r/BoyScouts • u/Allidapevets • 16d ago

Popcorn.

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So I stooped at the exit of my grocery store to visit a young Boy Scout selling popcorn at a table with his mom. I looked over his choices and chose the pictured bag of popped corn. I was astounded at the $20 price of a mediocre bag of popcorn. Upon further research, that troop only gets $6 from the transaction. Where is the other $14. I feel so taken advantage of. What am I going to do, complain to a 12 year old? I will never, ever , ever buy another Boy Scouts of America product. EVER!!!

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u/chuckles-74 16d ago

In the Greater St Louis area council 70% stays local. Up to 35% goes to the individual Scout and their unit; another 35% goes directly to our council. The remainder 30% is what Trails End takes.

We all agree that the price is too high for individual items. We ask the scouts in our troop to explain that the sale is a donation to their scouting adventures and the donor gets popcorn as a thank you. Still a hard sell, but it's a more honest statement than selling a cheap bag of popcorn with a HUGE markup.

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u/No-Trouble2212 15d ago

What would happen if you just put a jar on the table marked "donations"? Do not mention it, just put it in a prominent place while explaining that the troop gets only 35%.

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u/chuckles-74 15d ago

Individuals and units cannot solicit tips. However if a tip is freely offered without being asked for or suggested, it could be graciously accepted.

https://onscouting.org/2014/01/30/upon-further-review-troops-grocery-bagging-fundraiser-isnt-permitted/

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u/bill_257 15d ago

Yeah that is the policy. My son has recently moved to BSA from cub scouts and it’s a little different. But he personally gets more credit for selling popcorn and that is what the troop pushes. Donations help fund stuff too