Don't stress about your tag days! I always just show up the morning of at opening time and give them a copy of the letter then. I try to take a friend or family member, people often engage you in conversation and you will miss many potential donors when you're talking. It's important to politely ask everyone either going in or coming out (it's easier to choose one so you aren't asking twice), if they'd like to make a donation. A big smile and a pink ribbon in your hand to offer them goes a long way! I kind of judge when to pack up by how busy the store is later in the day. I have found at most locations it slows down around 4 or 5 and since I'm tired and have had enough sun, I pack it in for the day. Don't forget to take some donation sheets for those who would like to make a larger donation and want a receipt (print from your personal page with your ID #). Lots of water and snacks and sunscreen are a must! Nothing worse than dehydration and too much sun to wreck your day. Wear comfy shoes and something pink/your event participant t-shirt.
Most of all--enjoy! People are usually friendly and want to chat!
Post how you do on the message boards, we all love to cheer each other on :)
Thanks for all the info Nicole! :) It makes me feel a bit better. I'm hoping I can convince my husband to come with me to the Tag Days, he's very good with people and I'm sure would be a big help.
I have another question... sorry if it's a silly one but I have no idea... Do I need to bring my own table, or do they have tables there for you to use? I figure I should know this ahead of time because it would be terrible to be left with no table ;)
I just went to the dollar store and bought some ribbon and safety pins. I figure I can make ribbons while we're watching TV in the evening.
I went the make the ribbons route one time and one time only. It's so time consuming and the added cost of buying the ribbons from randy instead is pretty negligible.
You have to bring your own table. Since I was not selling anything, only giving ribbons away with a donation, I just took one of those small wooden tv tables and some camping chairs to sit in. I got some pink ribbon fabric to use as a table cloth and made a sign out of pink bristol board... and had a big bucket with a lid to collect the money.
Thanks Didds, that's exactly what I needed to know! Now at least I can go prepared.
As far as the ribbons goes, I'm going to try making them and see how it goes. I literally have zero extra money since I've been off work for treatments for 2 years (ouch!). If it ends up being way too hard then I will see if someone will lend me the money to buy pre-made ribbons.
Hi You can also order pink ribbons from Randy at thinkpinkdirect.com they are not expensive. If you call her she will send you a price list for walkers and you can take the money out of what you raised to pay for them. Good Luck
