Everything You Need to Know About Fundraising Success

A standard Red Apple fundraiser typically lasts two to three weeks. We have found this window creates urgency for families to order while giving participants ample time to share catalogs, social links, and reminder emails. Your consultant will help you set a start and end date that fits your school calendar, avoids holidays and testing, and maximizes participation. Online ordering remains open the entire period, and once the sale closes we process totals immediately so products ship on schedule. 

Profit varies based on the catalog you choose and whether you add Home Delivery, but most groups earn 40 to 50 percent of every sale. Your consultant will prepare a no-obligation profit projection using your estimated student count so you will know exactly how much cash you can raise even before the first order is taken. 

Group shipping is free for qualifying programs that meet our low minimum order volume, so you will not need to budget for freight on bulk deliveries to the school. If families choose the optional Home Delivery service, each supporter pays a small carrier fee directly at checkout, keeping your profit percentage intact. Our logistics team consolidates orders by participant, packages frozen products with dry ice, and schedules temperature-controlled trucks to ensure everything arrives fresh, accurate, and ready for quick distribution. 

Each group receives a customized e-commerce site. Students share a unique link via email, text, or social media, allowing friends and relatives nationwide to shop securely with credit or debit cards. The system automatically credits the correct participant and tracks sales in real time. You can monitor progress using the sponsor dashboard, download reports, and send reminder messages with one click. Online orders ship together with the main delivery or straight to customers through Home Delivery. 

Yes. Unlike many programs that drop loose cases in your cafeteria, Red Apple pre-packages every order by student or family name. Each box is clearly labeled and contains a color-coded pick sheet listing the enclosed items, saving you countless hours of sorting. Simply call students to the table, hand them their box, and you are done.  

Absolutely. Hybrid campaigns consistently outperform single-channel sales because families can choose how they want to order. We supply full-color catalogs and paper order forms for traditional supporters, plus an online store for tech-savvy shoppers. All paper orders are entered into the same system so you receive one consolidated sales report and a single, presorted delivery. Groups that combine methods often see participation rates rise by 20 percent or more, translating into higher average profit and reduced remaining inventory and stress. 

You receive your fundraiser profits upfront. Payment for the products is not required until delivery. You only pay for the wholesale cost of the products and keep the difference between the retail and wholesale price. 

Red Apple will work with you to provide an awards program that motivates both the participants and their families. Awards range from free cookie dough to fun student and classroom awards where the participants receive a colorful prize flyer. 

Yes, your dedicated fundraising consultant is reachable by phone, email, or text before, during, and after your sale. Our in-house customer care team answers parent and supporter questions about product ingredients, online ordering, or delivery status, freeing you from constant messages. We also monitor your progress, send mid-campaign reminders, and adjust timelines if unexpected events arise.  

We recommend booking your fundraiser at least six to eight weeks before your desired kickoff. This lead time secures your spot on our production calendar, guarantees catalog availability, and allows us to print customized parent letters for you. Early planning also lets teachers integrate kickoff assemblies into their lesson schedules and avoids conflicts with standardized testing, athletics, or holidays. Short-notice campaigns can still be accommodated, but extra time ensures maximum catalog delivery options, promotional build-up, and stress-free execution for success.