How do I sell ads for the Harvest Business Directory?

Organization and persistence is key to your success.  Make a list of the following:

1. Identify family, friends and neighbors who may be interested in supporting your education. These individuals may advertise their own business or place an ad in the "Family" section where they can submit well wishes to you or the school.

2. Solicit businesses that you and your family have done business with (i.e. bankers, car dealers, insurance agents, realtors, doctors, lawyers, financial advisors, etc.) 

3. Restaurants are big supporters and will often spilt ads with multiple students.

4. Other suggestions include caterers, specialty stores, interior decorators, electricians, carpenters, handy men, remodeling companies, jewelers, hairdressers and limo companies.

What do I do once I’ve identified prospective patrons?

1. Have several ad contracts (available online and in the PCHS Main Office) with the “Student Information” section completed.  It is important that this is filled out before you give the ad contract to the business.  This ensures that you are given credit for the sale.

2. Have a short, but exciting speech ready for the prospective patron.  It is best to ask for the owner of the company or a manager.

Here is a sample speech:

“Hello.  I’m <INSERT NAME> from Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox.  I would like to offer you a great opportunity to help your business get more customers, which in turn will help our school raise the necessary funds that it takes to keep our school operating.  As you may know, Providence publishes an annual Business Directory that is quite impressive… nearly 600 pages.  This directory is given to over 1,000 of our families and is used like the Yellow Pages.   Our families strongly believe in supporting the businesses that support our school. Plus, you will have the opportunity to win the Grand Prize Raffle of $10,000 and additional raffles ranging from $100 - $1,000.  Can I count on you for your support?  Remind the business that this is only a three week fund-raiser and the money, ad contract and ad are due by Thursday, September 20 at 9:00 a.m. Be sure to thank businesses for their time even if they are unable to support this fundraiser.

3. If a business says they will think about it, be sure to follow up with them in a day or so.  Face-to-face is best when trying to sell, but sometimes phone calls can be equally effective.  Some companies may ask you to fax the contract to them.  This is fine, but if they have internet, you may want to direct them to the PCHS website to download the contract.  Just be sure that they put your name on the contract.

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What do I do if a business/individual wants to purchase an ad?

1. Have the business complete section 1-5 on the ad contract.  Instruct them to follow the directions on the form.  Double-check the ad contract to be sure that it is completed in its entirety.

2. Collect the ad contract, check, ad copy and completed raffle tickets.  Some individuals may prefer to mail the ad contract, ad copy and check directly to PCHS.  This is fine.  As long as your name is in the "Student Information" section, we will notify you with a receipt that will show your credit.  Be sure to provide the raffle tickets to businesses that mail in their ads.

3. As a courtesy, offer to fill out the raffle tickets for the business and provide them with the bottom portion as their receipt.  Keep completed tickets with the ad contract, money and ad copy.

4. To save time, see if the business has return address labels to put on the raffle tickets.  This will also save you from writer's cramp...especially when you sell a full page ad and need to complete 100 tickets.  If not, you may offer to print these labels with the patron’s information (Use Microsoft Word template 8167).

What if I have the check and ad contract, but the business was not able to complete their ad copy?

It is most important to have the completed ad contract and money ready to turn in on the Money Return Days (9/13 & 9/20) so that you are able to receive credit.

Can a business email the ad copy?

Yes.  Actually, this is preferred as long as the ad is provided in JPG or PDF format (minimum 300dpi resolution).  Be sure that the business puts their "BUSINESS NAME" in the subject of the email.  Ads should be emailed to harvestdrive@providencecatholic.org

What if a prospective patron wants to see a sample of the Harvest Drive Business Directory?

If you do not have a copy of last year’s Harvest Drive Directory, please contact Ms. O’Brien.  She will be happy to provide you with a copy to use as a sample.

Is it easier to sell ads versus selling the tickets individually?

Most agree that it is easier to sells ads than selling tickets door-to-door.

What if an individual wants to place an ad, but can not find the appropriate ad category?

We try our best to accommodate all patrons; however, we are limited on the number of ad categories.  Please contact Ms. O'Brien for specific ad category requests.

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I sold an ad for the Business Directory.  Is it true that the business/individual receives raffle tickets too?  If so, how many tickets does the business receive?

Yes.  Businesses/individuals that purchase an ad are entitled to receive raffle tickets proportionate to the value of their ad (see below).  You must receive payment before the raffle tickets are completed.

Ad Size

Cost

Dimensions

Raffle Tickets

Full page

$500

7 ½" wide x 10" high

100

1/2 page

$275

7 ½" wide x 5" high

55

1/4 page

$150

3 ¾" wide x 5" high

30

1/8 page

$75

3 ¾" wide x 2 ½" high

15

Patron Ad

$25

Business/Individual alphabetical listing

5

I sold an ad and the business told me that I could have the raffle tickets.  What should I do?

Sometimes businesses decline the raffle tickets.  Please notify Ms. O’Brien if you are putting a name other than the business that purchased the ad (i.e. If Pizza Hut purchased a $150 ad, then 30 raffle tickets should have Pizza Hut on them)  All tickets are cross-checked with the ads and money that students are turning in.

I sold more ads than I have raffle tickets for.  What should I do?

Ms. O’Brien is available in the library every day after school until 3 pm during Harvest Drive.  Simply inform her of how many tickets that you need.  She will record them and provide you with the tickets.

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