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Rod & Ellyn McNeil
P.O. Box 1058
North Plains, Oregon 97133
Phone & Fax: (503) 647-5715
e-mail Ellyn McNeil
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To make your fundraiser a success, consider these tips:
- Decide whether you will sell by advance orders only or at a retail lot location. If selling by advance orders, consider limiting choices to two or three species and sizes.
- Secure a retail lot location with adequate parking and great visibility. Keep in mind that most people buy their tree within 5 miles of their home. A lot location with access to electricity and water is best. Lights and signs will help people see your lot as they drive by.
- Obtain liability insurance and any necessary permits and licenses.
- Determine how you will transport your trees from the farm to your location. If members of your group have contacts with trucking companies, you may be able to save significantly on freight costs. Semi trucks generally hold about 700-750 trees, depending on the size and species. Another possibility is having a member of your group fly to Portland and rent a 24' truck to transport 200-300 trees. Or consider sharing a semi with another group. If you need help with trucking, we would be happy to assist you with arrangements.
- Have 6 to 8 volunteers ready to unload your truck, with another person assigned to count the trees as they are unloaded. Note any count discrepancies on the bill of lading before the driver leaves.
- Keep your lot secure by having a volunteer stay in a small travel trailer on the site.
- Contact local newspapers to see if they will provide free coverage.
- Keep track of your sales by date and species to help with future ordering. Save customer names from checks for sending a promotional ad in following years.
- Consider giving a discount to customers who bring a donation for a canned food or toy drive. Advertise if you are partnering with the local food bank or other charity.
- Plan to sell your trees for approximately double the cost of the tree plus freight. Expect to have 5-10% of the trees left at the end of the season. Donating leftover trees to a shelter or other organization that can distribute them to low-income families may be preferable to the expense of tree disposal.