Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a minimum order for your products?
- How do I know my students will LIKE what we sell?
- I'm not confident my kids will actually sell. How can I be sure they'll be motivated to participate?
- How do I know my customers will like your products?
- How do we get started with a fundraiser?
- It seems to me the longer we sell the more we make. But our fundraising representative says we should keep our program short. Why is that?
- My representative has suggested dividing my group into teams and hanging posters and goal charts. I think my students will think that is a gimmick. Why is that necessary?
- I'm opposed to giving prizes to the students. I'd rather make the extra money. Why should we give prizes?
- Is there a charge for your brochures?
- Do we have to pay for our products up front?
- How do I return left-over products?
- Can candy bars and frozen foods be returned?
- Do we pay sales tax?
- To whom should checks be written?
- My child missed the turn-in date for their order. Can I place the order through you?
- I received a substitute item and did not like it, what do I do?
- I didn't receive an invoice with my main order, when will I receive it?
- We got our order of product but not the children's prizes. Were they sent?
- Where are you located?
- Q: Is there a minimum order for your products?
A: Most of our products do NOT have a minimum order. Your group takes orders and we send you exactly the number of products you have ordered. If you have unsold items you can even return them to us for a full credit. Some of our products, such as the custom discount cards DO have a minimum, because we are making a card specifically for YOU! Your representative can help you decide what the best product is and how to eliminate any risk. We realize you are in this to RAISE MONEY and we will help you do that!^ Back to Top
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Q: How do I know my students will LIKE what we sell?
A: Ironically, it's not important that you sell a product your students like, but rather a product that appeals to your community, because they are the people who will be purchasing. All of our product lines are chosen to appeal to those who purchase. Your students can feel good about presenting a product to the community that is GUARANTEED! And they can focus on our great prize program as an incentive for their participation.^ Back to Top
- Q: I'm not confident my kids will actually sell. How can I be sure they'll be motivated to participate?
A: Most students do not like to participate in fundraisers, that's a fact. But Great American offers the best products, the best prizes, a motivational video tape and a professional fundraising consultant to help your group raise the most money possible. When students understand the need for the money and they are properly motivated and rewarded for their participation, they will help out.^ Back to Top
- Q: How do I know my customers will like your products?
A: Our marketing team works hard to develop products that are in line with national trends and that will appeal to a wide group of people. Most of our products are custom developed just for Great American. And all products are attractively packaged - not just in plain white boxes. But beyond that, our products carry our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! If your customer is not satisfied, he can call our toll-free number for a different product choice or a full refund! Though that rarely happens, it's just one of the ways we prove to you that working with Great American is a hassle-free fundraising experience!^ Back to Top
- Q: How do we get started with a fundraiser?
A: You may start by completing the Send Info request form and we will be happy to contact you with more information. Or if you need immediate assistance, please call us at 1-800-251-1542.^ Back to Top
- Q: It seems to me the longer we sell the more we make. But our fundraising representative says we should keep our program short. Why is that?
A: It's a lot like giving homework to students. If you give a student 4 weeks to do a paper, most will use just the last few days to do all the work. By keeping it short and focused, your students are more likely to have good results.^ Back to Top
- Q: My representative has suggested dividing my group into teams and hanging posters and goal charts. I think my students will think that is a gimmick. Why is that necessary?
A: It's called promotion. When a new movie comes out, you'll see the ads, the posters, the displays and all types of advance promotion. Borrowing from that idea, Great American knows you'll ALL (you included) get "into it" if you make a big deal about it. And you'll have more fun and make MORE MONEY, too!^ Back to Top
- Q: I'm opposed to giving prizes to the students. I'd rather make the extra money. Why should we give prizes?
A: Prizes motivate your students, therefore, it's probable you'll make more money if you have prizes. Plus the students deserve a reward for their hard work and commitment to your program. And our statistics prove it -- you WILL make more money if you offer prizes.
- Q: Is there a charge for your brochures?
A: No. There are NO charges for brochures.^ Back to Top
- Q: Do we have to pay for our products up front?
A: No. Your invoice will be sent after your products are shipped. By the time it is due, you will have collected more than enough money to pay your invoice and the rest of the money is your profit.^ Back to Top
- Q: How do I return left-over products?
A: If you have unsold products, the first thing to do is to distribute those items to top sellers for them to re-sell. This helps you keep your profits! If you still have products to return, call 1-800-251-1542 for a return authorization number. This will help us credit your account properly. It is the group's responsibility to return all products, however, if you have less than 6 items to return, you can simply receive a credit without returning the items.^ Back to Top
- Q: Can candy bars and frozen foods be returned?
A: No, candy bars and frozen foods cannot be returned. Be sure to consult your sales representative as he or she is trained to assist you in ordering the right amount for your group.^ Back to Top
- Q: Do we pay sales tax?
A: We follow the tax laws in your state. If your organization has a tax exemption number, you are not required to pay tax. (We require documentation to be on file to verify this fact). If you do not have a tax exemption number or your group is not tax exempt, you will be charged tax. Verify your tax status with your organization.^ Back to Top
- Q: To whom should checks be written?
A: Check should be written to your organization.^ Back to Top
- Q: My child missed the turn-in date for their order. Can I place the order through you?
A: No. Please contact your group's sponsor and ask that they place the order.^ Back to Top
- Q: I received a substitute item and did not like it, what do I do?
A: We will be happy to send you a product that you do like. Check our online catalogs of current seasonal products and choose an item from the same price range. Then call 1-800-251-1542 for further instructions. Check our online catalog for a complete list.^ Back to Top
- Q: I didn't receive an invoice with my main order, when will I receive it?
A: Invoices are mailed out 8 days after your product ships. This allows you time to collect your money. If you need an invoice prior to this time, please call 1-800-251-1542 and a customer care representative will assist you.^ Back to Top
- Q: We got our order of product but not the children's prizes. Were they sent?
A: The prizes, if not pre-packed, will be shipped, packaged by teacher with a listing of students and what prize they earned. They should, in most cases, arrive prior to the arrival of the product.^ Back to Top
- Q: Where are you located?
A: Our corporate offices are in Nashville, Tennessee, however we have several hundred fundraising consultants throughout the country and are ready to assist you and your group. Call us at 1-800-251-1542 and we will be happy to provide you with more information. Or you may complete the on-line Send Info form found at the bottom of your screen.^ Back to Top