Printed coupon books are a proven fundraising method for schools, charities, scout troops, churches, sport teams and other non-profit groups, clubs and organizations.
In addition to being a good value, coupon books are a very practical and well-known concept. After all, everybody loves to save money and almost everybody uses coupons. This is what makes coupon books such a popular method of fundraising.
Coupon books offer a straightforward way to raise funds
Printed coupon books are a quick sale. You hand the donor a book full of valuable coupons and they hand you money on the spot. Unlike many fundraising products, you don't have to take an order and then make another trip to deliver it.
Furthermore, coupon books are very durable and require no special handling or storage. Compared to food-based fundraising products like pizzas, cookie dough, candy bars or popcorn, coupon books do not require refrigeration, melt, or get stale. Also, there are no sizing issues like there would be with T-shirts or other apparel. In addition, selling a coupon book is not weather dependent like a walk-a-thon, carnival, or car wash fundraiser.
Mass-produced coupon books can lead to unanticipated competition
The majority of the time, coupon books are purchased from companies that mass-produce them for particular geographic areas. This means the identical coupon book is being distributed to other organizations and non-profit groups in your same area-so you could be offering the exact coupon book as other nearby groups. Because there is a good chance you will be approaching the same prospects, you are essentially competing with these other groups for fundraising dollars. Obviously, this is not the ideal scenario.
To further compound the issue, many coupon book publishers also offer their books online, making the books available for purchase by the general public. So, in effect, you could also be competing with the very company that sold you the books.
What's the best way to differentiate your fundraising efforts?
The only effective way to offer a coupon book that is totally unique is to create the book yourself. Partner with nearby restaurants and other local businesses that are willing to offer special promotions and discounts to attract new customers. Then compile these deals into a well-designed coupon book, have it professionally printed, and sell it throughout the community.
By using 2-for-1 offers and percent-off coupons, your supporters will be able to earn back the book's purchase price after using just a few of the coupons.
Creating your own coupon book takes some effort, but the benefits are well worth it. Below are 5 important benefits of printing your own coupon book rather than buying a pre-printed coupon book:
1) You're in control of the book's content and appearance
Because you are creating your own coupon book instead of buying a pre-printed book from a publishing company, you get to call the shots. For example, you can choose which restaurants and businesses to approach about being in the book. You also get to decide all the features of your book such as the size, color scheme, binding style, etc. You can even personalize the book to include the name, logo, or any other information about your group or organization. Because it's your book, you get to make all the decisions.
2) Your coupon book will be totally unique
Unlike the mass-produced coupon books that are available to every organization within your same city or region, your book will be exclusive to you. You won't have to worry about competing with other organizations that happen to be selling the exact same book. By creating your own book, it will be one-of-a-kind and only available from you.
3) The selling price is entirely up to you
The companies that mass produce coupon books often dictate the selling price of the book. But if you create your own coupon book, the selling price is totally up to you. By considering the value of the deals offered in the book, the amount you think donors might pay, your organization's financial needs, and the cost of printing the books, you will be able to come up with an asking price that benefits everyone.
4) You don't have to share the profits
Not only are you able to establish the selling price, you get to keep all the profits from the books you sell. Once your books are printed, all the revenue you make from selling the books stays within your organization. There is no partner, distributor, or middleman to dictate any terms. You don't have to sign any agreements, meet a sales quota, or share a percentage of the proceeds. You earned it all, you keep it all.
5) Your efforts help the local community
By creating a book filled with coupons specifically designed for restaurants and merchants in your city, you actively contribute to the well-being of the local community. These coupons serve as enticing offers, attracting new customers and fostering the growth of local businesses. As a result, individuals who support your cause and purchase these books not only help the community but also enjoy savings each time they redeem a coupon. The funds generated through these purchases enable your organization to enhance its support to members and the community at large. Ultimately, it's a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Formax can print your custom coupon book in quantities as low as 200. We can print virtually any size, paper type, ink color, or binding style you have in mind. The pages can also be perforated for easier coupon removal.
If you would like to discuss an upcoming book project, just give us a call at 866-367-6221. Or, if you already know your specs, submit our easy quote request form. As always, we look forward to assisting you!
Take care! Rick
