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Overview
Selling of popcorn by a Cub Scout has 2 objectives. The sales raise revenue for both the Unit, and the Sam Houston Area Council. More importantly, it provide the opportunity for Cub Scouts to develop and practice communication and selling skills.
An effective popcorn program has 2 core features:
Quick --- We sell popcorn together, and then we move on with enjoying everything the Cub Scout Program has to offer
Accessible --- Easy for Cub Scout families to get involved, with confidence that their contribution (however large or small) will be valued and appreciated
This translates into the following success criteria:
Use Participation Targets (Not $$ Targets). The Sales will take care of themselves
Provide Clear Instructions and Support Resources
Maximum duration of 4 weeks (Kickoff during 1 pack meeting, finished before the next)
Lion Scouts are expected to observe the selling process. This means that they attend a storefront staffed by older Cub Scouts for 15-30 minutes.
Why Develop Communication and Selling skills?
Studies and research consistently indicates that people with improved communication skills tend to be more successful in their careers, personal relationships, and academic pursuits, as effective communication fosters better collaboration, understanding, and trust, leading to positive outcomes in various aspects of life; essentially, the ability to clearly express ideas and actively listen is a key factor in achieving success across different domains
In 2012, a McKinsey study found that effective communication improves productivity by up to 25% when people feel connected and aligned. Imagine the impact of this on our youth: fewer misunderstandings, less time spent clarifying instructions and more time driving toward goals. Communication is undervalued in education. Consider what a 25% bump in productivity could do for our youth!
Selling and Positioning Popcorn
Popcorn is primarily purchased by members of our wider community because it support the aims and methods of scouting, and the development of the youth in our commnuity. At the price points offered, the Popcorn Products only make financial sense when the purchaser understands that the majority of the purchase price goes towards supporting scouting.
Over time, we have found that the following approach delivers the best results:
Cub Scouts decide at the start of their Shift which popcorn is their favorite
Cub Scouts dressed in Class A Uniform
Cub Scouts approach adults and ask "Would you like to support our Cub Scout Pack?"
Without proper education, Cub Scouts will ask adults "Would you like to buy popcorn?" which will cause sales to plummet. Make efforts to avoid this.
Action Plan
Before the Kickoff
Obtain Access to the popcorn kernel email addresss (popcorn@pack1402.org)
Obtain Access to the Trail's End Leader Portal
Use Trail's End Leader Portal to Claim Storefronts
Have sufficient Storefronts on offer for 50% of Cub Scouts to sell for 2 hours each
Thunderwolf District will coordinate some storefronts
Talk with Bean Here Coffee & Other Local Business about setting up a popcorn storefront
Review Sienna HOA Calendar for community events where Popcorn could be sold
Use Trail's End Leader Portal Make an Order of popcorn for Storefront Sales (80% - 100% of Last Year Sales)
Prepare Equipment for Popcorn Booths
Table (Get from Quartermaster --- Should be in Storage)
Table Apron (Get from Quartermaster --- Should be in Storage)
Pack Flag (Get from Cubmaster)
Cash Box (Get from Treasurer)
Popcorn Inventory
Popcorn Costume
Review & Update Pack1402.org Website Content
Review & Update Email Communications
Selling Online - To be Written
Set Participation Targets & Rewards
60 - 80% is a good target
Sliming the Key 3 & Den Leaders is very popular
Kickoff Meeting
The Popcorn Kickoff can take the place of a pack meeting. It should aim to achieve the following
Be Fun!
Educate the Cub Scouts about the popcorn product
Allow the Cub Scouts to taste the different types of popcorn that will be on sale
Practice Selling Popcorn
Communicate Participation Goals & Rewards
Meeting Ideas that have been used in the past are:
Blind Taste Testing Popcorn
Mock Selling Popcorn to Parents / Leaders for Play Money
Popcorn Quiz
Sales Days
Email Booth Operating Instruction to the Cub Scout families involved that weekend
Update Inventory levels in the Storefront Booth
Closeout
Find Cub Scouts willing to do Wagon Sales in the community to sell the final few bags of popcorn
Communicate with District Popcorn Chair to see if there are other units who need inventory
Use Trail's End Leader Portal to pay out Commissions Earned
Communicate the Success of the Popcorn Effort to the Pack
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