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Bake sales are one of the oldest forms of fund raisers, and just look at their success. Arguably, the original bake sale has turned into a multi-million dollar business for the Girl Scouts!

From humble beginnings, to grandiose catalogs and door-to-door sales, treats are a great way to get people to support your organization. But, spend some time on the front side, and you'll maximize your profits.

1. RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS - do not attempt to host a sale with just one or two adults. Make sure you have plenty of adults, not only baking, but also participating in the actual sale. If you rely on only one or two people to man your sale booth, you never know what will happen on sale day. You need plenty of backup personnel.

2. BAKE A VARIETY OF TREATS - ensure that you reach a broad spectrum of donor pockets by offering a broad selection of goodies. Not everything needs to be sweet. Remember, there are many diabetics or weight conscience customers out there. Try making the traditional cookies, cakes, pies, and other sweets. But also include artisan breads, cheese breads, baked crackers, etc. These will remove the guilt, and the excuses, of some consumers.

3. DON'T SELL ONLY "SINGLES" - if you sell everything by the brownie, or cookie, or bar, you'll have to sell a whole lot of cookies to make the money you are looking for. It is okay to have a few singles available, but typically, you will want to sell by the dozen, or an entire pie, cake or pan of brownies.

4. PRESENTATION COUNTS - ask your baking volunteers to make sure they decorate items appropriately. Don't just sell chocolate chip cookies (although they are a staple). Sell chocolate chip cookies that are decorated for an upcoming holiday (say pumpkins for Halloween, or bunnies for Easter) Ask for cakes that are in the shape of popular kids cartoons. These cake pans are very easy to find in craft stores. And, don't neglect the decorations for your sale table. A little pretty-ing up can go a long way.

5. TELL YOUR STORY - post signs or banners that tell everyone what your doing, and why. People want to know the money they are giving is going to stay within their community. They want to know they are supporting a good cause. Pictures are always a great way to enhance the story. If you are raising funds for a local softball team, include shots of the team in action, and include a list of the things the money will be used for (tournament travel expenses, new equipment, etc.)

6. SET YOUR DATE AND TIME CAREFULLY - remember, grocery stores have sales on Sunday for a reason. More people shop on that day than any other. And, don't opt to have a sale in front of those same grocery stores the day after Thanksgiving. You won't see many customers. Typically, the first of the month is the best time to ask for money from people. They've likely just been paid, and they may feel they have more discretionary income to spend. And, a horrible time to try to sell treats is just after work. People are usually rushing to get their errands done on their way home to dinner. They'll be in a hurry. Opt for an early morning, hopefully on a weekend, and stay until early afternoon. You'll hit people at their hungriest!

7. KEEP GOOD RECORDS - particularly when there are parents involved that are not participating. Everyone usually overestimates what they expect from these events. You'll want to be able to report your success penny for penny.

8. HAVE FUN - don't be a dictator at the fund raiser. Tell everyone what you're expecting from them, and then resolve that some of it will happen exactly as you dream. And, some won't. Most importantly, if you are having a good time, customers will be more likely to approach your sale table.

Learn more about this author, Donna LaHale.
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