How should a team fundraise with the FIRST E-Watt Saver LED Bulbs?

[Techhexium]

Hello, my FTC team has recently received the FIRST E-Watt Saver LED Blubs. My team has split the blubs so each member sells 4 bulbs, but I'm not sure about how much I should sell the bulbs for. I think $19.99 is too expensive, I realize that each sale will benefit me and the consumer a lot, but I'm trying to sell these bulbs to people who have never heard of FIRST.

So can someone suggest me a good way to approach this? Thanks!

[Andy A.]

Originally Posted by Techhexium

Hello, my FTC team has recently received the FIRST E-Watt Saver LED Blubs. My team has split the blubs so each member sells 4 bulbs, but I'm not sure about how much I should sell the bulbs for. I think $19.99 is too expensive, I realize that each sale will benefit me and the consumer a lot, but I'm trying to sell these bulbs to people who have never heard of FIRST.

So can someone suggest me a good way to approach this? Thanks!

My teams tactic so far has been to give a volume discount. The more someone buys, the lower the per bulb cost. The majority of the sales are still people buying one or two bulbs at 'full price', though.

I agree that $20 is a lot for a bulb, no matter how high tech it is. So don't sell the lightbulb, sell the team. The emphasis should be on asking for donations for the team and letting the person know how that donation directly supports student activities. Then treat the bulb as a neat token of appreciation, rather then a product they are buying.

An interesting exercise for students might be to do the math on the bulbs. Research what the average lifespan of a normal incandescent bulb is and how much it costs to run. Compare that to the published data for the LED bulb. My guess is that, over the projected 9 year lifespan of the LED bulb you'd probably spend a fair amount on replacement incandescent bulbs, the electricity they use and the hassle of replacing them, plus hidden environmental costs like packaging, transportation etc. It may be a wash on cost, or close to it. When you do the math and factor in everything, $20 may not be such a terrible price for the bulb after all.

[Mike Wittman]

Sell them on the benefits. Honestly $20.00 is a bargain just do the math. Add to that the environmental impact it is a win for everyone. I think the reality is that the program will start with family and friends then slowly expand from there.

I was in a store recently that is selling LED light bulbs for $30.00 each. Seems like a hard sell sitting on the shelf next to compact flourescents for $4-6 each but they are out there. They are selling the benefits including the lifetime cost savings.

[thefro526]

We are selling and have been selling our bulbs at $20 a piece unless someone wants to buy a large quantity (working with our school for a possible order) with decent success. I believe we've sold two cases thus far and are planning on selling more at a fundraiser this weekend.

For those who think $20 is too expensive, you can find the same exact bulb at Home Depot, just not in FIRST packaging, selling for $24.

[cambaldwin]

Our team is going to a home show and offering a discount of $19.99 each and 2 for $30. We are developing bulk discounts of 10% off for 5 and over, 20% off for 10 and over, 20 and over we will work with the customer to develop a reasonable cost. What other discounts are people offering. By the way, Home Depot in our area is selling them for $28 plus tax.

[Techhexium]

Sorry for the late reply, so far I sold a couple of bulbs. I find selling that selling to teachers can work well. I sold a bulb to a teenager, but only at $15. I told my teacher that she isn't buying the bulb, but receiving it as a donation gift instead, my teacher replied that was a good line to say.

I was just watching in the Sacramento Regional that Team 2456, Team Recycle It!, really took the initiative in the program. They sold 100+ bulbs to a luxury hotel, the team says said it helps with maintenance costs, and the best places to sell bulbs are offices and hotels.