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10 Lessons Learned from Selling Girl Scout Cookies
When I enrolled my daughter in Daisies, my primary motivation was the minimal time commitment — just two meetings a month without needing to stick around. But when February arrived, we were informed about the cookie-selling campaign, which was framed as stress-free and low-pressure. Our troop leader handed us 20 cases of cookies, assuring us they would practically sell themselves. Then, of course, winter brought the stomach flu, and I quickly learned that some moms show up with U-Hauls to haul away pallets of cookies.
Suddenly, I found myself facing the task of selling 230 boxes of cookies in just two weeks. No stress there, right? Here’s what I discovered:
- Timing is Everything: The first two weeks of sales are crucial. This is when everyone is eagerly awaiting their cookie fix, but when illness strikes your household, you miss out. By the time you’re ready to hit the streets, everyone has already stocked up, leaving you in a tough spot. Plus, you’ll find out that Keebler’s Coconut Dreams are basically the same as Samoas but readily available all year round.
- Cookies and Illness Don’t Mix: I thought I’d stock up on Tagalongs for myself. Unfortunately, after indulging in a few, I was struck down by the stomach flu. Let’s just say that peanut butter does not come back up gracefully. I ended up with one untouched box of Tagalongs in the house, and everyone is too scared to touch it.
- I Prefer Eating Them: If you ask me to munch on Trefoils with whipped cream and caramel, I’m all in. Each door I knocked on felt like a missed opportunity to enjoy cookies instead.
- Dedicated Cookie Moms Are Intimidating: Some moms take this very seriously. They are enthusiastic, well-prepared, and know how to sell cookies like pros. Their booths are beautifully arranged, and they have samples to entice potential buyers. Saying “no” becomes quite the challenge when faced with their persuasive charm.
- My 6-Year-Old Isn’t Cut Out for Sales: Initially, she was excited about selling cookies, but after a few rejections, she was ready to go home and play Legos. It turns out that until kids are old enough to be driven by competition, it’s on the parents to do the selling.
- I Lack Entrepreneurial Spirit: The hustle isn’t in my nature. My husband, however, is the family negotiator, always looking to score a deal. So, I’ve realized my cookie-selling game plan for the next year.
- Secret Stashes Exist: Just like me, my husband has hidden away some S’mores cookies.
- One Cookie is Never Enough: Sure, you might think you can control yourself, but it’s incredibly easy to polish off several boxes before lunch. Having a mountain of cookies at home leads to an inevitable binge.
- People Don’t Mind Spending: Surprisingly, people don’t hesitate to fork over $4 for a box of cookies. Maybe it’s the cause or tradition that compels them because when I compared the price to grocery store brands, it felt a bit steep.
- I’m Not Cut Out to Be the Cookie Mom: Keeping track of sales amidst the chaos of my kitchen was a disaster. I realized organization isn’t my strength, and I’d rather not take on that responsibility.
At the end of the cookie season, we didn’t manage to sell all 230 boxes. I returned the unsold stock early enough for them to be used in booth sales. I pondered buying the leftovers myself, but my husband nixed that idea. We sold about half, which, given the circumstances, felt like a small victory. Fingers crossed for better luck next year, assuming the flu stays away. Until then, I’ll be enjoying my S’mores and Tagalongs.
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Summary
Selling Girl Scout cookies can be a chaotic experience filled with unexpected lessons. From understanding the importance of timing and the challenges of rejection to realizing your own preferences when it comes to cookies, the journey is as enlightening as it is entertaining. Balancing family dynamics while attempting to sell cookies teaches you about commitment and the joys of indulgence, even amidst setbacks.