Thrifty - The Door-to-Door Lesson
| Category: | Scout Law |
|---|---|
| Notes: | For the start of a fundraiser, especially for younger Scouts selling for the first time. Remind Scouts of your unit's safety rules for selling: always with a buddy or a parent, never going inside a stranger's home. Works for any scouting program. See also thrifty-earning-your-own-way and thrifty-honest-with-the-money. |
Let's be honest. Walking up to a stranger's door to sell something is scary. Your heart pounds. You practice what you're going to say. And then the door opens, and sometimes the person says, "No, thank you," before you even finish.
That's going to happen. A lot. Even the best sellers hear "no" more often than "yes."
So here's the secret: hearing "no" isn't failing. It's part of the job. That person isn't saying no to you. They might have already bought from another Scout, or they're on a budget, or they just don't like popcorn. It's not personal.
What matters is what you do next. A Scout smiles and says, "Thank you anyway. Have a great day!" And then a Scout walks to the next door.
A few other things to remember. Be courteous every time, even when people aren't. Wear your uniform proudly, because when you're selling, you're representing every Scout in your unit. Look people in the eye, speak up, and tell them what the money is for. People like supporting kids who are working toward something.
And stay safe. Always sell with a buddy or a parent, and never go inside a stranger's home.
Here's what you'll find out by the end of the sale. You'll be braver than you were at the start. You'll be better at talking to people. And you'll have learned how to keep going after hearing "no." That's worth more than anything you sold.