We can all agree that last year was a tough year for many businesses, including dance studios. With the new year and fresh start, NOW is the perfect time to start picking up the pieces and creating revenue for your studio immediately. What can you do to offset some of the costs for competition teams, performance groups, or festivals?

The solution lies in one important word: Fundraising. Fundraising seems to be as popular as ever…because it works! But how do you go about doing it and what do you sell? Well it all depends on your goal and the people you will be selling to.

Understand the characteristics of your recipients, or the people who will be purchasing the items.

Ex. Your students have a lot of studio spirit, and would love to wear your logo and/or support your studio. Maybe you want to sell branded studio apparel.
Ex. Your students are in middle/high school and would love to sell items to their peers. Maybe you want them to sell candy.
Ex. Your community is open to getting involved. Maybe you want to put on a community fundraising performance and charge a few dollars per entry.

Decide how much money you would like to bring in. Be realistic, and consider your recipients budget as well.

Decide on how long your fundraiser will last. An end-date or expiration date will hurry along orders, and bring in your profit faster.

Decide on what products you and your team are interested in.

Get your students, teachers, and/or parents involved by taking a poll asking what they would buy if it were available.Create a survey listing 3-5 items and have them circle or choose the one they might purchase if it were available to help the studio. Choose the item that is most popular because you know it would be in high demand. Focus on items that are profitable - Find products that are affordable yet, have a high perceived value and can be sold at high margins, generating large profits, and return on investment.

Find your key branded items through an experienced distributor.

A distributor can help customize a fundraising program that fits your studio. They can help you from choosing your recipients- to helping you find the best item at the lowest price possible.Be wary of online only promo companies. You deserve your items with a guarantee so if anything comes broken or misprinted in your order- then you are taken care of. If the price looks too good to be true- it probably is!

Lastly, however you decide to fundraise: Make sure that you are selling what your recipients want-not only what you want. Good luck!