5 Tips To Whip Your Concession Candy Stand Into Sweet Success
Ladies and gents, we’ve got the concession candy fundraising tips you need to help turn your snack stand into a sweet little money-maker.
Sure, your concession stand may not bring in big-league stadium money, but when your goal is to raise cash for the team, the school, or a worthy cause, every dollar counts. And when you’re selling crowd favorites like Swedish Fish, Tootsie Frooties, Sour Patch Kids, and more, those dollars can add up fast.
We’ve supplied plenty of Little League teams, school sports teams, booster clubs, and fundraising groups with affordable concession candy over the years, so we know a thing or two about what works. Here are a few simple ways to help ramp up your concession candy sales.
1. Market The Game
The first step to selling more candy is getting more people to the game.
Outside of parents, grandparents, and a few loyal friends, many people may not even know when the next Little League game, school match, or tournament is happening. And if they don’t know about the game, they can’t stop by your concession stand.
Create simple posters with the team schedule and upcoming game dates. Ask the coach, school, or league for permission to hang them around town, at school, or in local businesses. Share the schedule with co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family. Encourage players to invite classmates and relatives.
The more people in the stands, the more chances you have to sell candy, snacks, and drinks.
2. Give Them A Sweet Reason To Stop By
Can anyone really eat just one piece of candy? Probably not.
Try giving each person who attends the game a raffle ticket or small coupon they can redeem for one piece of candy or one small scoop of a bulk favorite like Gummy Dolphins or a handful of Cherry Sour Balls.
It’s a simple way to get people over to the concession stand. And once they’re there, chances are pretty good they’ll grab a few more treats, a drink, or something for the kids.
3. Explain What The Fundraiser Is For
People are often more willing to buy when they know where the money is going.
Post a few signs around the concession stand explaining what the fundraiser supports. Are you raising money for new uniforms? Travel expenses? Equipment? Field improvements? A school trip? A local charity?
Be specific. Instead of just saying “Support Our Team,” try something like “Candy Sales Help Buy New Team Jerseys” or “Every Purchase Helps Send Our Players To The Tournament.”
When people understand the purpose, that candy bar suddenly feels like a very worthy purchase.
4. Offer More Than The Basics
Everyone loves the classic concession candy favorites, but variety can make your stand more exciting.
Along with the usual best-sellers, add some fun options that catch attention, like Razzles, Pop Rocks, Cotton Candy, and taffy. A good mix of chocolate, gummies, sour candy, chewy candy, and lollipops gives everyone something to choose from.
The more fun the selection looks, the more likely kids and adults are to come back for another round.
5. Take The Candy To The Crowd
Think about a big baseball game. You hear vendors walking through the stands calling out for peanuts, popcorn, and cold drinks. You can bring that same idea to a Little League or school sports game.
Have trusted parents, volunteers, or school board members walk around with a small selection of candy to sell during the game. Place different candy options in a flat box or tray, clearly mark the prices, and send them through the crowd.
Just make sure someone practices their best “Gummmmy Fishhhh!” call before game day.
Make Your Concession Stand A Fundraising Homerun
A successful concession candy stand doesn’t have to be complicated. Get more people to the game, give them a reason to visit the stand, explain the fundraiser, offer a fun variety, and make it easy for people to buy.
As always, we do our best to keep our concession candy affordable so your team, school, or organization can make the most profit possible from every sweet sale.