How many Girl Scout cookies are expected to be sold in Connecticut this year in quantity and dollars?
Given the economic state at this time, we can never be certain. However, we anticipate selling approximately 2.5 million cookie boxes this year for a gross sale of $10 million.
What’s the most popular way to sell cookies — door-to-door or at a parent’s office?
Every area is different, but all the girls sell by personal contact, door-to-door, emails and telephone and visiting places of business.
How much can one Girl Scout be expected to sell? And, who was last year’s champion in terms of gross sales?
We hope that each girl will reach a minimum of 20 boxes of cookies, as this gives them a good exposure to the cookie program and the skills they gain from it. But on the average, most girls sell about 75 boxes. After that we have levels of achievement for personal success that go up to a 1,000-box level. Last year we had nine girls reach that level. This year anyone who reaches 1,000 boxes will have lunch with the CEO.Â
Why do the Girl Scouts bother with such a wide selection when everybody just buys the Thin Mints and Tagalongs?
Although Samoas, Thin Mints and Tagalongs are among the highest sellers, there are many customers that find that the other varieties are their favorites. The Trefoil is the first cookie that was sold by Girl Scouts and is still a favorite among customers.
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There seems to be a trend towards healthier cookies, too. How do those sell by comparison?
There is a sugar free cookie which tastes great and is a good alternative to the other seven varieties. It is our chocolate chip cookie and it sells very well.
How does one buy cookies if you don’t know a Girl Scout?
You can go to the Girl Scout Web site (www.gsofct.org) and use the cookie booth locator to find a public booth sale held by girls in March and buy your cookies directly or you can email cookies@gsofct.org. We also have a toll-free number, (800-882-5561), which a cookie customer can call to be connected with a troop who will sell you cookies. We want to make sure anyone who wants to buy Girl Scout cookies, can get them during cookie time.
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Finally, could Girls Scouts in Connecticut survive without the annual cookie sales?
Definitely. The strength of the organization rests with the girls and volunteers and the leadership programs we offer. Rapidly approaching our 100th anniversary, Girl Scouts will always survive. But the reality is the cookie program is the premier entrepreneurial experience for girls. It also generates critical funds for all Girl Scouting programs and opportunities that we offer girls. The cookie program does make up a good portion of our funding, but more importantly it makes up a large portion of the girls’ troop treasury, which is the money that girls utilize to go on trips, do community service, and fund their meeting activity. The girls are the beneficiaries of the program.
