Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Item of the Week (6/27) - Save 20%


Perfect for Summertime Outings!

Check back every week to find the current deals!
*This week's sale price is already discounted on website.*

Deluxe Picnic Trolley (Item #14231)

Whether it’s a romantic meal for two or a family feast, this rolling kit is a must-have for any mobile gourmet! Front pocket contains a full service for four, while two insulated center pockets keep your favorite hot or cold goodies ready for enjoyment. The ultimate companion for outdoor fun! Set includes: four 9" plates, four spoons, four knives, four forks, four wine glasses, four napkins, cheese cutter, bottle opener, cork screw, mini knife, cutting board, salt and pepper shakers.


Weight 8.6 lbs. Plastic, stainless steel, wood, cotton, and polyester. Hand wash only. 16 1/2" x 12 3/4" x 24" high; handle extends to 38 3/4" high; top insulated space: 12" x 7 1/2" x 5 1/4" high; large insulated space: 13" x 8" x 13" high. Set






Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Item of the Week (6/20) - Save up to 36%


Hammocks

Check back every week to find the current deals!
*This week's sale price is already discounted on website.*


Ocean Stripe Hammock (Item #14973) - Save 25%


Lean back, relax, and enjoy the good life in your own resort-style hammock! Crafted from sturdy woven cotton and rope for long-lasting enjoyment, it’s just the thing for a lovely, lazy carefree day. Max. Wt.: 200 lbs.

Custom carry/storage bag included. Weight: 2.0 lbs. 39" x 96" long. Cotton.


Cotton Double Person Hammock (Item #33024) - Save 36%


Relax together on this sturdy cotton hammock built comfortably for two. A delightful retreat! Pillow not included. Max. Wt.: 440 lbs.

Weight 7 lbs. Recycled cotton rope on a wood frame, metal loops for hanging. 54" x 140" long.





Cotton Padded Swing Chair (Item #34302) - Save 25%


A relaxing way to retreat from the day! Soft cotton padding and gentle rocking motion cradle you in exceptional comfort. Great for use indoors or out. Max Wt.: 200 lbs. Seat: 10 1/2" wide.

Recycled cotton. Chair is 38" x 17 3/4" x 52" high.





Hammock Chair (Item #35330) - Save 25%


Perfect to hang on porch or branch. This comfy cradle chair will quickly become your favorite place to relax! Max. Wt.: 200 lbs.

Recycled cotton. 39 1/4" x 46" high.






Blue & White Hammock with Pillow (Item #36669) - Save 25%


Treat yourself to the free-swinging comfort that only a hammock can give with this snappy blue striped single-person cotton model. Includes a pillow! Max. Wt.: 240 lbs.

Recycled cotton. 31 1/2" x 78 3/4" long.








Visit us: www.withthoughtsofyou.com


7 Helpful Tips - Choosing Potential Fundraising Prospects


Sometimes it can be a little difficult and overwhelming to find a potential fundraising prospect. Here are just a few things to consider when you're thinking about working with businesses to raise funds for your organization.


Higher or Lower? 

So which company is the better choice? The company that offers 50% of the total funds raised or the one that offers 30%. Without thinking about it, a lot of people would say take the 50% cut. The truth is that the higher percentage doesn't always necessarily make you the most money. Remember, the percentage should only play a part in your decision making process. NEVER choose a fundraiser based solely on the amount you think you will make.

You're going to want to really look at the pros and cons before choosing. You definitely want to find a product that is inexpensive and can be diverse. Is it gender friendly and can it be used for more than one purpose? Gift cards are a great example! You also want people to feel comfortable and not feel like they're being forced into buying something just because it's their child, grandchild, or friend's child. They'll be more likely to participate each time if you keep that in mind. Don't be afraid to receive small percentages for participating in events like dinner night with places like McDonald's, Boston Market, etc... After all, it's a good way for you to meet and socialize with parents and other school officials. Best of all, some money is better than no money!

If the reward does not seem like it could outweigh the time, work, and resources you and/or others might have, then that particular fundraiser may not be the best fit for you.


Well Known vs. Small Businesses

There's absolutely nothing wrong with working with the more well-known businesses. Both are actually great choices! I, personally liked going places where people knew my name, preferences, I could reach someone in case of issues/questions, and where my organization didn't have to wait long to receive the funds we earned. Sometimes I just like that 'homey' feeling. Besides, those AUTOMATED systems are an absolute PAIN! I definitely don't like being a number, if you know what I mean.

I always say support your local community. Chances are the local smaller guys will work with you more because they can/want to help. They care about their community especially if that's where they live.


Don't be Scared of Contracts

Like your organization, your potential prospect is a place of business. They want to protect themselves just like you do. I think contracts are great! It's extremely important to clearly lay out what is expected of all parties involved before the start of any business venture. This doesn't mean that you should be reading and signing something that was designed to confuse you. If it does, ask questions! NEVER sign anything you don't understand. 'There's no such thing as a stupid question'!

*Tip: Don't get caught off guard! Before you agree to anything, always find out if there are any upfront fees or other fees to participate in your potential fundraiser.


Working with Multiple Companies

The goal is to maximize your fundraising potential, right? There's no rule that says you can't work with more than one company for the year. If a company's contract requires that you only work with them for the year, you might want to reconsider working with them. They can't guarantee your yearly potential. Don't sell your organization short. If you feel like working with more than one company is just too overwhelming, schedule your fundraisers at different times (One in the FALL, the other in the SPRING). Let your board be the one that sets the bar for raising the most money for your future boards! Within reason, NEVER limit yourself or your organization.


Convenience of a Helping Hand

Sometimes working with a particular fundraiser or company can make you feel stressed because of the workload. Look for a company that's willing to get their hands a little dirty. Putting in a little work never hurt anyone. If there's a lot of paperwork, money to count, items to sort at the end of the fundraiser, etc., see if they'd be willing to help out a bit. Asking a question or two never hurt anyone. This is definitely where working with the smaller business can be beneficial.


Plenty of Notice

You want to give plenty of notice to all parties involved (You, the company, kids or elected fundraisers, and your potential consumers). We all know that scheduling sometimes doesn't go as smoothly as you had hoped. This would be a good time to have Plan's A, B, and C. Decide on a few dates that you think you would like to have your fundraisers. Generally, it's a good idea to at the very least give your potential prospect three weeks to prepare all materials needed to help provide you with a successful fundraiser. If applicable, a week before the fundraiser begins, you should send a letter to your potential consumers. For example, if your organization is a school, send a parent letter home with the kids (elected fundraisers) so that their parents (potential consumers) are well aware that your organization will be having a fundraiser. That will give them ample time to spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors.

*Tip: The duration of your fundraiser shouldn't be too short or too long.


Payment

Don't worry, you'll get it. It's ok to be worried about receiving your funds from the company especially if you're working with them for the first time. Chances are they're a little worried about your commitment especially if you didn't have to pay any upfront fees. This is one of the reasons why I believe that having a contract is a necessity.  Think of it like your hiring a contractor. In your mind, you're hoping that he does an outstanding job. In his mind, he's hoping that you will stay committed to agreeing to pay him in full when he finishes his job.

Receiving your portion of the funds raised should be received by check. Remember contracts and checks are the way to go. ALWAYS create a paper trail. Make sure that you know how much your check should be prior to you actually receiving your check. Also, Make sure that it is very clear that you know how & approximately when you should be receiving your funds.   


Good luck!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Item of the Week (6/13) - Save 25%

 
Lanterns

 Check back every week to find the current deals!
*This week's sale price is already discounted on website.*


Giant-Size White Medallion Lantern (Item #13356)


Stunning is the word for this show-stopping oversized lantern! Lush medallion cutout design gets modern appeal from glossy snow-white finish; simply gorgeous as a candle glows from within.

Weight 3 lbs. Iron. Candle not included. May Require Additional Freight Charge 7" square x 25" high.




White Medallion Lantern (Item #13358)


Fire and ice creates a dramatic show as candlelight glimmers through snow-white cutout panels. Delicately designed yet generously sized, this gorgeous lantern is sure to impress!

Weight 2 lbs. Iron. Candle not included. 7" square x 19" high.




Ivory Enchantment Candle Lamp (Item #14117)
 

Shed a festive light on any occasion! Fresh ivory lacework is an elegant counterpart to multi-colored pressed glass panels; simply add a candle inside this lovely lamp to create a captivating glow.

Weight 1.1 lb. Iron and glass. Candle not included. 5 3/4" x 5" x 12" high.




White Colonial Candle Lamp (Item # 14124)


A traditional candle lantern gets a fresh contemporary look with matte white finish and charming star cutouts! A simple yet elegant complement sheds festive light on any setting.

Weight 1 lb. Iron and glass. Candle not included. 5" diameter x 9 1/2" high.






Visit us: www.withthoughtsofyou.com


Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Item of the Week (6/6) - Save up to 44%


Cookware Sets

Check back every week to find the current deals!
*This week's sale price is already discounted on website.* 


Burgundy Nonstick Cookware (Item #12129) - Save 25%


Tasteful burgundy finish adds richness to an essential set of cookware, creating a look that any gourmet chef is sure to love. Sturdily constructed with non-stick interiors and matching lids.

Weight 5.1 lbs. Iron with heat insulated handles. Hand wash only. Three size pots (1.4, 2.6, 4.4 quart) with lids; Pan: 9 1/2" diameter x 2 1/4" high. Set



Graphite Nonstick Cookware (Item # 12130) - Save 25%


Seven piece chef’s set of graphite-black cookware keeps you cooking and looking good! Sleek pots and pans features non-stick lining for easy cooking and cleanup.

Weight 5.2 lbs. Iron with heat insulated handles. Hand wash only. Small pot: 1.4 quart; large pot: 4.4 quart; three sized pans (8", 10", 11" each). Set



  
6-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set (Item #13390) - Save 25%


Generous lidded pots are perfect for soups, stews and many more gourmet delights! Three separate sizes (4, 6, 8 quart) handle any cooking chore with ease; non-stick interiors make cleanup a snap.

Weight 6.4 lbs. Iron with heat insulated handles. Hand wash only. Set




9-Piece Deluxe Cookware Set (Item # 13411) - Save 44%

Whether it’s a quick snack or a full-fledged feast, this fabulous cookware prepares your meal with ease! Lidded pots and pans feature non-stick lining for fast cleanup; rich burgundy finish adds an extra touch of elegance. Set includes two saucepans and one pot with lids and three pans.

Weight 5.5 lbs. Carbon steel with heat insulated handles. Hand wash only. Three size pots (1.5, 2, 8 quart); three sized pans (6 1/4", 7 3/4", 10" diameter each). Set of 9