Why Chocolate Fundraisers Are a Winning Choice
School fundraisers come and go, but few products have the staying power of chocolate bars. They’re easy to sell, offer great profit margins, and—let’s be honest—who doesn’t love chocolate?
Whether you’re organizing a school fundraiser, PTA/PTO event, youth group campaign, or nonprofit fundraiser, selling chocolate bars remains one of the most effective ways to raise money. But, as simple as it sounds, running a successful chocolate fundraiser requires a bit of planning and strategy.
If you’ve ever wondered where to buy school fundraiser chocolate bars, how to price them, or what selling tactics work best, this guide has you covered.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Chocolate for Your Fundraiser
Not all fundraising chocolate bars are created equal. Parents and students may remember the days of World’s Finest Chocolate bars, but today, there are multiple options to consider.
What to Look for in a Fundraising Chocolate Supplier
- Brand Reputation – Recognizable brands like Katydids tend to sell faster because people trust the quality.
- Price & Profit Margins – Some companies offer bulk discounts or tiered pricing, allowing for a higher return on investment.
- Variety of Flavors – Offering multiple flavors (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, caramel, almond) increases sales potential.
- Easy Ordering & Delivery – Look for suppliers that offer online ordering and direct shipping, making it easier to distribute bars to your sellers.
A great option is Fundraising.com, which provides a variety of school fundraiser chocolate bars in bulk, ensuring you get the best quality at competitive pricing.
Step 2: Setting the Right Price for Maximum Profit
One of the most common questions from fundraising organizers is: How much should we charge for our chocolate bars?
Over the years, pricing for fundraiser chocolate has evolved. Decades ago, bars sold for $1 each, but today, prices typically range between $1.50 and $2 per bar.
Factors to Consider When Setting Prices
- Your Cost Per Bar: If you purchase at $0.75 per bar and sell at $1.50, that’s a 50% profit margin.
- Market Expectations: Many fundraising chocolates now sell for $2 per bar, which increases profit but may slightly slow down sales.
- Competition: If other fundraisers or local stores sell similar chocolate at lower prices, you may need to adjust your pricing accordingly.
Pro Tip for Increasing Sales
Offering a bundle deal (e.g., “Buy 5 bars for $8”) encourages people to buy more while maximizing profit.
Step 3: Where to Sell Your Fundraiser Chocolate Bars
Once you have your chocolate bars and pricing set, it’s time to sell. While students and parents often sell in their social circles, expanding your reach is key to higher profits.
Best Places to Sell Fundraising Chocolate Bars
- At School: Set up a sales table during sporting events, parent-teacher nights, and school fairs.
- Local Businesses: Ask coffee shops, gas stations, or grocery stores if they’ll allow a small fundraising display.
- Community Events: Sell at church gatherings, farmers’ markets, and holiday fairs where foot traffic is high.
- Workplace Sales: Parents and teachers can bring fundraiser chocolate bars to their offices for easy sales.
- Door-to-Door Sales: While not as common as in the past, neighborhood sales still work well—especially for younger students.
Online sales are also growing in popularity. Many fundraising suppliers now offer custom web stores where people can buy chocolate bars online and have them shipped directly.
Step 4: Using Sales Strategies to Sell More Chocolate Bars
Selling chocolate bars for a fundraiser isn’t difficult, but having a strategy in place can make a huge difference in how much money you raise
Proven Tactics for Selling More Chocolate Bars
1. The “Ask Big” Method
Instead of asking, “Would you like to buy a chocolate bar?”, try:
“We’re selling chocolate bars to raise money for our school’s new playground. Would you like to buy a box?”
This shifts the focus from a small purchase to a larger sale, helping increase overall profits.
2. The Bundle Strategy
Instead of selling single bars, encourage customers to buy multiple:
- “Buy 3 bars, get 1 free!”
- “A $10 donation gets you 5 bars!”
These small incentives increase order sizes and help sellers move more inventory.
3. The Competitive Challenge
Encourage participation by gamifying the fundraiser. Ideas include:
- Top Seller Prizes: Offer rewards like gift cards or special privileges for the highest sellers.
- Classroom Challenges: The classroom that sells the most chocolate bars wins a pizza party.
- Team Goals: If the whole team reaches a sales milestone, they earn a group reward.
Step 5: Handling Leftover Chocolate Bars
Even with the best planning, you might have leftover chocolate bars at the end of the fundraiser. Instead of letting them go to waste, consider these options:
- Offer a Last-Minute Sale: Announce a “Final Sale Day” with a discount on bulk purchases.
- Donate to Local Charities: Food banks, shelters, and community centers may appreciate donations.
- Sell at Future School Events: Keep extras on hand for future events where they can still be sold.
Step 6: Tracking Profits & Measuring Success
A well-run chocolate fundraiser doesn’t just focus on selling—it also tracks profits, inventory, and seller performance.
What to Track for a More Profitable Fundraiser
- Total sales per student
- Money collected vs. outstanding funds
- Best-selling locations and strategies
This helps refine your future fundraisers, making them even more successful next time.
Final Thoughts: Making Your Chocolate Fundraiser a Success
Chocolate fundraisers remain one of the easiest and most profitable ways for schools, PTAs, youth groups, and nonprofits to raise money. With the right strategy, you can turn a simple fundraiser into a high-profit campaign that benefits your cause.
To start your chocolate fundraiser today, visit Fundraising.com and explore the best options for your school or organization.
