Here are some common questions and answers about our program:
2A. COMPLETE PROGRAM
2B. DIRECT DELIVERY PROGRAM ONLY
2C. BOTH PROGRAMS
I. What makes Sherwood Forest Farms the Best Choice?
How are you environmentally friendly?
Sherwood Forest Farms does not cut down trees or use old growth trees to supply the raw materials for our evergreen products. In fact, our evergreens are harvested by trimming the trees. This trimming helps keep the ecosystem healthy and thriving.
How long have you been in business?
Sherwood Forest Farms has been providing non-profit groups with holiday evergreen fundraisers since 1954. Our experience has given us the opportunity to constantly improve the Profit with Evergreens® fundraising program. This experience benefits your organization's fundraising efforts.
What is your customer service like?
Here at Sherwood Forest Farms we have a customer service team that works hard to be accessible, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We pride ourselves in offering customer service that goes the extra mile every time! Remember, your success is our goal.
How does our group price the products?
Your group decides your own prices. That is one of the wonderful facets of our program. We feel it is important that every group has the ability to decide their own profit margin and also be sure the prices they charge fit for the community where they sell. In addition, to assist your group in deciding your prices, we illustrate a couple of suggested retail prices on the price list. This gives your group some ideas about pricing to get you started.
How simple is the pricing strategy?
We strive to keep the program as simple as possible. One of the ways we do this is by keeping the pricing simple. There is no calculating needed by you to figure out your cost because all of our prices include shipping and handling (except for Alaska and Hawaii).
How does the guarantee work?
One of the great things about our program is the 100% guarantee for quality, fresh products. We stand behind our evergreens and want to be sure your customers are happy with their evergreens as well. If you ever have any problems with any product just call our office and speak to one of our helpful customer service team members. If possible, we will ship replacement products or we can credit the group. All you have to do is call Sherwood Forest Farms.
How are your products packaged?
Each item is conveniently packaged in an easy to handle plastic bag. No worrying about purchasing bags for the products or the task of bagging every item before passing them out. All products are boxed in sturdy cardboard cases designed to withstand the shipping process.
Can we get a sample?
Absolutely! Every group is entitled to one free sample after September 1st. We feel a sample product helps your fundraising drive by giving your customers or sellers a chance to experience the quality of our products. You can order a sample for your group by calling our customer service team.
How do we get brochures?
Your sales materials (brochures, fliers, sales records, address labels, etc.) are free! All you have to do is sign up for the program. Call our office to sign up or fill out the Program Sign Up form and fax or mail it to our office.
What is special about Noble Fir?
Noble Fir grows at a high altitude in the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest. This means you are getting a hearty, exceptionally beautiful, fragrant evergreen.
II. How The Program Works
2A. COMPLETE PROGRAM
How does the Complete Program work?
With this option of the Profit With Evergreens® fundraising program your group may sell both the Case items and the Direct Delivery Items. The Case items are ordered by the case and all delivered to your group to distribute to your customers. The Direct Delivery items are ordered, boxed and shipped individually directly to the recipient. If your group chooses the Complete Program, we would always recommend offering the Direct Delivery items to your customers also as an easy way to increase your sales.
Do we have to order in full case amounts?
Yes, we only ship in full case amounts. Also, we cannot mix products within the cases.
An alternative to ordering in case amounts is our Direct Delivery Gift Program.
Is there a minimum order requirement?
Yes, there is a 10 case minimum for ordering. Any combination of 10 cases, i.e. 5 cases of garland and 5 cases of centerpieces fulfills the requirement. If a group cannot meet the 10 case minimum order there is a $40 surcharge.
Can you guarantee a specific delivery date?
Unfortunately, the way our shipping system works, we cannot guarantee a specific delivery date. We do guarantee your greens will arrive within the stated delivery time frame. When we get closer to the actual delivery time frame, we can usually narrow down the dates of estimated delivery within the window. Also, if your delivery is going to be made by UPS, we provide tracking numbers to you so you can check with UPS on when their estimated time of delivery would be once they receive your greens from us. If your delivery is going to be made by a local trucking company, we always request they call the customer prior to delivery, so you should receive a phone call from them.
How much is shipping and handling?
Shipping and handling is included in all the prices except shipments going to Alaska and Hawaii which will have additional charges. This includes Direct Delivery Gift Items going to Alaska and Hawaii. Please call our office for up to date information regarding these costs.
Is there a set time frame for the program?
Yes, while your group can run your sales drive at any time in September and October that works for you, we have specific deadlines for placing your Final Order with us and specific dates for delivery time frames. For the 2008 Season, the Final Order deadline for Before Thanksgiving delivery is 10/30/08 and the delivery time frame is 11/18/08 – 11/26/08. The Final Order deadline for After Thanksgiving delivery is 11/05/08 and the delivery time frame is 12/01/08 - 12/08/08. Most groups use the After Thanksgiving delivery time frame. We do not ship to the warm southern climates for the before Thanksgiving delivery time frame. The longevity of the greenery would be effected. The Direct Delivery Gift items will arrive directly to recipients within the first two weeks after Thanksgiving.
Is there a minimum order for Direct Delivery Items when also ordering cases?
When selling case products your group can sell any amount of the Direct Delivery Items. Your group can sell zero or one or one hundred, any amount is a wonderful way for your group to increase your profits. Since the items are sold, boxed and shipped individually any amount can be ordered.
Do the Direct Delivery Items count towards our case total?
No, the Direct Delivery Items are shipped completely separate from the Case items.
How do we run this fundraiser?
Once your group has made the decision to offer the Profit With Evergreens® fundraising program and signed up with Sherwood Forest Farms for the season, your group is ready to start organizing their drive. Here is a basic outline of the steps your group should follow to make this fundraising drive successful:
- Pick a time frame to run the drive that works with your group’s calendar.
- Once your group receives the sales materials, review the basics of your drive with the sellers and set goals. Some groups pass out an informational sheet to each seller.
- Prepare for your drive by passing out the sales materials to each seller and then at the kick off, send them out to sell, sell, sell!
- Make sure everyone is aware of the deadline for turning orders into the group. We suggest setting your deadline a few days ahead of the Sherwood Forest Farms deadline. This gives you a few days to organize your final order and also allows for straggling orders.
- Compile your orders and turn in your Final Order to Sherwood Forest Farms by the chosen deadline. Use the Final Order Form mailed to you in October or place your order online through our website.
- Give your group a reminder when the time frame for delivery approaches. Some groups set up a phone tree for contacting members to help organize the delivery and get distribution going. Remember, the gift items arrive directly to recipients within the first two weeks after Thanksgiving.
- Once your greenery cases arrive, double-check your order to make sure you have received the appropriate amount of cases. We recommend opening each case to let the greenery breathe. In addition, please check your items for quality because our items are 100% Guaranteed. Please call with any questions. We also recommend that you distribute the items within 1-2 days. We discourage groups from storing the greenery any longer.
- Once your greens are distributed, your group has finished their drive with the Profit With Evergreens® fundraising program. Your group will receive their invoice shortly after receiving the greens. Payment is due within 30 days.
2B. DIRECT DELIVERY PROGRAM ONLY
How does the Direct Delivery Program work?
With this option of the Profit With Evergreens® fundraising program your group sells only the Direct Delivery Gift items. This can be a good option for smaller groups because the minimum order requirement for the Direct Delivery Gift program is only 10 individual items. Your group also would not have to order by case amounts since the items are sold, boxed and shipped individually. In addition, your group does not handle the product because it is shipped directly to the recipients. Essentially, the Direct Delivery Program is a very easy, simple to execute way to run our Profit With Evergreens® fundraiser.
Is there a minimum order requirement?
Yes, with the Direct Delivery Program your group must order at least 10 individual items.
Can you guarantee a specific delivery date?
While we cannot guarantee an exact date of delivery we can guarantee that each item will arrive fresh to recipients within the first two weeks after Thanksgiving.
How much is shipping and handling?
Shipping and handling is included in your group's cost with the exception of items being shipped to Alaska or Hawaii. Please call our office for up to date information regarding these costs. In addition, if you have a current address label sheet, these costs are listed at the bottom of the sheet.
Is there a set time frame for the program?
Yes, while your group can run your sales drive at any time in September, October, and November that works for you, your group must turn your Final Order and address labels into Sherwood Forest Farms by the order deadline. The delivery time frame for the Direct Delivery Gift Items is always within the first two weeks after Thanksgiving. For 2008 the Final Order deadline is November 13, 2008.
How do we run this fundraiser?
Once your group has made the decision to offer the Profit With Evergreens® fundraising program and signed up with Sherwood Forest Farms for the season, your group is ready to start organizing their drive. Here is a basic outline of the steps your group should follow to make this fundraising drive successful:
- Pick a time frame to run the drive that works with your group’s calendar.
- Once your group receives the sales materials, review the basics of your drive with the sellers and set goals. Some groups pass out an informational sheet to each seller.
- Prepare for your drive by passing out the sales materials to each seller and then at the kick off, send them out to sell, sell, sell! Remember to always collect the money at the time of sale because the item goes directly to the recipient.
- Make sure everyone is aware of the deadline for turning orders into the group. We suggest setting your deadline a few days ahead of the Sherwood Forest Farms deadline. This gives you a few days to organize your final order and also allows for straggling orders.
- Compile your orders and turn in your Final Order and addresses to Sherwood Forest Farms by the deadline. For 2008, the Final Order deadline is November 13th. Use the Final Order Form mailed to you in October or place your order online through our website.
- The items will arrive fresh to recipients the first two weeks after Thanksgiving. Remember, our products are 100% guaranteed. If anyone receives an item they are not completely satisfied with, your group leader may call our office to receive either a replacement or a credit.
- Shortly after the items are shipped, your invoice will be mailed to you. Payment terms are net 30 days. Your fundraiser with Profit With Evergreens is now complete!
2C. BOTH PROGRAMS
Do we have to sell all the items in our fundraiser?
No, your group can choose to sell any of the items they like. For instance, you can sell 1 or 2 items only or sell all but a few items. Also, your group can choose to sell only the case items, only the Direct Delivery Gift Items or sell both. Remember, selling the Direct Delivery Gift Items is an easy way to increase your sales with very little extra work. We want you to be able to choose the method that will work best for your group in the community you are selling.
Can we send Direct Delivery Gift Items outside the United States?
Unfortunately, we cannot send Direct Delivery Gift Items outside the United States.
How much do we charge our customers?
Your group determines the prices you are going to charge for the products. The cost to your group is set, whatever your group charges over and above that cost is your profit. This gives your group the opportunity to decide your profit margin, in addition to making sure the prices you charge are appropriate in your community.
Should we keep track of customer contact information?
Yes, we suggest making a spreadsheet on your computer or by hand to keep track of your customers' names, addresses, phone numbers and even email addresses. This not only makes it easier for the person running the program to organize the distribution of the products, it also makes it easier to increase your customer base year after year. You will often find you have return customers. If you already have their contact information at your fingertips, you can easily contact these customers for repeat sales. This creates more time for making sales with new customers.
Where does your company get your greens?
Our greens are fresh Pacific Northwest evergreens harvested by trimming trees that are farmed for commercial use. This trimming keeps the trees and ecosystem in the area healthy. We do not use old growth trees, nor do we cut trees down.
III. How to Sign Up for the Program
How do we sign up?
You can call us and we will walk you through signing up over the telephone or you can fill out the Program Sign Up Form and either mail or fax it to our office.
When do we receive our sales materials?
We start sending out the sales materials at the end of August so your group should receive them the beginning of September. If you sign up after the first of September, we send out your sales materials the day you sign up so you can receive them as soon as possible.
Are we obligated to order once we sign up?
No, you are not obligated to place a final order with us if you sign up. If for some reason your group chooses not to use the program, just call our office and let us know.
IV. How to Place Your Final Order
Can we place our Final Order online?
Yes, your group can place your Final Order and enter the Direct Delivery Gift item addresses online. We have an ordering system on our website that you as the group leader can access with your Customer number and password. It is a very simple to use system that eases the process of ordering. As always, our customer service team is available on the phone and through email to assist. In addition, if entering the Direct Delivery Gift item addresses online, your group receives $0.35 off for every address entered.
How do we submit our Final Order?
In October, we will mail to you a Final Order form and instructions on how to place your Final Order. You can then place your Final Order online through our website or you can fill out your Final Order form and either mail or fax it to us. You cannot place the Final Order over the telephone, as there are agreements on the Final Order that need to be acknowledged and signed (this acknowledgement can be done online by accepting the terms and conditions).
What things should I remember when placing my Final Order?
Some things to remember before placing your Final Order; make sure your CASE totals are correct and that you use standard numbers (not Roman numerals), make sure the number of addresses for gift items and the number of gift items ordered match, make sure you signed the Final Order form, and make sure all your pertinent contact and shipping information is correct on the Final Order form.
Does the Final Order have to be on the Final Order form?
Yes, there is Final Order form made specifically for each year and you must use the Final Order form we provide for you or place your order online. The reasons for this are first, the Final Order form is a contract and second, the information must be consistent for our data entry department.
How do I submit the Direct Delivery Gift Item addresses?
You can enter the addresses online through our website or you can mail the labels we provided in the business reply envelope that came with your Final Order Form. If you enter the addresses online, you will receive a discount off your invoice of $0.35 for each address entered. Please do NOT fax the addresses to our office.
How do I know if you have received my Final Order?
Once your order is entered into our system, we will mail to you a Final Order Confirmation. Use this to double-check the information we have on your Final Order. If you have placed your Final Order online, you will receive your Final Order Confirmation via email. If you do not receive email confirmation that generally means you did not finish all the steps needed to place your order online. If you have faxed or mailed your Final Order to us, wait for your confirmation to come in the mail. Final Order Confirmation is always available at our website using your customer number and password.
We have a system in our office to make sure that no orders fall through the cracks. If your group has signed up with us and we have not received a Final Order from you, we will call you in time to place your Final Order.
Can we pay our bill once we receive our Final Order Confirmation?
No, the Final Order Confirmation is just to let you know that we have received your Final Order and give you a chance to double-check it.
When do we pay for our greens?
Your customers make checks payable to your group, you send one check from your organization as payment. We mail an invoice to your group about the same time the greens are shipped out to you. You should receive your invoice about the first week of December. Terms for payment are net 30 days. We accept payment in one of two ways, either a check from your organization ( have your customers write their checks out to your group ) or Visa / Mastercard.
