You can tell them the truth and if you can afford it, give them a couple of dollars as a donation. The organization only gets a percentage of the sale price of the goods but they get 100% of your donation. For instance, when subs are sold around here - the organization might only get $1.75 per sub. If you gave your $2, they made more off you than if you bought a sub.

How do you do it?

Say "No, thank you. Good luck with your sales."

Then shut the door. I never buy from kids selling this kind of stuff, and yes, I do know all the kids in this small neighborhood.

I'm on a fixed income now, and cute (or pushy) kids are not going to sway my budget.

I do not like fund raisers~~~they bring in some fast talking person to pump it up to the kids about how they can win all these prizes if they sale 'blahblah$$$'. We have a very small family and live in a semi rual area where maybe 5 kids on the block went to the same school. Other than Girl Scout cookies, since DD was the only one in the area~~~I never let my kids sell. When they were little I bought them a 'prize' and when they got bigger, they just understood we did not do that.

If they were in a sport, band or chior~~~I just went to the director/coach said what is the bottom line for my kid to be in this with no fund raising? Luckily, I had a small part time job and I just wrote a check. My kids never went without and we never fund raised~~~~it can make your neighbors crazy after awhile.

Just do one or both of the above, No Thank You or here is a couple bucks for the fund;)

This post was edited by YogaLady1948 on Mon, Jan 21, 13 at 22:46

I have no difficulty saying no.....I am polite but just say no thank you.

Maybe you can quietly discuss this with your neighbors and tell them you would love to buy what there children are selling, but due to a limited budget, I can only make so many donations. If all the children go to the same school, be honest, go to the principal and tell him/her that you resent sending these kids out for fundraising. There may be others in your community that feel the same way. Some of the schools have stopped these type of fundraisers. I too oppose them and it is not the money, but buying something I cannot eat or use.

I just say "No, thanks," and leave it at that.

A co-worker brought her young daughter into the office this afternoon to sell Girl Scout cookies. The child was a huge distraction - and I didn't buy a single box.

I tell them that I've already bought from two or three other kids who came by earlier (which is the truth). It also helps teach them that the early bird gets the worm.

I just say no thanks, most often here it's Candy, so I tell them I am diabetic and can not eat Candy or sweets. They might not know what it means but maybe they will ask mom and learn something. I did have one very cute little boy say you mean you can't eat Candy at all? His expression was priceless. I had his deepest sympathy

I've of no help; I can never say no to a kid! Luckily for me they are usually selling something I use anyway.

The only time I said no I felt guilty, but she was selling an Entertainment Book for $35.00 and I had already bought one for $18.00 from another organization selling them for 1/2 the cost.

It will be Girl Scout cookie time soon if it hasn't already started. The troop usually makes abt 50-60 cents on a box of cookies. I have no problem handing over $1 "for the troop".

We had the same problem with the adorable kids who lived next door. Honesty is the best policy. No candy, no pizza in this house. On several occasions, I wrote a check directly to their school, put it into a special envelope for them to carry back to the school.

I'll never feel guilty about refusing a door to door sales person no matter how little or adored.

I just say 'no thanks'. And leave it at that. It's pretty easy with the kids at the door, because I don't generally even know them or their parents.

And I've got a couple of nephews who live over 1000 miles away who often send me their fundraising propaganda--I don't even bother with a 'no thanks' there, I just toss the stuff in the trash with the rest of the junk mail I get.

Thing is--I love kids, and will do anything for them--I often volunteer at schools, doing things for the kids in the neighborhood, etc, so I don't feel I'm cheating them out of the pennies they get for those fundraisers

Our schools sell the Treasury books for $35 that has coupons from local businesses. I bought one years ago, and most of the coupons went to waste.

Magazines are also a fund-raiser too. Again, expensive.

I hate the ones outside grocery stores selling chocolate bars. I've read so often that men will buy the chocolate bars, hire kids to sell them and keep the money. I never buy from those "fundraisers".

Just say "No thank you"and that's enough. I usually just send in a cash donation on behalf of my kids for most fundraisers. They really wanted to sell the girl scout cookies and boy scout popcorn so I had to let them. I appreciated it when people told the kids no. The kids didn't get their feelings hurt and they learned some valuable lessons.

along the lines of raven, I say, I can't have (implying a diet (which should be true) or diabetes) the cookies/candy, but hand them $2 or whatever I have on hand. I often give them a smaller amount, but it's something. It's better than having to say no. I'm too soft to say no, but I just can't do the $12 cookie dough thing. And I'm on the other side, my son HAS to sell things, whether he likes it or not. His one extra curricular REQUIRES he sell at least $150 worth of stuff in a year, or fork over cold hard cash, your own. So if you can give, even just a little bit, please try!

If you can't, you can't.

Unfortunately, selling cookies is part of the Guide program. It is a part that I hate, although I also know there are people out there that look forward to the cookies as well.

We teach the girls to ask politely "Would you like to buy a box of girl guide cookies?" and we make sure they understand how much of the money goes to costs, how much goes to fund special projects (like the campership or world friendship fund programs) and how much our unit gets to keep. That money is used to subsidize activities and trips, and to purchase supplies for our meetings and activities.

When somebody says no, they smile, step back, and say "Thank you anyway. Have a good day!". We also teach them not to block entrances or "trap" people as they walk by LOL.

Sometimes we do go door to door as a group, usually in the area where we meet.

If you do not want the item, and do not have the money to give, simply say "No, thank you". Really. You don't have to feel guilty! :)

Dances.

You could think of it this way. Having everyone say yes to a child does not really prepare them for the reality of life. A momentary disappointment is a learning experience. A few small coins as a donation softens the blow but no way should you be forced into spending more than your budget allows. Even telling a child that you would like to help but don't have enough money for one is a learning experience. You may even be doing the parents a favour in the long term when the child asks the parent for something in a store that is beyond their means.

"No thanks" works very well.

"And I'm on the other side, my son HAS to sell things, whether he likes it or not. His one extra curricular REQUIRES he sell at least $150 worth of stuff in a year, or fork over cold hard cash, your own. So if you can give, even just a little bit, please try! "

Sorry, but it is not my responsibility to fund your kid's activities. IF you cannot afford to "fork over cold hard cash", he/she should not do it.

My son played hockey. We needed to come up with $1000 every year, through fundraising or paying cash. I never expected my friends/neighbors to fund his playing.

No expecting is going on. "If you can't you can't". See?

I never knew that some schools required that from their students. Well, the next time this happens to me (like last night) I'm going to just say, "I'm sorry but I really can't afford it right now". You'd think it would be easier with children you know but it isn't. Magazine subscriptions I have no trouble refusing. ha. Thanks for all the comments and support.

It's been many years, but one year, I went to the liquor
store and a troop of boy scouts were selling their
popcorn tins at the entrance of the store! OMGOSH,
talk about making one feel like a bad person, "Ah, no,
I'm not going to buy your popcorn, please excuse me while
I go in and buy a hundred dollars worth of liquor!" ahahahaha

I will buy from my neighbor, we don't have a lot of kids
come by anymore. But when my son was in school, there
were a LOT of kids in the area. I always had to tell them,
sorry, but my son is selling the same stuff... we buy
from him! lol

This post was edited by kat__wa on Tue, Jan 22, 13 at 10:44

Like Schoolhouse, I am on a very limited budget since my husband passed away, and I just politely tell them, I cannot afford it, but thank you anyway. Most of the time, here, at least, they are selling junky little trinkets that no one wants . I wish the schools would find another type of fund raising, instead of sending these kids door to door. It really isnt safe anymore to let kids go door to door unless a parent or some adult is with them. When my kids were in school, I got so tired of them coming home with something to sell all the time, that I would send it all back, along with an envelope with a check in it instead. Most of the stuff they are selling is so overpriced anyway.

I have to say, my nieces sold wrapping paper for their
fundraiser. I always purchased, to help them out, but
also because the paper was THE BEST! ohmygosh! It was
wide, there was a lot of it, it was THICK and usually
double sided. I wish they still sold it!

How about

"No thanks"

I don't understand why people can't just stand up for themselves and not feel obligated.

My 2 kids used to bring stuff home from school to sell, for the Band Booster club, whatever. I didn't like the idea of my little girls walking around outdoors selling door to door. Someone suggested I bring the catalog to my job and show it to my co-workers. But I did not want to impose. The organizations offered "prizes" to top sellers, so the kids felt pressure and competition. Not exactly what I want my kids to learn! So I phoned the organization, told the leader I will not allow my kids to sell things, and sent a small (ten dollar) check made out directly to the organization. When kids come to my door selling, I smile and say "No thanks". No further explanation is needed.

I always say, "Sorry, I have to buy from my grandchildren." Works regardless of the product being sold. If you have no grandchildren, just substitute "niece, church, etc,"

with 9 grands and only 2 not in school, it's all we can do to support the family children! and even then some of the items are shocking in price..if that's the case, i send a check to mom or dad...

Wow -- you folks still have kids who come to the door?

Neighborhood e-mail lists (or listserves) have dumbed-down this situation in my subdivision. It's no longer kids going door-to-door (even with their parents or an older sibling) introducing themselves and giving their spiel; I know in certain circumstances it's no longer safe.

Now -- instead of kids walking the subdivision with the parent(s), we've gotten an e-mail from the parent, saying that their child is selling whatever and if you want to place an order, send the mom an e-mail (and the last one said, "We have to put in our orders next week, so please let us know ASAP.").

I got sucked into that the very first time -- and once the cookies came, the mom pulled in front of my house and the kid ran out to give me the cookies and take my check and ran back to the car. Maybe the child just had a momentary lapse on her training, but there was no "Thank you."

(I ordered some cookies last week from a co-worker -- who didn't pester people, he just put a note on the online bulletin board, as did a few other people. Hate, hate, hate it when the parents stop at your desk with an order form, uninvited. At least this co-worker has his kids write thank-you notes to attach to the boxes, and when the kids come into the office every once in a while, on a weekend, he makes sure they stop by their customers' desks to thank them again, in person.)

Just say no thanks, you are not obligated to buy anything from kids or adults alike.

I did love buying the wrapping paper that was sold at schools and did buy from friends son's and then later another friend of her kids selling it. I loved it due to the thickness of it and when you wrapped something with it it didn't rip right through and the corners too didn't leave a rip gap for ones to peek and go oh, I know what that is.

I don't mind them selling the girl guide mint cookies due to not knowing anyone that sold them.

I never bought chocolate bars, thought they were unreal price for them, although my dad got weak and bought one one time.

Just like telemarketers on the phone, I had this long speil and I agreed very good cause and show but no money to buy those tickets for myself or anyone else to go and told him that.

Just be honest, kids should grow up knowing money doesn't grow on trees and things are just handed to them.

I thought they no longer allowed kids to go door to door selling due to kids disappearing while selling their items.

I know when my two nephews went to boy scouts and my brother was their leader, they too, had to buy certain amount of stuff, they loved the bacon sold, popcorn I think it was and something else can't think what it was, but all food stuff it was. Cost them alot but they said it was worth it and figured they had to buy and pay out so much.

Don't answer the door, just like the phone. It is your home, you make the choice.

I don't get kids coming anymore, and when they did I'd say just no thank you. If grandson is selling stuff, I'll buy but I think he's not doing that anymore .

You've been advised plenty already. So, I'd pass on replying to you.

Since we're on this subject of children raising funds, I was most disturbed by a recent incident.

My neighbor, a single but responsible father, brought his 5-year old over one day not too long ago. Once in awhile they came for a visit so I thought nothing of it. This visit was however, a bit unnerved. The little girl was raising fund for her school. He turned on his usual charm in hoping that I would buy products from the catalogue. I was so confused for a long moment. I mean, this girl is 5 years old and still in kindergarden! The school was making her selling items and be responsibled with the money? Of course not, it was the parent that was lured into it. He seemed to me to be too smart to fall into that trap. So, I thought...

Her father was such an idiot to allow this to be going on. He told me that he was just helping her. Yeah, right... I explained to him straight that the school expected him to be responsibled for it and not the little girl.

I made sure he understood that the girl was too young to get involved in this type of activity and I would have no part with this type of purchase. It would have meant that I approve of such activity for kindergarden age children. I told him that instead of accepting the responsibility on his daughter's behalf, he should have said no to the school. I further said that if it was me, I would have protested for such inappropriate activity for a 5-year old kid who is still in kindergarden. Plus, the school shouldn't have created such activity and throw the burden to the parents.

So there, that was my strong "NO!" to this little girl.

Seriously, the 5-year old didn't even understood all that was discussed between her father and I. She wasn't disappointed neither and gave me a big hug before walking home.

So I have a question for some, it's just a curiosity question, don't you think that it's teaching a skill (when done like the Scouts do it, not the door-to-door stuff, my son isn't allowed to do that, by the way)? You know, approaching people, how to ask kindly, learning how to accept disappointment, making goals and going for it...there's more than money at stake here.

___________________________________________________________
That said, the schools do need the money though, too many times, programs are cut when they don't have the funds. Good programs. So it has to be done. Or quit having programs. We choose to participate, so we have to do the work. It's not like it was when you or I were in school. Band isn't a given any more and we're raising money so that every child who wants an instrument can have one. This is an intercity school and it cannot happen any other way. Our county cannot support that kind of expense. For instance.

Not that I am saying you should give, I'm asking you to realize these kids are doing what has to be done-purely for understanding's sake-and they do get something out of it, life skills :)

I run our PTO fundraiser - it came with the position I was elected to and the fundraiser company we use was chosen by a previous board.

We have one and only one fundraiser per year. The money is used to fund field trips, pay for PTO sponsored events (such as Grandparent's Day), provide classroom supplies, etc. We also help run a book fair but all that money goes directly to the school library. We do several things that require effort but we don't profit off of, such as producing yearbooks for the students every year. We also collect box tops and replaced a 30 year old playground two years ago. We are a rural area and our school is 25% low poverty. Our schools are old. What we do makes a difference. Every cent we raise goes to the school.

The fundraiser company does their pitch, the packets go home, 2 weeks later about 200 out of 500 students will turn in their order forms. No student is required to sell or make a donation. We don't encourage students to sell for the prizes. We focus on what the money we raise provides to the students, teachers and school but other than a reminder that fundraiser forms are due, we don't do any of the sales pushing that the fundraiser company suggests.

We sell the usual overpriced crap (candles, magazines, gift wrap, assorted gift and household items, candy). It's overpriced because we get 52% of sales. We encourage straight donations but we get very few of those. People complain about this type of fundraiser but we make enough money to support our programs every year, the fundraiser company does most of the work (important because we don't have a lot of manpower) and most importantly, none of the complainers offer any valid alternatives.

I guess I don't get the anger and resentment I'm hearing. No one can force you to buy or donate. I said no to a girl scout on Sunday without hesitation (I already bought cookies from someone else). Why do people find reasons to get upset about something when all they have to do is say no and walk away? I do urge you to think about the cause but certainly no one can support every single fundraiser that comes along.

I also think a "no thanks" is just fine. I spent many years selling Girl Scout cookies with my daughters, and if we heard that, we just went to the next door.
For Girl Scouts, donations are great. The troop gets to keep the whole donation, where on a box of cookies, they only get cents on the dollar.

Ok, let me say that I AM capable of saying no to people and I DO understand the selling of the products for school funding, these children in my area go to a small Christian school and no doubt need the help. Plus I actually enjoy helping and the interaction with the kids, but I guess the point I was making is I feel embarrassed when I can not afford to buy from all of them. It's especially awkward when I have bought from their older brother or sister a month ago and then have to tell little "Ruby" no thanks. I feel no anger. And I could never say "No thanks!" and shut the door in her face. These are not strangers. That's a whole other matter.

I think I should have spoken to her Mom to say that I couldn't really afford it this time. But on the other hand, kids are more mature then we think now days. "Ruby" may have accepted that response herself with no problem! :)

Schoolhouse,

My comment about the anger wasn't directed at you, I meant there were a few examples of it in this thread in general.

I do believe it is a skill, but it has gotten out of hand. There is constant fundraising for everything. Often, it is the parents doing the fundraising, not the kids. I don't support all of the programs that want the money. I don't mind giving so much if it a program if it isn't exclusive and it is designed to better the kids so they become better citizens in the future. I do mind if it is something that is extravagant like a trip to Yellowstone and you want me to help pay your child's cost or you want your child in cheer leading, but don't want to pay for the $500 for uniforms and trips.

It's gotten so that parents don't think that they need to bear the costs of their child's entertainment. They've got money to go out to the local movie theater, concert, or other expensive entertainment on a regular basis, but claim poverty when it is time to fund extracurricular activities.

I decline what they are selling and give them a monetary donation instead..

Carolyn

paula pa, no offense taken. I was trying to agree with you on the anger thing. :)

I'll have to ask next time if a donation can be made instead of buying the food items - that is when I have the extra $$. I bought some caramel corn from one boy around Thanksgiving and it was so sweet and sugary that I could not eat it. $12 for a small can that looked so much bigger on the page of the flyer.

I can't imagine that anyone who is raising funds would not accept a donation. Another advantage to a donation is that, depending on the organization, you may be able to write it off on your taxes if you itemize your charitable deductions (I'm not up on the current tax laws but I think that's still true, if it's the proper type of organization).

"It's gotten so that parents don't think that they need to bear the costs of their child's entertainment. They've got money to go out to the local movie theater, concert, or other expensive entertainment on a regular basis, but claim poverty when it is time to fund extracurricular activities."

Not all parents have the money to fund extracurricular activities. Fundraising helps make sports and other activities available to all children. Maybe you are being asked to buy something by someone who could afford the straight fee but that money is probably being pooled with other money so children who otherwise could not afford to play can play or to keep the fees down for everyone since everything is expensive these days (think liability insurance, safety equipment, field maintenance, etc). If they had to get all of their money from the participants, the cost might be prohibitive for most. Usually there is an opt-out fee so no one has to fundraise but some people are of the mind that it doesn't hurt to ask(but I guess that is not true from what I'm reading here - it might be raise the blood pressure of the person you ask!) Maybe you still don't think that's a valid reason to fundraise but please realize that people aren't usually fundraising to benefit themselves and only themselves and don't make your decision based solely on their financial situation.

ditto everything paula just said. I'm incredibly poor. I am worried about footing that $150 bill for band. So we sell, it's our only out.

There's a amall note down in the lower right corner, direting one to "Regal Fundraising" ...

... to support a royal family, do I presume?

ole joyfuelled

I still have and use some of the fundraising items that I purchased from my niece & nephews 15+ years ago. I don't oppose fundraising or the reason and ways it is done.

However, I do oppose for starting such activity at kindergarden level. The kids are simply too young for such responsibility even for training purpose.

We give fundraiser packets out to all our students - Kindergarten to 5th grade. The kindergarten students reap the benefits from the funds that are raised as much as any of the other grades so they are included. We are not expecting the child to be able to do it all on his or her own. This is parent-teacher organization that every parent is automatically a member of - I don't feel it's unreasonable that they assist their child. Honestly, I'd say parents assist the kindergarten students as much as they assist the 5th graders.

And these parents are not being 'lured' or falling into a 'trap'. They've been given more than enough information to make an educated decision regarding their participation in the fundraiser. Unless you asked for and received the details, I don't think you should jump to the conclusion that this parent is some sort of fool.

Psychologically speaking, people get upset because salespeople force them into a position of saying "no", and many people are uncomfortable with disappointing others or looking disagreeable.

Those who don't care, don't get upset by salespeople. They just say no, and on to the next thing.

I don't let my kids sell stuff for the school, never have.

I used to have a sign up saying something to the effect of no soliciting, no religious recruiting, no campaigning, etc. Worked for some.

What so many don't seem to realize is not everyone works the same schedule as they do and when you're trying to get some sleep and having someone pounding on the door with wanna buy a "fun size" candy bar for $10 is about as welcome as the telemarketers waking you to offer a lower interest rate on your credit card. But I will say that someone who does come to the door deserves a "no thanks" instead of the phone scam actions.

To a point, yes, it's OK for them to learn to be told no. Too often they're not told no at home. But to lie to them and say I've bought when you haven't isn't good IMO because kids are smart enough to know you're probably lying to them but there too is a learning session. People lie all the time. Not sure it's good to teach them to lie to get out of something but that's the way it is.

I don't think they need reasons to be told no. Say it and you both can move on.

I understand that some parents can't afford all the perks they'd like for their kids. But I also have problems with being asked to pay double for someone else's kids for their hobbies. We pay for the public education and then being expected to contribute more so they can have optional extras is a sore spot with me, especially when most all of them have a "smart" phone strapped to them with "unlimited" service, designer clothes and driving around in a car to do the fundraising. Seems pretty hypocritical to me.

I especially object to being asked to help fund some of the activities that some schools in our area undertake eg...school trips to Europe.

I have 3 kids so I usually have bought from them. Now that they are older there is much less fundraising than in elementary school. I never sent them door to door-I told them you go to school to learn, not to become their salesperson. Only one time did I let them sell-they had $1 candy bars and we took the wagon when we walked the dog-if someone was outside-they were allowed to ask them if they would like to buy a candy bar-we didn't knock on doors. We sold most of them one day when we had lunch at Sonic and had the box of candy bars just sitting on our table. BTW most kids have no idea what they are findraising for if you ask them!