ask you questions and they offer a phone number, not just e-mail to reach them. They will not be a 'fly by night' operation and will help you if there is a problem.

11- Overselling
Beware of very pushy sales tactics. Good scratch card companies sell you 1 - 2 cards per fundraising participants in your group and let you re-order when you're ready.

12- Minimum Order Amounts
Don't buy more than your group needs. Good scratch card companies sell you 1 - 2 cards per fundraising participants in your group and let you re-order when you're ready.

13- Beware Of Free $100 Gift With Sample
This is somewhat misleading as some companies claim they are sending you a $100 gift. This is usually the scratch card that come as the sample. So don't let it fool you.

14- Financing / Payment Options
Financing can definitely help out, just be cautious with companies that try to oversell you by using financing. You really don't want to have collection agents calling you during your fundraiser. Good scratch card companies will not oversell you and will offer you a variety of purchase options. Just ask!

15- Incentives & Prizes
As an added incentive to your fundraising participants to raise more and faster, choose a company that can offer incentives and prizes that will motivate your group. Some companies offer this free of charge.

 
Sponsored by: