One of the biggest missed opportunities in fundraising is failing to turn one-time buyers into repeat customers. If someone already supported your cookie dough fundraiser once, there’s a high chance they’ll do it again—especially if they had a great experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to build relationships with buyers, keep them engaged, and turn them into loyal supporters for future fundraisers!
2. Why Repeat Customers Are Essential for Fundraising Success
✅ Easier than finding new buyers – Returning customers already know and trust you.
✅ Higher sales potential – Repeat buyers often purchase more than first-time buyers.
✅ Less marketing effort required – No need to start from scratch each time.
✅ Stronger community support – Engaged customers will spread the word for you.
Pro Tip: It’s 5x easier to sell to an existing customer than to find a new one!
3. Strategies to Turn One-Time Buyers into Repeat Customers
1️⃣ Send a Thank-You Message After Every Fundraiser
✔ A simple thank-you goes a long way in making buyers feel appreciated.
✔ Keeps your group top of mind for future fundraisers.
Example Thank-You Email:
“Dear [Buyer’s Name],
Thank you for supporting our cookie dough fundraiser! Your purchase helped us raise [X amount] for [cause]. We couldn’t have done it without you!
We’d love to keep you updated about future fundraisers—stay tuned for more delicious cookie dough next year!
Thanks again!
[Your Organization Name]”
Example Social Media Post:
“THANK YOU! We raised [X amount] with our cookie dough fundraiser! We appreciate your support and look forward to doing it again next year! “
2️⃣ Collect Contact Info for Future Fundraisers
✔ Build an email list of past buyers.
✔ Ask supporters if they’d like to be notified about future fundraisers.
✔ Use a Google Form or sign-up sheet to gather emails.
Example Follow-Up:
“Want to be the first to know about our next fundraiser? Sign up for updates here: [Insert link]”
Pro Tip: Use email tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact to keep buyers engaged year-round.
3️⃣ Offer Exclusive Deals for Returning Customers
✔ Give repeat customers a special discount or incentive.
✔ Offer priority ordering or early access to new fundraisers.
✔ Run a loyalty program (Buy 3 fundraisers, get a free gift!).
Example Incentive:
” Returning Customers Special! Order from our next fundraiser and get entered into a VIP giveaway! “
4️⃣ Keep Buyers Engaged with Off-Season Updates
✔ Send occasional updates about your organization’s success.
✔ Share testimonials, impact stories, and progress photos.
✔ Keep the relationship warm so buyers are ready to support again.
Example Email Subject:
“See what your cookie dough purchase helped us achieve!”
Pro Tip: People love seeing how their purchase made a difference!
5️⃣ Ask for Referrals & Word-of-Mouth Marketing
✔ Encourage past buyers to refer friends & family next time.
✔ Run a “Refer a Friend” giveaway for repeat customers.
✔ Offer a small incentive for every referral sale.
Example Social Media Post:
” Loved your cookie dough? Tag a friend who should order next time! The more, the merrier! “
6️⃣ Turn Fundraisers into an Annual Event
✔ Make your cookie dough fundraiser a tradition so people expect it.
✔ Set a consistent time of year (e.g., “Our annual fall cookie dough fundraiser is back!”).
✔ Announce the fundraiser early to build excitement.
Example Announcement Post:
“MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Our annual cookie dough fundraiser returns on [date]! Get ready for another year of delicious treats! “
Pro Tip: The more predictable your fundraiser is, the more people will return.
4. How to Track & Reward Repeat Customers
✔ Use a spreadsheet or CRM tool to track repeat buyers.
✔ Offer exclusive perks for returning supporters.
✔ Send personalized thank-you messages to repeat customers.
Example Email:
“Hi [Name],
We noticed you supported our cookie dough fundraiser last year, and we wanted to personally thank you!
Good news—our cookie dough fundraiser is BACK, and we’d love to have you join us again!
Order here: [insert link]
We appreciate your continued support!”
Pro Tip: Making supporters feel valued increases repeat sales!
5. Final Thoughts: Build Long-Term Fundraising Success!
Turning one-time buyers into loyal, repeat customers is the key to sustained fundraising success. By thanking supporters, staying in touch, and offering exclusive incentives, you’ll build a community of engaged buyers who will support your fundraiser year after year.
Need more fundraising strategies? Check out our [Ultimate Guide to Cookie Dough Fundraising] for expert tips!