Popular Candy Bar Fundraiser Companies

A candy bar fundraiser is a classic and effective way to raise money for schools, sports teams, churches, or community organizations. It’s simple to organize, easy to sell, and has high appeal since candy bars are affordable, popular, and widely loved by people of all ages.

Here’s how to successfully run a candy bar fundraiser, including steps, tips, and what to expect.

Why Choose a Candy Bar Fundraiser?

High Profit Margins: Candy bar fundraisers typically offer a high return on investment, with most organizations earning 40-50% profit on each sale.
Easy to Sell: Candy bars are inexpensive, making them a low-pressure, easy sell. At around $1–$2 per bar, they’re affordable for most people, and impulse buying is common.
Quick Setup: Fundraising with candy bars requires minimal preparation. Once you have the candy in hand, you’re ready to start selling.
Portable and Convenient: Candy bars are easy to carry, store, and sell at various locations such as schools, workplaces, community events, or door-to-door.

Steps to Run a Candy Bar Fundraiser

Set Your Fundraising Goal
- Determine how much money you need to raise and calculate how many candy bars you’ll need to sell to reach your goal.
- For example, if you need to raise $1,000 and each candy bar earns $0.50 profit, you’ll need to sell 2,000 candy bars.
Choose a Supplier
- Many companies specialize in providing candy for fundraisers. Some of the most popular options include:
  - World’s Finest Chocolate: Offers a variety of premium chocolate bars, including milk chocolate, caramel, and almond bars. Profit margins are typically 40-50%.
  - Kathryn Beich: Known for high-quality chocolate bars and fundraising support.
  - Scribbles Fundraising: Offers various candy options, including candy bars and other confections, with competitive profit margins.
- Consider Product Variety: Many companies offer not just chocolate bars but also specialty items like pretzel rods, chocolate-covered almonds, and gummies to provide variety and boost sales.
Place Your Order
- Once you’ve selected your supplier, place an order based on the number of sellers and your expected sales volume. Most suppliers sell candy bars by the case, with each case containing 40 to 60 bars.
- Keep in mind that most companies will offer free shipping if you order a certain number of cases.
Set a Selling Price
- Most candy bars are sold at $1 to $2 per bar. This price point makes them easy to sell, and the markup allows for a strong profit margin.
Distribute Candy Bars to Sellers
- Give each participant a set number of candy bars to sell. Be sure to provide them with clear instructions on where and how to sell, including safety tips for door-to-door sales.
- Set deadlines for when all candy bars should be sold and funds turned in.
Sell, Sell, Sell!
- Have participants sell candy bars at high-traffic areas such as schools, sporting events, workplaces, community gatherings, and local businesses.
- Encourage sellers to ask friends, family members, and neighbors. Consider selling door-to-door (where safe and permissible) or setting up tables at popular locations.
Track Sales and Collect Money
- Keep track of each seller’s progress and ensure they turn in the correct amount of money for the candy bars sold. Use a simple spreadsheet or app to monitor sales and inventory.
Celebrate Your Success!
- Once your fundraiser is complete, celebrate hitting your fundraising goal and recognize top sellers with prizes or shoutouts.

Popular Candy Bar Fundraising Companies

Here are some of the most popular companies offering candy bar fundraisers:

1. World’s Finest Chocolate

Products: Premium chocolate bars in flavors like almond, caramel, and crisp.
Profit Margin: Earn up to 50% profit.
How It Works: Order candy bars in bulk, sell them for $1-$2 per bar, and keep half of the earnings.
Website: World’s Finest Chocolate

2. Kathryn Beich

Products: Offers a variety of chocolate bars and specialty confections.
Profit Margin: Up to 50% profit.
How It Works: Sell through a catalog or order candy bars directly, and set up your fundraiser quickly.
Website: Kathryn Beich

3. America’s Fundraising

Products: A wide range of candy, including chocolate bars, pretzels, and non-chocolate options.
Profit Margin: Typically 45-50% profit.
How It Works: Choose from various candy options and sell door-to-door, at events, or online.
Website: America’s Fundraising

Maximizing Sales: Tips for Success

Promote Your Fundraiser: Use social media, email, and flyers to spread the word about your candy bar fundraiser. Encourage sellers to share their efforts with friends and family.
Set Up at Local Events: Set up a table at community events, sports games, school fairs, or outside local businesses (with permission) to sell candy bars. High foot traffic can lead to quick sales.
Incentivize Sellers: Create a fun competition with prizes for top sellers or teams. Prizes could include gift cards, extra recess time for students, or a pizza party.
Offer Multiple Payment Options: Make it easy for buyers by accepting cash, checks, or mobile payments like Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal.
Bundle and Upsell: Offer bundle deals to encourage larger purchases (e.g., 5 bars for $5). This not only increases sales but helps customers feel like they’re getting more value.

Pros and Cons of a Candy Bar Fundraiser

Pros

Low Upfront Costs: Minimal startup costs, especially if you order through a reputable candy supplier.
High Profit Potential: Candy bars are inexpensive to produce but can be sold at a good markup, providing a solid return.
Wide Appeal: Candy bars are a universally loved product, and almost everyone is willing to buy at least one.

Cons

Competition: Candy bars are a common fundraising product, so you might face competition from other groups doing similar fundraisers.
Perishability: While candy bars have a relatively long shelf life, you’ll need to sell them in a timely manner, especially if you’re selling during warmer months (chocolate may melt).
Limited Sales Window: Candy bar fundraisers typically work best as short-term efforts since you want to sell out your stock quickly.

Conclusion: Why a Candy Bar Fundraiser Works

A candy bar fundraiser is an excellent choice for groups looking for a simple, low-cost way to raise money. With high profit margins, easy sales, and widespread appeal, candy bars are a reliable way to quickly meet your fundraising goals. Whether you’re supporting a school project, sports team, or charitable cause, this timeless method can deliver the results you need while keeping things fun and stress-free for your sellers.