Run a Profitable Concession Stand Fundraiser With These 6 Expert Tips

Ready to bring in the bucks through concession sales this season? 

While there are many loose ends to organize with this fundraising idea (especially if you source your own products and manage volunteers for multiple concession dates), a successful concession stand fundraiser can strengthen relationships and raise your organization’s profile while raising money.

Whether you’re learning how to organize a concession stand fundraiser for the first time or returning as an experienced manager this year, take a look at these six strategies to attract crowds and maximize your profits.

1. Plan the right menu

Will your concession stand cater to a rowdy sports crowd or a snazzed-up theater audience? The tone and dress code, climate, and basic demographics (such as age and spending level) should all factor into your menu planning.

In general, consider a mix that incorporates: 

• A lion’s share of predictably popular items like popcorn, soda, packaged chips, and candy
• Both salty and sweet choices
• A small inventory of luxury options, such as chocolate truffles
• Alternative diet options like water, juice, fruit cups, light popcorn, kosher/vegan candy
• “Home team” items that are locally made or use organization colors, etc.

In addition to popcorn and soft drinks, concession stand specialists recommend:

• Cotton candy, brownies, and cookies
• Soft pretzels and roasted nuts
• Snow cones, frozen bananas with chocolate dip, and ice cream
• Corn dogs and oversized hot dogs
• Themed treats related to the event
• Seasonal items, i.e., chili, hot chocolate, macaroni and cheese, or cup of noodles if it’s cold outside

And before you make any purchases, review practical limitations, like: 

• Venue guidelines on glass bottles, open cups, etc.
• Rules related to food allergens 
• Availability of heating, cold storage, ice, etc.
• Outlets, space, and permission to bring in appliances that you supply
• Advance setup time

2. Manage your costs

Like any sales-based fundraiser, the math for a successful concession stand fundraiser is simply to sell for more than your expenses—not just what you actually sell, but all costs such as mileage, staff t-shirts, booth rental, signage, napkins and utensils, and unsold merchandise. 

To make it work, look for a mix of items that are: 

• Low cost and can be sold at a premium, such as flavored popcorn 
• Popular choices or sourced from popular brands
• Storable between events without refrigeration or spoilage

In addition to managing your buy and sell costs, you can get an early start raising money by purchasing concessions through your RaiseRight fundraising program from places like:

• Amazon
• Instacart
• Discount stores, including Sam's Club and Walmart
• Grocery stores 

3. Keep the line moving 

To avoid slowdowns and keep customers happy, use simple and consistent processes. Concession pros recommend:

• Standardized pricing at a category level for prepackaged candy or other snacks
• Simple cash handling with rounded prices and no coins
• Condiments, napkins, and utensils at a separate counter

4. Engage with customers 

Fundraising events are opportunities to connect with potential supporters, volunteers, and community members. With this in mind, consider: 

• Identifying t-shirts, stickers, or pins for all concession volunteers 
• Adding branding and contact information to the stand and product packaging
• Promoting the fundraising goal, especially for a specific ask like new uniforms

And don’t just wait for customers to come to you—try going to them with these next-stage concession stand fundraising ideas: 

• Mini-stands near event entryways or parking areas that don’t interfere with safety
• Strolling concessions for tailgating time or event ticket lines
• Advance ordering capability for large groups and/or preset pickup times 

5. Cross-promote your other fundraisers 

One of the most valuable concession stand fundraising tips is to use your stand as an opportunity to promote your organization and solicit involvement. This can include: 

• Flyers and signs for upcoming fundraising events
• Volunteer sign-up form or tablet for future concession hosting and other needs
• How-to flyers for your organization’s RaiseRight fundraising program
• Sponsor signage, coupons, or swag

6. Keep fundraising after the event ends 

Concession stands are most effective at highly attended events, but those don’t typically run year-round. During off-seasons or slow periods, RaiseRight is a proven way to supplement your fundraising throughout the year.

With a RaiseRight fundraising program, you and your organization can pay for the goods and services already in your budget (including concession supplies) with gift cards or online shopping links. Your organization will earn up to 20% back with every purchase!

Ready to get the fundraising going? Learn more about how RaiseRight works, download and share our RaiseRight Fundraising Playbook, or get started for free today.