Girl Scout Cookies® are some of America's most recognized and beloved cookies. Selling them can be a rite of passage for young Girl Scouts, a fun activity, and a valuable learning experience. If you have a Girl Scout looking to boost her cookie sales, this guide is for you.
Building entrepreneurial skills while staying safe
Did you know that the Girl Scout Cookies program is the largest girl-led business in the United States? Selling Girl Scout Cookies is about more than just sweet treats; it's a fantastic way to teach kids critical life skills like goal setting, money management, business ethics, and how to work with other people.
To truly crush those cookie-sale goals, help your child combine smart business and communication strategies emphasizing safety and positive personal growth.
Set clear goals
Before your child starts selling, sit down and discuss the goals. How many boxes does she want to sell? Is there a particular reward she wants to earn or a fundraising minimum to meet? Having a clear focus can help motivate and guide your sales approach.
S.M.A.R.T. goals: Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Based goals for your cookie sales.
Track progress: Use a chart or app to track sales and progress toward your goals. Like most goal-related pursuits, staying accountable by documenting progress can help keep you motivated and on target.
Know your product
To effectively sell anything, you need to know the product inside and out. Take some time to learn about each type of Girl Scout Cookie, including the flavors, ingredients, and selling points. This knowledge will help you better convey the value of your products to potential buyers - and how to appeal to any customers you already know.
Gather information: Learn about the different cookie types and what makes them unique. Be prepared to answer questions about ingredients for customers with dietary restrictions and food allergies.
Taste Test: Taste each type of cookie yourself so you can give genuine recommendations.
Anticipate: Consider the questions you might ask if you were buying.
Are there any new flavors?
Are any Girl Scout Cookies gluten-free?
Are Girl Scout Cookies vegan?
Do I get a discount for buying a certain number of boxes?
When will my Girl Scout Cookies arrive?
Make a safety plan
Safety is crucial when selling Girl Scout Cookies. While some kids sell primarily at school, online, or through their parents’ work, many Girl Scouts still go door-to-door. Before hitting the streets, have a plan in place for staying safe and follow the guidelines from your local Girl Scout council. Some of the most critical safety tips include:
Work with an adult. Adults must supervise Girl Scouts when delivering and selling cookies by any method. Never sell or deliver Girl Scout Cookies alone!
Keep personal info private. Make sure your Girl Scout knows never to give out their last name, email, home address, phone number, or any other personal information.
Sell during the day. Never deliver or sell cookies in the dark unless with a trusted adult.
Stay public: If you’re setting up a booth or delivering, adult supervision is always required. Stay in public, well-lit areas with high foot traffic. Never enter anyone’s house or vehicle.
Practice street smarts. Follow all pedestrian and traffic rules. And have an emergency action plan with specific instructions on what to do should an accident, injury, or other urgent matter occur.
* See the Girl Scout Cookies safety tipsheet for the complete list of safety guidelines.
Strategize sales locations
It's important to know where and when to sell your cookies for maximum success.
Sell within approved Girl Scout designated areas: The first rule of selling Girl Scout Cookies properly is to follow all council jurisdiction rules.
Set up a booth at popular locations. As long as it’s jurisdiction-approved, try for safe, high-foot-traffic locales such as grocery stores, farmer's markets, or shopping centers. Always obtain permission from the location manager in advance.
Online sales: Expand your customer base by selling virtually. You can use the Girl Scouts’ official Digital Cookie(™) platform to sell beyond your neighborhood.
Personal connections: Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors about buying cookies. Personal connections are often more likely to support your cause.
Marketing magic
Get creative and think outside the box when it comes to marketing. As long as you follow troop and local rules, you can use social media, create eye-catching signs, and offer bundle deals to generate more interest in your cookies.
Signage: Create colorful signs with messages like "Support Girl Scouts" or "Limited Edition Cookies."
Social media: Use Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to promote your child’s cookie sales and share updates on your progress. Many Girl Scouts also have their own approved cookie websites for marketing purposes.
Flyers and Posters: Create colorful and eye-catching flyers or posters — be sure to highlight why supporting Girl Scouts is important.
Community engagement
Selling Girl Scout Cookies is also an opportunity to give back to the community. If it’s in line with Girl Scout and local regulations, consider partnering with a local charity or hosting a cookie drive to support those in need.
Local Businesses: Partner with local businesses to set up a cookie booth or ask them to sponsor your sales.
Service Organizations: Reach out to community centers or churches to see if you can sell after services or events.
Cookie Donation: Ask customers if they would like to purchase a box of cookies to donate to a local charity or food bank.
Selling Girl Scout Cookies isn't just about achieving sales goals; it's also a chance to develop valuable skills. By helping your child set clear goals, become knowledgeable about the products, and prioritize safety, your Girl Scout can become a master cookie seller while building entrepreneurial skills that will serve her well in the future.
FAQs about how to sell Girl Scout Cookies
Q: What are S.M.A.R.T. goals?
A: S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Based. Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals can help you stay focused and motivated.
Q: Can I sell cookies by myself?
A: Adult supervision is always required to deliver or sell Girl Scout Cookies. In addition to an adult, sellers can also set up a buddy system.
Q: Can I use social media to promote my cookie sales?
A: Social media can be a highly effective promotion tool. However, there are strict age-related laws and regulations around its use. Parental approval is required, and parents and caregivers must oversee any social media component to ensure they follow all online guidelines for age limits. Also, be sure to follow any Girl Scout social media marketing rules, keep personal information private, and practice online safety.
Q: Are there ways to partner with local businesses for cookie sales?
A: If it complies with Girl Scout and local regulations, you can work with your troop to reach out to local businesses about setting up a booth or other ways to support cookie sales. This can also increase community engagement and support for Girl Scouts.
Q: How do I handle customer complaints or inquiries during cookie sales?
A: Practice active listening, remain patient and polite, and enlist the help of your supervising adult. The Girl Scouts organization also offers numerous marketing and sales support materials to help kids with their customer service skills.
Q: How many types of Girl Scout Cookies are there?
A: There are currently 12 types of Girl Scout Cookies, including classics like Thin Mints and Samoas and newer options like Lemon-Ups and Toast-Yay! However, not all flavors are available in all locations.
Q: Can I sell cookies online?
A: You can set up online cookie sales through the Girl Scout Cookie website or other platforms approved by your local council.
Selling Girl Scout Cookies is more than just about selling delicious treats. It's an opportunity to develop valuable skills, give back to the community, and have fun while doing it. With the strategies outlined in this guide, you can help your Girl Scout have a successful and rewarding cookie-selling experience. Good luck, and happy selling!
Want more tips and tricks to live your best life? Visit the Greenlight Learning Center for helpful resources on all things family, finance, and fun.
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