There are better options that include raising more and working less
don't you deserve better?
When it comes to raising funds for youth sports, candy bars (or any $1 point of salle item) might seem like a quick solution.
They’re inexpensive, easy to sell, and who doesn’t love chocolate?
However, there are several challenges associated with candy bar fundraisers that can create more hassle than they’re worth.
Let’s explore the drawbacks of candy bar fundraisers and why a cookie dough fundraiser might be a better option for your league.
“As a volunteer, do you really need to create more work for yourself?”
1. Managing Inventory Is a Headache
Keeping track of large volumes of small items like candy bars can quickly become overwhelming, especially since each bar contributes only a small amount to the overall goal.
Volunteers often find themselves counting, recounting, and managing stacks of boxes.
With our cookie dough, each box sold generates a higher profit, meaning there are fewer items to manage overall. This simplicity is particularly beneficial for volunteer-run leagues where time and resources are limited.
2. The Real Costs of Candy Bars
While dollar candy bars may appear to be a good choice, their low price can actually work against you.
Consider this: if each candy bar sells for $1 and the league retains 50 cents, you would need to sell a significant number to raise meaningful funds.
For a league aiming to raise $5,000, that’s 10,000 candy bars!
This represents a huge commitment for players and parents.
In contrast, the profit from selling one cookie dough item can be the equivalent to selling 20 candy bars.
With each box priced around $22 and the potential of 50% profit margin, leagues can raise money faster with fewer items sold—resulting in less time and effort spent and allowing more focus on what truly matters: the kids’ game time.
3. The Headaches of Unreturned Funds and Opened Boxes
One of the most frustrating aspects of candy bar fundraisers is managing cash flow.
It’s common for parents to forget to submit money on time or, worse, for kids to misplace funds entirely.
With candy bars being such low-cost items, opened boxes often become tempting snacks for kids, which can leave volunteers with partially sold cases and missing money. This situation creates a real headache for organizers, who then have to chase down missing funds or absorb the losses.
With cookie dough, parents are more likely to collect payments upfront, and the fewer individual items make tracking sales easier—saving time, reducing stress, and keeping the fundraiser on track.
4. Candy Bars Are Everywhere—And That’s a Problem
Since dollar candy bars are a common choice for fundraisers, parents, friends, and community members are often approached to buy them from multiple groups. This oversaturation can make it harder for your league to stand out, resulting in fewer sales and, ultimately, less profit.
On the other hand, cookie dough has a higher perceived value. It’s a special, seasonal item that people don’t regularly purchase, making it easier to generate excitement and support from your community.
5. Paying for inventory
Paying upfront for inventory that you hope to sell can seem counterintuitive when it comes to fundraising. The main goal of fundraising is to raise money, not to spend it while facing potential risks.
One of the biggest challenges associated with candy bar fundraisers is the ordering process. If you don’t order enough, you’ll need to place another order, which requires someone to be available for delivery. On the other hand, if you order too much, you risk incurring a re-stocking fee, and managing the return process can take additional time.
There is also the possibility that you won’t be able to return unsold inventory, which then becomes a liability.
Wouldn’t it make more sense to only order what you actually need? With our cookie dough fundraiser, you can do just that. We offer a no-risk fundraising option.
Cookie Dough: The Fundraiser with a Recipe for Success
Transitioning to a cookie dough fundraiser provides a more effective way to achieve your goals with reduced stress and increased profit. It’s easy to track, and each box sold returns significant profit to the league. Plus, it’s a treat that people enjoy purchasing—they can bake fresh cookies at home, and with pre-portioned dough, it’s a product everyone can appreciate.
If your league is looking for a more profitable, hassle-free fundraiser, consider trying cookie dough. It allows you to spend less time worrying about sales and more time enjoying the season.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to raising funds for your league, selecting a product that is easy to sell, profitable, and stress-free makes a significant difference.
While candy bars may seem enticing, cookie dough ultimately offers a better balance of profit and ease.
If you’re ready to make the switch and see real results, please reach out to us about our cookie dough fundraiser today!
