Key Dates for Popcorn
● Early August - Online and Take Order Popcorn Sales Begin
● Beginning of September - Show & Deliver popcorn pickup (Northwest Park)
● Early November - Popcorn Sales End (turn in forms/money during Pack Meeting. Activity fee due if sales less than $430; prorated depending on sales.)
2023 Popcorn Information Links and Forms
● 2023 Popcorn Kickoff Handout
● 2023 Take Order Form (sign in required)
● Scout Sales Script Cards & Safety Tips found here (sign in required)
Popcorn FAQs
1) What's the difference in Show and Sell, Take Order, and Show and Deliver?
Show and Deliver allows Scouts to check out popcorn product from the popcorn kernel. This option also involves approaching family, friends, and acquaintances, but popcorn product is sold directly. There is no need to order product, so the order is not recorded on the take order popcorn form.
Storefront involves selling at a pre-arranged, council-approved site or local business. Product sold is from scout’s Show and Deliver kit. A signup for our Pack’s Show and Sell locations and times will be sent out end of August.
Take Order is the primary way that families participate in popcorn sales. For this option, families approach friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to take an order for popcorn using the form provided by popcorn kernel (also available here to print at http://www.bsacac.org/popcorn). Payment is required when the order is placed and popcorn is delivered after it is received in November.
2) Can I accept checks?
Checks are acceptable for take order and show and deliver sales to friends, family and acquaintances. They should be made out to "Pack 55". Additionally, cash should be converted to a check before turning in funds at the October Pack meeting (see question #6 below for more information).
3) What about credit cards?
The new Trails End app allows scouts to take credit cards with no fee. This can be used for wagon sales and take orders. You will need a square reader to read the credit cards but it is all done through the Trails End app. The Popcorn Kernel has a few square readers that can be loaned out.
4) Can I sell online?
Yes! Sign up at http://trails-end.com/ and click “Sign In or Register” on right side of page. Fill out the form for your scout(s). Information you will need to know: Capitol Area Council, Armadillo District, Pack 0055 – Highland Park Baptist Church http://trails-end.com
5) When will I get my popcorn?
Popcorn for Show and Deliver is distributed in early September, typically by the Popcorn Kernel at Northwest Park. Look for an email from the Popcorn Kernel with details. You must come or send a representative to pick up your popcorn. Some dens designate one person to pick up for the entire den – this is a fine option. Also, we need volunteers to help sort the popcorn before distribution. Let the Popcorn Kernel know if you are interested in helping.
Popcorn for Take Order is distributed at the Bobcat Banquet in November.
6) When do I turn in my forms and money?
At the October Pack meeting. All families should carefully tally their forms (total for each type of popcorn and total sales), and ensure scout name and prize number are included. All funds should be in the form of one or more checks made out to Pack 55. Any popcorn checked out but not sold should be returned, as well. Last, activity fees will be collected for any scouts not selling at least $430 in popcorn (35% of popcorn sells count towards activity fee). Take Order, Show and Deliver, and online sales all count towards the $430 activity fee credit.
7) How do I get my prizes?
Prizes from the Pack 55 prize sheet should be requested on the Take Order forms and submitted at the October Pack meeting. They will be distributed at the November Pack meeting. Prizes requested should be based on Take Order, Show and Deliver, and online sales. It is fine to request more than one prize in categories adding up to less than or equal to the total sales.
8) Suggested Script for Popcorn Sales
Here is a suggested script to help your scout while selling popcorn door-to-door. The key is that your scout is asking people to support Scouting, not to buy overpriced popcorn.. Have them put on their class A uniform and get out the wagon:
Hello, my name is ____________and I am with Cub Scout Pack 55 here in [Allandale/Austin/etc.]. I am trying to earn money to support our Pack activities like campouts and the Pinewood Derby. More than 70% of your purchase will go to Scouts. Would you be interested in supporting our Pack today? [Show wagon full of popcorn or hand them order form and pen]
9) Additional Questions
If you have any questions or suggestions for popcorn sales, information, or fundraising, please contact joinpack55@gmail.com.