One of the biggest reasons fundraisers lose sales is because buyers don’t have an easy way to pay. In today’s world, many people don’t carry cash or checks—so offering multiple payment options is essential to maximize sales.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best payment methods for cookie dough fundraising, how to set them up, and tips to make transactions smooth and hassle-free.
2. Why Offering Multiple Payment Options Increases Sales
✅ More convenient for buyers – People can pay however they prefer.
✅ Reduces lost sales – No more “I don’t have cash” excuses.
✅ Faster transactions – Digital payments process instantly.
✅ Easier for sellers – Sellers don’t have to handle large amounts of cash.
✅ Safer for fundraisers – Less risk of lost or stolen money.
Pro Tip: The more payment methods you offer, the more potential customers you’ll convert!
3. Best Payment Methods for a Cookie Dough Fundraiser
Offering a mix of traditional and digital payment options ensures everyone has a way to buy.
| Payment Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | Easy to accept, no processing fees | Sellers must handle & track money | Local in-person sales |
| Checks | Good for older buyers & businesses | Can bounce, requires deposits | Schools, community groups |
| Credit/Debit Cards | Fast & convenient | Processing fees (2-3%) | Online sales, large orders |
| Venmo | Quick, no need for cash/checks | Must track payments manually | Young buyers, local sales |
| PayPal | Secure & widely used | Some buyers don’t have accounts | Online & remote sales |
| Apple Pay/Google Pay | Fast & mobile-friendly | Requires a compatible device | Younger buyers, digital sales |
| Fundraising Platform Payments | Automates tracking & order management | Some charge platform fees | Large fundraisers, schools |
Pro Tip: If possible, set up at least three different payment options to accommodate all buyers!
4. How to Set Up & Accept Each Payment Type
1️⃣ Cash Payments
✔ Keep a lockbox or cash envelope to store funds.
✔ Give sellers clear instructions on handling money.
✔ Always count & verify cash before submitting it.
Pro Tip: If sellers collect cash, require them to turn it in daily to avoid lost money.
2️⃣ Check Payments
✔ Make checks payable to your organization, not individuals.
✔ Have a clear check return policy for bounced checks.
✔ Keep a record of check payments for easy tracking.
Pro Tip: Many businesses prefer paying by check—especially if buying in bulk!
3️⃣ Credit & Debit Card Payments
Best Way to Accept Card Payments:
✔ Use Square, Stripe, or PayPal for secure processing.
✔ Set up a card reader for in-person sales.
✔ Offer online checkout for easy remote purchases.
Pro Tip: People tend to spend more when paying with a card compared to cash!
4️⃣ Venmo & PayPal Payments
✔ Create a fundraising Venmo or PayPal account for easy transfers.
✔ Provide sellers with a direct link or QR code to accept payments.
✔ Track all digital payments to avoid confusion.
Pro Tip: Venmo & PayPal are great for younger buyers who don’t carry cash!
5️⃣ Apple Pay & Google Pay
✔ Works best if using a fundraising platform or mobile card reader.
✔ Ensure sellers and buyers know it’s an option.
✔ Ideal for quick purchases at in-person events.
Pro Tip: Apple Pay & Google Pay are extremely popular with younger buyers—use them if possible!
6️⃣ Online Fundraising Platform Payments
✔ Platforms like Fundly, RallyUp, or SnapRaise handle online payments.
✔ Orders and payments are tracked automatically.
✔ Great for large-scale fundraisers or remote sales.
Pro Tip: If using an online platform, promote it heavily to maximize sales!
5. Best Practices for Managing Payments & Tracking Sales
✅ Tips for Smooth Transactions:
✔ Label every payment received – Track who paid and how.
✔ Keep receipts for all payments – Helps with record-keeping.
✔ Assign a “Payment Manager” – One person should oversee finances.
✔ Use an order tracking spreadsheet – Track payments & sales in real-time.
Pro Tip: Require sellers to turn in payments regularly so you’re not handling everything at the last minute!
6. Handling Payment Issues & Refund Requests
Sometimes, payment issues arise. Here’s how to handle them smoothly:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Buyer forgets if they paid | Keep a detailed sales log & verify payments. |
| Check bounces | Contact the buyer & request a new payment. |
| Buyer wants a refund | Have a clear refund policy before starting. |
| Digital payment isn’t received | Confirm the transaction & check for typos. |
Pro Tip: Have a written policy for payments, returns, and lost orders to avoid disputes!
7. Final Thoughts: Make Buying Easy to Increase Fundraiser Success!
The easier you make it for people to pay, the more cookie dough you’ll sell! Offering multiple payment options, setting up simple tracking systems, and ensuring security will lead to a stress-free and highly profitable fundraiser.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Offer multiple payment methods to accommodate all buyers.
✔ Use digital payments (Venmo, PayPal, credit cards) to increase convenience.
✔ Keep track of payments to prevent lost sales or confusion.
✔ Set up an online platform for easy remote orders.
✔ Have a clear payment policy to avoid issues.
Next Step: Set up your payment options NOW so your fundraiser is ready for success!
Want more expert tips? Read our [Ultimate Guide to Cookie Dough Fundraising] for step-by-step planning strategies!