Popcorn machines are a fantastic way to raise money for an event or non-profit organization. The tantalizing smell of fresh popcorn popping is fantastic advertising all on its own, attracting customers from a great distance. However, many other things can be done to bring people to the popcorn machine and increase the amount of donations to help meet fundraising goals and spread the word about your organization.

Advertising

Advertising before the start of the fundraiser works well for increasing the number of customers at your popcorn machine. Many fundraiser events suffer because many people today no longer carry anything other than plastic. Pre-event advertising will let everyone know about the cost of the popcorn beforehand so that they bring enough cash with them.

Even if it is outside of a local grocery store, posters in and around the local area will make people aware of the event. Local media such as newspapers, television stations, and radio stations will often provide free advertising for non-profit fundraisers and events as a public service. If your organization will be setting up at a local event, talk to the organizers about sharing advertising. This could be something as simple as sharing advertisement flyers and announcements.

Location

When setting up a fundraiser, location is the key to the success of the event. The best place to set up is anywhere that there are a large number people (and children) walking by while still having enough room to handle a large number of people. This is for two reasons: First, people will buy more if they do not have to go out of the way to get it. Secondly, if it is difficult to wait in line at the popcorn machine, people simply will not bother. Another great location is a place where people are already waiting like a ticket booth or play park. If there is no big event occurring in the local area that will be attracting customers, make one by holding a competition, festival, or outdoor movie event.

Give Customers A Bonus

Adding something for people to do or see while at your popcorn machine fundraiser not only works great for advertising and location, but also for the amount spent. Community fun sports days, a concert featuring a variety of local talent, or even a carnival will bring in considerably more people than a popcorn machine set up on its own at a local grocery store or mall. This is simply because it targets a larger audience that will spend more time at the event meaning there is more of a chance that each visitor will buy popcorn. The extra events can collect donations as well giving you more than one method of collecting donations. Fundraisers such as these also promote the closeness of the community and, in some cases, give kids in the community an opportunity to do things they might not have the chance to do otherwise.

Popcorn is one of the most popular snacks in America, so why not use this for a good cause. It is not only quick and easy to make, but it also requires very little cost to produce a large amount of product and can is easily made in several flavors. Best of all, popcorn machines can be used over and over again making it great as a repeat fundraiser for several events providing your organization with year around donations.