When I enrolled my son in the Daisies program, it was primarily due to its manageable schedule of just two meetings a month, which meant I wouldn’t need to stick around. As February approached, we were informed that cookie selling would be a relaxed experience, with no pressure to meet a quota. The cookie coordinator handed us 20 cases of cookies, assuring us that they practically sell themselves. Unfortunately, the winter season gifted us with the stomach flu, and I soon discovered that cookie-selling is no small feat when you’re battling a virus.
With just two weeks to sell 230 boxes of cookies, the pressure was on.
Here’s what I gleaned from the experience:
- The initial selling phase is crucial. This is the moment when cookie cravings peak, but if you’re sidelined by illness, it’s tough to gauge your potential. By the time you’re ready to hit the streets, your neighbors may already be stocked up, leaving you competing against brands like Keebler, who offers a similar cookie called Coconut Dreams year-round.
- Selling cookies and having the flu is a disastrous combination. I decided to take an extra case of my favorite cookies, Tagalongs, hoping to savor them throughout the summer. Unfortunately, I indulged in six cookies before succumbing to the stomach flu, which made for a rough night. My plans to stockpile cookies went out the window, and now I have a solitary box of Tagalongs left, untouched by anyone in the house.
- I’d rather indulge in cookies than sell them. If you offer me Trefoils topped with whipped cream and caramel, I’m all in—no need to finish your sentence. Each door I knocked on felt like five minutes wasted that could have been spent enjoying cookies.
- The dedicated cookie moms are unstoppable. These women are enthusiastic and serious about sales. They show up in stylish yet comfy shoes, boast beautifully decorated booths, and entice you with cookie samples. Saying “no” becomes a challenge, especially when you’re trying to sell off 230 boxes. Even I found myself purchasing cookies from other troops!
- The entrepreneurial drive of my 6-year-old lasted only a quarter of an hour. She was excited to sell until we faced seven doors of disinterest. After that, she was ready to go home and play Legos. It turns out, until your child is motivated by tangible rewards, the sales hustle falls on you.
- I lack entrepreneurial spirit entirely. I’m more of a “settler” than a “hustler.” My husband, on the other hand, is the family negotiator. He can haggle his way to discounts, while I’m just trying to figure out my cookie strategy for next year.
- My husband also has a hidden stash of cookies. Somewhere in our house, there are 12 boxes of S’mores cookies tucked away.
- It’s impossible to eat just one cookie. Sure, you can try to pace yourself, but the reality is that when you have cases of cookies at home, you’ll inevitably end up consuming more than intended.
- People don’t hesitate to spend four dollars on cookies. I was surprised by how readily folks shelled out money without a second thought. It felt a bit odd to ask for so much for something that might only be worth $1.99 compared to store brands. However, people seem to be motivated by tradition or supporting the cause.
- I never want to be the cookie coordinator. Keeping track of sales with tally marks on the back of receipts amidst the chaos of my kitchen was overwhelming.
In the end, we didn’t manage to sell all 230 boxes, but we sold enough to make me feel somewhat accomplished. I considered buying the leftovers to avoid guilt, but my husband wasn’t on board. Next year, we’ll aim to start earlier—assuming the flu doesn’t strike again. Until then, I have plenty of Samoas and S’mores to enjoy, along with an untouched box of Tagalongs if anyone’s interested.
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In summary, selling Girl Scout cookies is a challenging yet enlightening experience that reveals the dynamics of childhood entrepreneurship and the quirks of cookie culture.