A chocolate bar fundraiser is a tried-and-true method for raising money for schools, sports teams, churches, or community groups. Chocolate bars are easy to sell, widely loved, and offer a high profit margin, making them an ideal product for fundraising. Plus, they’re convenient to distribute and require little setup, which adds to their appeal.
Here’s a guide to organizing a chocolate bar fundraiser, including how it works, top companies, and tips for maximizing your success.
Why Choose a Chocolate Bar Fundraiser?
- High Profit Margins: You can typically earn 40-50% profit from chocolate bar fundraisers, making it one of the most lucrative fundraising methods.
- Easy to Sell: Chocolate bars are popular, inexpensive, and easy to sell to friends, family, and coworkers.
- Convenient: Chocolate bars are portable, don’t require refrigeration, and can be sold virtually anywhere—schools, offices, sporting events, and more.
- Simple to Organize: With pre-packaged bars, you won’t have to worry about preparing or storing perishable goods.
How a Chocolate Bar Fundraiser Works
- Choose a Fundraising Company: Partner with a company that specializes in fundraising with chocolate bars. They will provide you with the products and tools needed to run the campaign.
- Set a Sales Goal: Determine how much money you want to raise and calculate how many chocolate bars you need to sell to reach that goal.
- Order the Chocolate Bars: Once you’ve selected your supplier, place an order for the number of bars you estimate will be sold. Many companies sell by the case, with each case containing around 50-60 bars.
- Distribute Chocolate Bars to Sellers: Give each participant a set number of bars to sell and provide them with guidance on where and how to sell them (door-to-door, at events, etc.).
- Track Sales and Collect Money: Use simple spreadsheets or tracking forms to monitor sales and ensure that funds are collected.
- Profit for Your Cause: Once the fundraiser is complete, submit the final payment to the supplier and keep the remaining profits for your organization’s cause.
Top Chocolate Bar Fundraising Companies
Here are some of the best companies that offer chocolate bars for fundraising:
1. World’s Finest Chocolate
- Products: Offers a variety of chocolate bar flavors, including milk chocolate, almond, crisp, caramel, and dark chocolate. They also offer chocolate-covered almonds, wafers, and other treats.
- Profit Margins: Up to 50% profit.
- How It Works: Sell pre-packaged chocolate bars for $1-$2 each, with cases that contain 50-60 bars. Each seller can easily manage inventory and sales.
- Website: World’s Finest Chocolate Fundraising
2. Kathryn Beich
- Products: Kathryn Beich offers gourmet chocolate bars, including varieties such as almond, caramel, and milk chocolate. They also offer other sweet treats like peanut clusters and chocolate-covered pretzels.
- Profit Margins: Typically 40-50% profit.
- How It Works: Chocolate bars are sold individually, and fundraising groups can sell at events, in workplaces, or door-to-door.
- Website: Kathryn Beich Fundraising
3. Hershey Fundraising
- Products: Offers classic Hershey’s products like milk chocolate, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kat bars, and more.
- Profit Margins: Earn 40-50% profit depending on the size of your order.
- How It Works: Groups purchase cases of candy bars and sell them for $1-$2 each.
- Website: Hershey Fundraising
4. The Goodies Factory
- Products: Offers a range of fundraising products, including premium chocolate bars in flavors like caramel, almond, and milk chocolate, as well as non-chocolate options.
- Profit Margins: Keep up to 50% of profits.
- How It Works: Order cases of chocolate bars, and your group sells them individually for a set price.
- Website: The Goodies Factory Fundraising
Maximizing Your Chocolate Bar Fundraiser
Here are some tips to help make your chocolate bar fundraiser a success:
1. Sell in High-Traffic Areas
- Set up tables at local events, sports games, or school fairs to maximize exposure. High-traffic areas like grocery stores, parks, or busy sidewalks are also great places to sell.
- Make sure to get permission from venues and be mindful of local rules for selling in public spaces.
2. Offer Variety
- Offering multiple flavors can increase sales since people have different preferences. Many companies provide variety packs, so you can offer options like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, almond, caramel, or crispy rice bars.
3. Leverage Social Media
- Promote your fundraiser on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Use eye-catching photos of the chocolate bars and mention how the funds will support your cause.
- Encourage participants to share the fundraiser with friends and family to increase reach.
4. Use Incentives
- Motivate sellers with incentives for top sales. Prizes like gift cards, extra recess time for students, or team shoutouts can encourage friendly competition and boost participation.
- Consider group goals as well—if the entire team reaches a certain milestone, offer a reward like a pizza party or a fun event.
5. Set a Time Frame
- Give your participants a clear timeline for when they need to complete their sales. A time frame of two to four weeks is ideal—it provides enough time to sell but keeps the energy and excitement high.
6. Offer Bulk Discounts
- Consider offering deals for buyers who purchase multiple bars, such as 5 bars for $5. This can encourage larger purchases and help you meet your sales goals faster.
Pros and Cons of a Chocolate Bar Fundraiser
Pros
- High Profit Potential: With up to 50% profit margins, chocolate bar fundraisers can generate significant revenue for your cause.
- Easy to Sell: Chocolate bars are a low-cost, universally appealing product that’s easy to sell in various settings.
- Convenience: Pre-packaged chocolate bars are easy to distribute, don’t require refrigeration, and have a long shelf life.
Cons
- Competition: Chocolate bar fundraisers are popular, so there may be other groups running similar campaigns at the same time.
- Perishable: Chocolate bars can melt in hot weather, so it’s important to store them in a cool place and avoid outdoor sales in extreme heat.
Conclusion
A chocolate bar fundraiser is a simple, effective, and profitable way to raise money for your organization. With delicious and popular products, high profit margins, and minimal upfront costs, it’s a great option for schools, sports teams, and other groups looking to quickly raise funds. By partnering with a reputable company, offering variety, and promoting your campaign effectively, your chocolate bar fundraiser is sure to be a success.