Review guidelines with Girl Scouts and caregivers participating in Cookie Booths. When you participate in a Cookie Booth your troop is a guest of the business. Remind all booth participants that they are representing Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland and everyone must exhibit good manners and behavior. Remember, the image Girl Scouts and caregivers portray determines whether Girl Scouts are allowed to sell cookies at the business in the future.
Dress for success!
Girl Scouts should wear uniforms, sashes or vests during the sale. You are all representing Girl Scouts; uniforms help sell cookies! Wear warm clothing, as you may be near a doorway or outside at the location.
Please check-in!
Plan to arrive at the location at least five minutes early to check with the store manager to confirm the booth/drive-thru location. It may be a different location than a previous troop. This is not a point to argue. We are their guest. Politely accept their request. Everyone should use the restroom before the booth sale starts.
Arrive and leave on time!
Do no try to set up early or stay late if other troops are scheduled. Ask everyone who is leaving to do so in a timely manner. Store Managers and customers do not like groups congregating. If you have several shifts, ask caregivers who are leaving to do so promptly. Leave the area clean and free of empty boxes.
Two Girl Scouts and two adults must be at your booth/drive-thru at all times.
A maximum number of four Girl Scouts and minimum two adults are allowed at the booth/drive-thru. At least one of these adults must be an approved GSKH adult volunteer. If needed, divide your booth/drive-thru time slot into shorter "shifts" to accommodate all Girl Scouts who want to participate. Schedule younger Girl Scouts and those with short attention spans, in short (half-hour to 1-hour) shifts. This will help keep everyone focused and cheerful.
No tag-a-longs.
Siblings, friends, additional adults and pets should not be at your booth/drive-thru. They distract those who are working from focusing on the customers and safety is key.
Be prepared!
Bring a small table, money bag with change, clipboards, phone numbers, first aid kit, Care & Share receipts, booth/drive-thru confirmation and of course...cookies!
Practice good People Skills! Encourage Girl Scouts to:
- Stand next to display/proper curb lineup.
- Be attentive and courteous.
- Wait to speak to customers until they make eye contact or approach your table/drive-thru. No one should chase people down, run through stores or block entrance/exit of customers.
- Smile! You can't sell cookies without one!
- Remember to say "thank you" with every customer encounter.
- Say something nice even when someone chooses not to make a purchase.
Do not consume food and drinks at your booth/drive-thru location.
If water is essential, be discrete and store it behind the table. Adults may not smoke at the booth/drive-thru or in front of the Girl Scouts.
Put away cell phones and other electronics.
Remind Girl Scouts that their attention should be on customers and the adults focus should be on the Girl Scouts, not on phone calls or other activities.
Designate a cookie runner.
Someone other than the adults at the booth/drive-thru, who, if needed can get more cookies for the booth.
Problems?
If a problem or conflict arises at the booth/drive-thru, handle it in a polite and respectful manner. Call council staff if necessary.
Note: The number one reason for conflict is usually scheduling. Always double-check your troop's booth/drive-thru time and location.
