Popcorn Campaign
The Council-wide Popcorn sale represents a money-earning opportunity that benefits the Scout, the unit,and Council alike. While units can fund part or all of their program year with one or both of the two annual Popcorn sales, some units empower individual Scouts with the ability to earn their way to camp. These Scouts accomplish personal goals to fully fund their summer camping experience. To officially signup for the sale, please complete the form at the bottom of this page!
2025 Key Popcorn Dates
Early Bird (Summer and Fall Sales) Show and Sell(for Fall Sales)
Unit Order Due: June 20th Unit Order Due: August 22nd
Pickup: Week of July 7th Show and Sell Pickup: Week of September 1st
Returns*
FINAL Return Day: October 13th (This gives units six more solid weekends to sell)
*Must have heroes and helpers donations to qualify for returns- see return policy below.
Take Order(product that you need that you don't have from storefronts)
Unit Order Due: November 4th
Pickup: Week of November 17th
Payment and Prizes
Final Payment Due: November 21st
Prize Orders will be released once final payment is made.
Pickup locations will depend on the size of the orders. Locations could include the following places:
·Clayton Service Center (1518 Ridgeway Rd Toms River, NJ 08755)
2025 JSC Popcorn Commission Breakdown
Unit Base Commission
Unit Base Commission Breakdown
All units earn 35% of all sales!
Unit Bonus Commissions – up to an additional 8%
+2% Bonus Commission when your unit sells over $14,500 or any units that sells an average of $550 per scout
•+2% Bonus Commission- when your unit sells over $8,500 or any units that sells an average of $350 per scout
•+2% Bonus Commission when your unit sells over $3,500
•+1% Bonus Commission- Attend the Jersey Shore Council popcorn kickoff on June 1st, Produce All sales through the Trails End App and submit final payment by November 20, 2025
Do all the above and you receive the MAX commission 42%!
All online sales earn 35%
Notes:
Average sales per scout will be calculated based on the unit’s registered number of scouts as of August 31, 2024.
All Unit prize orders are actually an additional 4-5% which really brings your total commission close to 50%.
STEPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE
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Set a sales goal for your unit and for each den or patrol. Most important step a unit can do. Base the goal on your actual budget needs.
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Communicate the units plan to assist leaders and committee members and together, determine a sales goal or each Scout, based on the unit’s goal.
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Conduct a “fun-filled’ kick-off event for Scouts and their parents.
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Emphasize what the Scouts will receive for hitting their goal.
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Provide a letter to the parents that clearly spells out:
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the purpose of the sale.
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How the money raised will be used.
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And what the “per-Scout goal” is
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Consider using some of the unit’s commission to offer additional incentives that your Scouts really want.
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Encourage ALL your Scouts to go out and sell! 67% of people will buy when asked and less than 30% of the public is asked.
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Sell to friends, family members, neighbors, etc.
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Take the “Take order form” to work.
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Set up an organized “Blitz Day” at the beginning of the sale to help give your Scouts a good start to their sale.
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Have a victory celebration!
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Have a fun activity planned at the end of your “Blitz Day”
In order to ensure a successful popcorn sale for both your unit and the council, the 2024 Popcorn Committee has once again established a Show and Sell Return Policy.
- A Unit must record all their H&H donations into the Trails End App to participate in the return process. Scout Families should record these sales into the app during storefront and wagon sales.
- H & H Donations must equal at least 5% of the unit’s entire sale. For example if your unit has $1,000 in sales you would need $50 in donations to qualify for returns.
- Product that is returned is used to deliver H & H donations to local police, fire, EMS and military groups. Reach out if you are interested in having your scouts involved with the donation drop offs.
- Units must sell at least $100 in product to eligible for returns.
Inventory Management Tips
All popcorn is a liability for the council so we encourage you to follow a few key practices:
- Check on your outstanding inventory and make frequent honest assessments on your unit’s ability to sell.
- Subscribe to a time based sales plan (i.e. we are halfway through the sale…Have we sold least half of our inventory?).
- Check with your District Kernel or District Executive if you have an inventory challenge…too much or too little popcorn can usually find a home with enough notice.
- Work toward zero return policy so that every dollar of popcorn revenue provides programs for your boys.
- Try to use unsold Show and Sell product to fill your take order forms and only order what you need to complete your take order.
POPCORN TRAINING VIDEOS
How to set an annual unit budget and fundraising goal!
| File Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Amazon Prize Program | Download | |
| 2024 Take Order Form | Download | |
| Budget Goal Worksheet | Excel file to help you understand your potential sales goals | Download |
| Fillable Parent Guide | Great to use as a handout for parents! | Download |
| How to Place Order | Step by Step instructions on how to place your unit's order on Trails End Website | Download |
| How to sell $1,000 in Online Direct | Download | |
| JSC Kickoff Powerpoint | PowerPoint we reviewed at the JSC popcorn kickoff! | Download |
| Military Donation Receipts | Military Receipts to give out those who you collected military donations from | Download |
| Popcorn Kickoff Powerpoint | PowerPoint shown at the June 10th kickoff | Download |
| Targeted Storefronts | Download | |
| Trail's End Mobile Application | How to download and use Trails End mobile app! | Download |
| Trails End App | Video about the Trails End App | Download |
| Unit Potential Sheet | Excel file to help you understand your potential sales goals | Download |