Why Higher Fundraising Percentages Don’t Always Mean Better Value for Schools
When schools and PTOs are choosing a fundraising partner, one of the first things they often look at is the percentage return.
20%.
25%.
30%.
Or even higher.
At first glance, it makes complete sense to go with the highest number. More percentage must mean more money for the school… right?
Not always.
The Hidden Cost Behind High Commission Fundraisers
What’s often not talked about is how those higher percentages are achieved.
In many cases, companies offering very high commission rates are doing so by significantly increasing the price of the products being sold. That means families are paying more - sometimes much more - for items that may be similar in quality to lower-priced alternatives.
For example, a product that might normally sell for $10 could be listed at $18 or $20 in a high-commission fundraiser. While the school may receive a larger percentage on paper, the overall value for families is reduced.
And that raises an important question:
Should fundraising success come at the expense of the families supporting it?
Fundraising Should Feel Good for Everyone
School fundraising works best when it feels like a win for everyone involved.
Families want to support their school. They genuinely do. But they also appreciate knowing that what they’re buying is fairly priced and worth it.
When prices feel inflated, it can lead to hesitation, fewer purchases, and sometimes even frustration. Over time, that can impact participation and reduce the overall success of the fundraiser.
On the other hand, when products are well-priced and thoughtfully designed, families are more likely to buy - and often buy more than once.
It’s Not Just About the Percentage
A higher percentage doesn’t always equal higher profit.
What really matters is the balance between:
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Product pricing
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Perceived value
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Participation levels
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Total sales volume
A slightly lower commission on fairly priced products can often outperform a higher commission on overpriced items, simply because more people are willing to participate.
A Community-First Approach
At A Wee Bit Southern, I believe fundraising should support not just the school, but the entire community around it.
That means:
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Offering products that are priced fairly
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Creating items families actually want to buy and use
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Making the experience simple and enjoyable
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Ensuring schools still receive a strong return
It’s about building trust with families, not putting them in a position where they feel like they’re overpaying to help.
A Better Way to Fundraise
The most successful fundraisers aren’t the ones with the biggest percentage on paper. They’re the ones where families feel confident in what they’re purchasing, proud to support their school, and happy with the products they receive.
When that happens, participation grows. Sales increase. And the fundraiser becomes something people look forward to - not something they feel obligated to do.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a fundraising partner is an important decision, and it’s worth looking beyond the headline percentage.
Ask questions. Look at product pricing. Consider how families will feel when they browse the store.
Because in the end, the strongest fundraisers are built on trust, transparency, and a genuine commitment to the community.
And that’s something no percentage can replace.