Why don't more schools make better use of the Marketplace?

[tmsmalley]

OK, I took the plunge. We switched my dd to a new private school this year and that means we're required to do a certain amount of volunteer work, so I've taken on the their whole BTFE program. I don't think it will be too hard to really improve their take on this since last year they only took in $1.25 per kid.

Anyway, in my surfing, I don't see that schools are making good use of the marketplace. Any ideas why not? I used the marketplace last year at the previous school and generated about $30 from that alone.

Thoughts?

Tess

[micheller126]

I don't do that much online shopping, so for me..nada...unless ebay would participate, LOL.

[ange]

i also use the marketplace to help out my sons school. he is in kidnergarten and i also wonder the same thing. it is such an easy way to earn money.

[mmandjsmom]

I am thinking of taking on the BTFE role at our school. Our Asst Principal has the role right now, but with budget cuts she is taking on more & more duties. Do you have ideas on how to better get people to use the Marketplace? I too think this is an untapped funding source.

[jessiesaves]

In my experience, its getting the word out. I only use it for oriental trading, but I don't do much online shopping. My school has a monthly newsletter that is sent out to each family. The pto has a small section on the back page called the PTO CORNER. Usually we let people know about upcoming things like a bookfair, but we also have things like "remember to send in your box tops and soup labels!" as our closing, so its the last thing people read. I also started out the year with a letter home stating how much $ each collection thing earned us. Then we encourage them to try to beat last years numbers.

Good Luck! Getting the word out is the quickest way!