VolunteerCookie Manual

ALL YOUR GIRL SCOUT COOKIE

FFAAVVOORRIITTEESS

CoreVarieties

$4/box

SpecialtyVarieties

$5/box

TABLE OF CONTENTSA Note From CEO Loretta Graham ...................................1Ways to Sell Cookies ..........................................................2Volunteer Roles ...................................................................3

ResourcesVolunteer Resources ..........................................................4Cookie Resources ...............................................................5

Timeline and Checklist ......................................................6

Cookie Program OverviewCookie Program Benefits ..................................................7Cookie Program Standards ...............................................8Safety Guidelines and Contests .......................................9

January Kick-Off Booth Weekend ....................................10

Initial Order .........................................................................11

Managing the Cookie ProgramRestock and Re-Energise ...................................................12Inventory Management .....................................................12-13

Managing MoneyMoney Management ..........................................................13Receipts and Banking ........................................................14

Operation Sweet Treats and Business Gift of Caring ....15

RewardsGirl Rewards ........................................................................16How Rewards Work ............................................................17

Cookie Booth InfoBooth Guidelines and Strategies ......................................18-19Cookie Booth FAQs .............................................................20-21Cupboard Contacts ............................................................21

Digital Cookie ......................................................................22-23

Social Media and Cookies in the News ............................24

eBudde TipseBudde: Managing the Sale ...............................................25eBudde Fingertip Facts ......................................................26

Season Close Out ................................................................27

Family Cookie Meeting Guide ...........................................28Family Cookie Meeting Guide Sample Agenda ...............29

This Just In!Cookie Pro 2019!

Twenty-four girls nationwide (four per Girl Scout grade level) will be selected for the epic opportunity to:

• Travel to sunny Southern California for an all-expenses paid Cookie Entrepreneur Experience.

• Go on an incredible behind the scenes VIP adventure at Warner Bros. Studios.

• Take part in super-cool activities featuring the DC Super Hero Girls

• Meet successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.

• Attend a very special Girl Scout Cookie Pro recognition event.

Visit girlscouts.org for all the details!

A NOTE FROM THE CEO

Dear Cookie Troop Manager, Let’s Rock This Cookie Season!This year the Cookie theme is “Go For The Bold!” BOLD is who you are and what you do.

As a Girl Scout volunteer, you will encourage girls by taking a bold step in coordinating the largest girl-led business in the world. You will be leading, guiding, and mentoring girls into new experiences where they unleash their inner G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader). Because of your dedication and support, the girls in our council will journey through an exciting BOLD cookie season. Every girl deserves the courage and confidence to dream big and reach her cookie goals. Thank YOU!! Our Girl Scout cookies are delicious, but beyond the sweetness, Girl Scout cookies are an opportunity for girls to accomplish extraordinary things. Whether funding a field trip, completing a service project in her community, or creating the platform to build a lifetime of memories at camp the impact of cookie sales will empower her to set goals, make sound decisions, manage money, develop good people skills, and learn business ethics. We know that one girl can make a difference. We know that girls together can change the world and with your support their futures are bright! Girls Scout Cookies help make it all happen. Thank you again for serving girls. Because of your donation of time, talent and your support to this program, we are helping the next generation of girl entrepreneurs earn an important taste of what is takes be successful. Without you, our mission would not be possible. On My Honor, Loretta Graham, CEOGirl Scouts of Southern Illinois

Through Girl Scouts,

girls become leaders in their

daily life and prepare for their

bright futures!

The Girl Scout Cookie Program

provides an important

ingredient for leadership by

helping girls develop five key skills:

Goal SettingDecision Making

Money Management People Skills

Business Ethics

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Door-to-Door/Friends and Family• Girls should be dressed in Girl Scout uniforms or Girl Scout attire

at all times when selling cookies.

• Sell to friends, neighbors, and caregivers’ coworkers.

• Please remember that Girl Scouts should respect areas that have “No Solicitation” signs, and be sisters to all other Girl Scouts they may encounter when selling cookies in a neighborhood.

• We encourage girls to sell door-to-door at least once. Customers love seeing Girl Scouts in their neighborhoods!

Digital Cookie• The Digital Cookie platform helps girls superpower their cookie

sales with mobile and online channels.

• Girls run and manage their Girl Scout Cookie business online.

Gift of Caring: Operation Sweet Treats• Donations to Operation Sweet Treats can be made from January 5

until March 17.

• Girl Scouts can take orders for this through every part of the program.

• Troops will collect money for these orders, but will not receive the cookies, which will be in our virtual warehouse.

• At the end of the program, GSofSI will send all of the donated cookies to H.E.R.O.E.S Care in Fenton, MO.

Cookie Booths• Cookie booths allow girls an opportunity to work together as a team

to reach their goals, while being visible in the community!

• The Girl Scout Cookie Booth is not just a “booth,” it’s the girls' storefront for their business.

• Girl Scouts are honest and fair. We have made a commitment to those people and companies allowing us to host Cookie Booths at their locations. We will only sell on the dates and times in which they have agreed to and respect their property and customers. Remember, Girl Scouts leave places better than they found them.

Workplace and Corporate Sales• Girls may leave an order card at a family member’s workplace,

with employer permission, so employees can purchase cookies. Girls should play an active role in distribution and fulfillment of orders. Girls can utilize the business skills they are learning to connect with larger scale customers.

• Companies may also be interested in purchasing cookies as gifts, customer giveaways, or charitable contributions to the Business Gift of Caring Program.

WAYS TO SELL COOKIES

Digital Cookie

Girls have the option to use technology to enhance their sale by participating in Digital Cookie. Please note: girls may share their digital cookie link with friends and family on social media platforms, but cannot publicly post their unique link to strangers.

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VOLUNTEER ROLES

Service Unit Cookie Manager• Serves as a Troop mentor for the Service Unit.• Guides Troop Cookie Managers in the procedures

set forth by GSofSI.• Collects important documents such as responsibility forms,

agreements and ACH forms.• Reviews and submits their Service Unit’s initial cookie order • Reviews and submits Service Unit reward orders• Reviews data in eBudde to ensure successful cookie

inventory allocation.• Receives Girl Rewards at the end of the season and

distributes to Troops within the Service Unit.• Checks in weekly with Troops.

Troop Cookie Manager (TCM)• Works with Troop Leader to schedule, plan

and lead family meeting.• Provides clear and frequent communication to caregivers.• Reviews booth sites in eBudde for planning and scheduling.• Distributes order cards.• Calculates totals and enters inventory in eBudde.• Submits the Troop’s initial cookie and girl reward orders.• Schedules cookie pick-ups and makes plan for Troop cookie.

inventory distribution and any storage as needed.• Collects money, makes FREQUENT deposits.• Records updates in eBudde.• Orders additional cookies as needed.

Troop Leader• Works with TCM to schedule, plan and lead family meeting.• Works with Troop to set goals and plan cookie learning activities. • Assists with cookie pickup, storage, and distribution.• Supports girls throughout the program.• Reviews goals and progress with Troop.• Supports TCM with money collection and deposits. • Receives and distributes Girl Rewards.

Cookie Cupboard ManagerVolunteer who serves as a host and record keeper of additional cookies with the purpose of distribution to Troops who need additional cookies during the Cookie Program.

As an adult volunteer, please model

and encourage behavior that is honest and fair,

friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong.

Respectful behavior is expected at all times from girls and adults.

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VOLUNTEER RESOURCES

Girl Scout volunteers are not only special—they’re busy! We have lots of fun resources that make Girl Scout Cookie season quick, easy and delightful.

Find them at www.LittleBrownie.com!

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Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA): www.girlscouts.orgFind info on the Girl Scout Cookie Program and national cookie badges and pins.

eBudde: https://ebudde.LittleBrownie.comYour Command Center for managing the Cookie Sale! Order cookies, track girl inventory and order incentives.

eBudde Troop App Plus: Place orders on your mobile devices. Video training and eBudde help are built right in.

eBudde Booth Sale Recorder: Download this free app to record sales in real time and make inventory tracking easy!

Little Brownie Bakers: www.LittleBrownie.com Find girl activities, marketing ideas and clip art to help girls prepare for the Cookie Sale!

Little Brownie Bakers YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/LittleBrownieBakersCheck out LBB’s library of inspiring videos featuring real girl stories and selling tips.

Little Brownie Bakers Volunteer Blog: http://blog.LittleBrownieBakers.comCheck out the volunteer blog for exciting program resources.

COOKIE RESOURCES

Customer Care800.345.6858customercare@gsofsi.org

www.gsofsi.orgVisit our website to find resources, manuals, key dates and other helpful information.

Corporate Service Center4 Ginger Creek ParkwayGlen Carbon, IL 62034www.gsofsi.org

Regional Service Center4102 South Water Tower Place Mount Vernon, IL 62864

Product Program TeamNutsandcookies@gsofsi.org

Kristen GibbsDirector of Product Program800.345.6858 Ext: 1124KGibbs@gsofsi.org

Jordan PowellProduct Program Specialist800.345.6858 Ext: 1128JPowell@gsofsi.org

PowerAppsDownload our free app for instant access to important dates, training videos, documents and more!Visit your App store and search PowerApps to download our user friendly app.

Log into the app:email: prodprovolunteer@gsofsi.org password: Cookies123

Available for Android and iPhone!

Cookie Locator: http://CookieLocator.LittleBrownie.comHelp friends and family locate the closest cookie booth with this app!

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TIMELINE and CHECKLIST

October/November � Register all Troop volunteers and girls. � Attend Troop Cookie Manager training and sign TCM/ACH Agreements. Please note that Troop

Training Dates are subject to customization by the Service Unit. � Establish Troop bank account (if applicable). Submit ACH forms to GSofSI by January 1, 2019. � Hold a caregiver meeting to discuss girl participation and initial orders, plus collect signed

Annual Permission Forms. � Recruit caregivers to help! � Hold a Troop meeting to assist girls in setting Troop and individual goals. � Submit your January Cookie Kick-off order by December 1, 2018.

December � Verify all girls are in eBudde and that your contact information is correct and up-to-date. � Submit your Troops January Kick-off order by December 1, 2018. No late orders will be accepted.

January � Jan. 4: Attend your Service Unit Cookie Rally and get excited for the Cookie Program! � Encourage girls to set up a Digital Cookie account – Digital Cookie is proven to help girls reach their goals. � Jan. 3-5: Pick up your January Kick-off cookie order. Returns must be made by January 10, 2019. � Jan. 5: 2019 Cookie Program Begins. � Jan. 26: Order taking period ends and Digital Cookie Girl Delivered option no longer available. � Jan. 28: Submit your Troop's initial cookie and reward order by 11:59 p.m. Be sure to select and verify your

delivery station.

February � Feb. 14-16: Cookie cupboards are stocked. � Feb. 18-22: Initial order delivery to Service Units. � Re-order additional cookies as needed from your local cupboard location. � Collect money from parents weekly and issue receipts for payments received. Deposit money into

Troop bank account. � Feb. 22-24: National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend: Check out our website www.gsofsi.org for special

promotions and council sponsored booth sites.

March � Collect money from girls/caregivers weekly and issue receipts for payments received. Deposit money

into Troop bank account. � March 1: Submit adjustment forms by 3 p.m. if cookie funds are not available for the first sweep. � March 1: Caregivers turn in the first half of cookie money to Troop Leader. � March 6: First ACH sweep for 50% of initial order. � March 15: Submit adjustment forms by 3 p.m. if final sweep cookie funds are not available. � March 15: Caregivers turn in remaining balance of cookie money to Troop Leader. � March 20: Distribute ALL cookies to the girls in eBudde and submit your Troop's final rewards order

in eBudde by 11:59 p.m. � March 21: Final ACH sweep for remaining cookie balance.

Late April/Early May � Rewards arrive - distribute to girls. Please have girl rewards distributed by June 1, 2019.

All missing/defective rewards must be reported within 14 days of delivery.

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COOKIE PROGRAM BENEFITS

What are the benefits of participating in the Cookie Program?By participating in the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls learn 5 Skills linked to a lifetime of leadership and financial literacy: Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills, Business Ethics.

In addition, funds earned will help support your Troop goals and activities throughout the year, which may include meeting activities, program fees, campouts, community service projects, etc. Your Troop may even be saving for a big trip!

Funds earned through the Girl Scout Cookie Program also help Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois continue to deliver quality programs to girls, recruit and train adult volunteers, maintain camp properties and provide financial assistance that allows every girl the opportunity to become a Girl Scout.

Troop Proceeds • $0.75 Base proceeds (every Troop will earn $0.75 per box sold).• $.85 per box sold for Cadette-Ambassador who wish to opt out of rewards. • If you wish to opt out of rewards you must do so before January 27, 2019. After this date, you will no

longer be able to opt out to receive extra proceeds.

How do all Volunteers, Troops and Girls benefit?• High-quality council programming for girls.• Upkeep and Improvements to GSofSI Camp Properties available for outdoor experiences• Training workshops and certifications.• Financial assistance ensuring all girls in our community have the opportunity to be Girl Scouts.• Volunteer background screening.

Who can participate?All registered Girl Scouts with a signed Annual Permission Form can participate in the Cookie Program. All Troops must be clear of any debt due to GSofSI in order to participate. The Troop must have:• A current financial report on file at GSofSI.• At least two approved adults registered with the Troop - one being the leader.• A registered, volunteer-approved adult as Troop Cookie Manager

(must sign Troop Manager Agreement form).• A Troop bank account, 2019 ACH Form and a blank check on file with GSofSI.

Independent girls (known as Juliettes) may participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program! More information on Juliette cookie sales can be found on our website www.gsofsi.org under "Resources" from the "Cookies+" tab.

The Girl Scout Cookie Activity PinAll girls who participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program are eligible to earn the annual Cookie Activity Pin, which recognizes the 5 Skills learned and practiced during the sale. Girls can collect a different color pin every year.

Get details at girlscoutcookies.org

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COOKIE PROGRAM STANDARDS

Troop Participation Requirements:• Each Girl Scout must be registered for the 2018-2019 membership year with a completed and signed

Caregiver Annual Permission Form.• All Troops must have an adult volunteer Troop Cookie Manager; she/he must be registered, approved

volunteer with recent background check, and have completed cookie training with Service Unit. • Please visit our online volunteer application: http://bit.ly/GSofSIVolunteer

• It is expected that there be 100% Troop participation in the cookie program.• If a Troop chooses to not participate in the Cookie Program their financial assistance may be

affected and they will not be approved to participate in other fundraisers.• Troops cannot start selling cookies before the start/go date. This includes door-to-door selling, and selling

through social media.

Cookie PricesGirl Scout Cookies Core Varieties: Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Trefoils and Savannah Smiles are to be sold at $4 per box. Specialty Cookies: Girl Scout S’mores and Toffee-Tastic are to be sold at $5 per box. The price of cookies is non-negotiable. We are not able to offer any special discounts.

Returns and Exchanges• GSofSI will only accept returns for cookies that were picked up for the January kick-off booth weekend.

January Cookies must be returned to the Glen Carbon or Mount Vernon office before 5 p.m. on Jan. 10, 2019.• GSofSI will NOT accept any cookie returns outside of the January kick-off. Please plan accordingly.• GSofSI will accept warehouse-damaged boxes in exchange for the same variety. • Cookie swaps and transfers between Troops are encouraged.• Please use the Cookie Exchange tab in eBudde if you are looking to exchange cookies with another Troop.

Please Abide By the Girl Scout LawGirls and adults are expected to act respectfully and abide by the Girl Scout Law at all times. Please remember to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, respectful of others, and a sister to every Girl Scout. Please model good behavior and assume good intent; mistakes and misunderstandings happen to everyone. Please be patient and kind.

Disregard of any cookie program standards and guidelines outlined in this manual may result in loss of booth privileges, loss of highest girl reward earned, loss of Troop proceeds, and/or removal from the cookie program, as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Zero Tolerance for Misuse of Girl FundsGSofSI has a zero tolerance policy for misuse of girl funds; any adult accepting responsibility for handling money is accountable for its proper use and safekeeping. Unresolved debt under $1,000 will be referred to a collections agency. Unresolved debt above $1,000 will be turned over to law enforcement for prosecution. Misuse of funds may result in legal action with law enforcement and termination of volunteer service. This policy includes both parent/caregiver and Troop leader debt. Unpaid debt may jeopardise the opportunity to serve as a GSofSI volunteer.

In order to minimize the risk of loss, Troop Cookie Managers should regularly collect payments from caregivers throughout the sale and make prompt deposits into the Troop’s bank account.

Please provide weekly/monthly financial updates to families for full transparency.

We appreciate your understanding and support of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. The intent of the program standards are to ensure a positive experience for all.

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Be sure girls understand and follow these safety rules:

Show you’re a Girl Scout: Wear uniforms, Girl Scout membership pin and/or Girl Scout clothing to identify yourself as a Girl Scout.

Buddy up: Always use the buddy system. It’s not just more safe, it’s more fun.

Be streetwise: Become familiar with the areas and neighborhoods where you will be selling Girl Scout Cookies.

Partner with adults: If you are a Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie or Junior you must be accompanied by an adult when taking orders or selling/delivering product. If you are a Girl Scout Cadette, Senior or Ambassador you must “buddy up” when selling door-to-door. Adults must be present at all times during cookie booth sales.

Plan ahead: Always have a plan for safeguarding money. Avoid walking around with large amounts of money or keeping it at home or school. Give proceeds to supervising adults who should deposit it as soon as possible.

Do not enter: Never enter the home or vehicle of a person when you are selling or making deliveries. Avoid selling to people in vehicles or going into alleys. Sell in the daytime: Sell only during daylight hours, unless accompanied by an adult.

Protect privacy: Girls’ names, addresses and email addresses should never be given out to customers. Use a group contact number or address overseen by an adult for customers to request information, reorder or give comments. Protect customer privacy by not sharing their information except for the product sale. Girls should never take write down card numbers.

Be safe on the road: Always follow safe pedestrian practices, especially when crossing at intersections or walking along roadways. Be aware of traffic when unloading product and passengers from vehicles.

Be net wise: Take the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge before going online and follow the specific guidelines related to marketing online at http://girlscouts.org/help/internet_safety_pledge.asp

SAFETY GUIDELINES

CONTESTS

GSUSA Cookie Pro Contest

This cookie season, 24 winners nationwide will get the chance to go

on the adventure of a lifetime as part of the Cookie

Entrepreneur Experience.

Visit girlscouts.org/cookiepro for more details and entry rules.

Bling My Booth Contest

Bling your booth during the January Cookie Kick-off Booth and

qualify to win special prizes!

Submit a photo and a story about your Troop’s Cookie Season goals to Product Program by 2/1/19 to enter!

100+ Case Contest

Troops that pick up 100+ cases of cookies from a Cupboard in February (no returns) will be

entered into a contest to win a special workshop in your area hosted

by GSofSI CEO Loretta Graham!

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JANUARY KICK-OFF BOOTH WEEKEND

What is the January Kick-Off Booth Weekend?The January Kick-Off Booth Weekend welcomes the first round of cookie booths that allow Troops to host cookie booths with no risk. All unsold cookies from January Kick-Off may be returned. This is the perfect opportunity for new Troops to earn proceeds and get cookie booth experience!

Cookies for this weekend can be picked up from either the GSofSI Service Center in Glen Carbon or Mt. Vernon the week of January 3-5. • Thursday, January 3 from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.• Friday, January 4 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.• Saturday, January 5 from 12-4 p.m.

How does my Troop participate in the Kick-Off Booth Weekend?If your Troop would like to participate in this special booth weekend, you will need to order cookies using the January Kick-Off Cookie Order Form:

Troops will need to go to www.gsofsi.org and select the "Cookies+" tab• Click on "For Cookie Sellers"• Click on "Resources"• Click on "Kick-Off Booth Order Form"

January Booth Cookies can also be ordered at this link: http://bit.ly/JanuaryCookies

This form will need to be completed by December 1, 2018. Once this form is completed, it will be sent to the Product Program Team. Late orders will not be accepted!

How does a Troop return any unsold cookies from the Kick-Off Booth Weekend?All unsold cookies after the Kick-Off Booth Weekend are allowed to be returned. All returns have to be made before 5 p.m. on January 10 at either the Glen Carbon or Mt. Vernon offices. Please note: Cookies cannot be returned following any other Cookie Booth weekend. Returns from January Kick-Off weekend will be uploaded and credited back to Troops accounts after the initial order is placed.

Please note: January Kick-Off cookies will not be uploaded into eBudde until after the initial order is placed. These cookies will only count towards FINAL rewards, not initial.

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How to Enter Your Troop’s Order:

If your girls sold 140+ packages, you will need to submit your Troop’s initial order rewards. Initial order rewards will be delivered to your Service Unit Product Manager in late April/Early May with final rewards.

• Log into eBudde and click on the "Rewards" tab.

• Click "Fill Out" next to "Initial Reward Orders."

• Review total initial rewards earned.

• Click "Submit" to submit the Troop’s initial order rewards.

• Click "ok" in the pop up box to confirm your submission.

• Changes cannot be made once the rewards are submitted.

• Log into eBudde and click on the "Initial Order" tab. First time eBudde login instructions are on page 25.

• Click on each girls name. At the bottom of the screen you will enter her orders, tab through the columns and enter her totals by variety. (Remember the first column is for the Council Gift of Caring/Operation Sweet Treats, not Savannah Smiles).

• Save the order.

• Click the "OK" button on the far right of the screen when you are done entering her order.

• Repeat for each girl.

• If your Troop would like to order booth cookies to receive with your initial order, click the "booth" line. *Booth cookies that are ordered with initial order will be paid for on the first ACH sweep on 3/6/19.

• When you are finished, click save at the top.

• When you are positive you are finished with your order, review and click Submit Order. You cannot make changes after this.

Please note: After the INITIAL ORDER is placed, Council does not have the ability to make corrections

to your order. Initial Order cookies CANNOT be transferred between girls or Troops in eBudde.

How to Enter Your Troop’s Initial Reward Order:

Orders must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on January 28, 2019. The system will be locked out at that time!

• Once you have submitted your initial order, click on the delivery tab.

• On the delivery tab, click who is picking up your order.

• Click if you will be picking up for more than one Troop.

• Choose your delivery station.

• Choose a pick up time from what is available. • Click the submit my information button at the

top of the page.

• Please make sure you go to your assigned Drop location, as this is where your initial order will be!

• Please be patient and courteous with your Cookie Drop staff and volunteers.

The Day of Your Pick Up:

For safety reasons, please keep children clear of the loading area.

Print a copy of your order and bring it with you.

Arrive with ALL of the vehicles needed to receive your Troop’s complete order.

Please check carefully! NO adjustments for shortages will be made once you leave the cookie pick-up location.

Sign for your order and obtain your receipt.

Car Type # Of Cases Compact Car 23Hatchback Car 30Mid-Sized Sedan 35Sport Utility Vehicle 60Full Size Station Wagon 75Mini Van (Seats In) 75Pick-Up Truck (Full Bed) 100Cargo Van (Seats In) 200

Use this guideline when planning your pick-up.

The approximate amounts are figured assuming that the vehicle is

empty, apart from the driver.

INITIAL ORDERInitial Order Rewards

Cookie CEO Patch140+ boxes at Initial Order

Paws Off Journal165+ boxes at Initial Order

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Document EVERY SINGLE transactionCaregivers should verify counts (money and cookies) and sign a receipt for every transaction. This protects the Troop and the caregiver in the event of a discrepancy.

Keep deadlines in mindCreate firm deadlines for caregivers. Think about sale dates, when ACH cookie payments are due, and your schedule.

Don’t check out more from your cupboard than you can reasonably sellPlease remember you can always pick up more cookies at a cupboard. It may be more beneficial for your Troop to make frequent, smaller pickups, rather than large orders, to avoid having excess inventory at the end of the sale. Practice good record keeping at boothsMake sure you keep track of inventory during booth sales at all times. Take cookies to booths according to traffic levels at the location. If possible, designate an additional adult to be a “runner“ to pick up more cookies if necessary.

Regularly count Troop inventoryCount, count, and recount! Make sure that your receipts, eBudde, and physical inventory reconcile on a weekly basis. This will keep you organized and save you a lot of potential stress!

Troop-to-Troop TransfersWe encourage cookie swaps and transfers between Troops by the box or the case. Remember that the Troop receiving boxes from other Troops also receives the financial responsibility for them.

What is a Cookie Cupboard? Cookie Cupboards are locations where Troops can pick up more cookies to fill girls’ additional cookie orders AND pick-up cookies needed for booth sales. These locations are local homes, community buildings or GSofSI facilities throughout Southern Illinois which offer convenient places and times for Troops to pick up additional cookies. They are maintained by GSofSI staff or a volunteer. Designated Troop volunteers with a signed Troop Cookie Manager Agreement on file with our council can pick up additional cookies on the Troop’s behalf.

Cupboards will begin to be stocked between February 14-16. Cupboard hours of operation vary and are determined by the Cupboard Manager. Please be courteous to the cupboard managers' property, time and schedule.

Cupboard Guidelines• Cupboard pickups are made by the case only. Remember, there are 12 boxes per case.• Pickups should be made by the TCM or Troop Leader. • Caregivers pick up cookies from their TCM; not from the cupboard.• No returns are allowed at any GSofSI cupboards. Exceptions will be made for damaged cookies which must be

exchanged for the same variety.• Please remember to count the cases with the Cupboard Manager and sign a receipt every time. Keep these

receipts for your records.• Your cupboard manager will update inventory in eBudde. • Although every effort is made to keep the cupboards well-stocked, there may be times cupboard inventory is

limited or unavailable. Please make sure to communicate with your cupboard manager ahead of time if you have a large order.

• Be aware of Troop inventory. TCMs are responsible for all cookies ordered by the Troop. Please double check your Troop inventory before picking up additional cookies at the cupboard.

• Cupboard managers are always happy to see you! It is better to make more frequent trips to the cupboard than to have excess inventory at the end of the sale.

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

RESTOCK and RE-ENERGIZE

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Please understand that cookie money is girl money, and that any misuse or failure to appropriately deposit funds may result in legal action or prosecution taken by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois.

Make weekly deposits of all funds collected from cookies into your Troop’s bank account. DO NOT leave large sums of money in places that may be unsafe. This includes your vehicle and your home.

Troops must deposit all monies from cookie sales including Troop proceeds. Troops should not spend Troop proceeds until all cookie balances are paid in full with GSofSI.

Troop Cookie Managers should regularly collect payments from caregivers throughout the sale to minimize the risk of loss and/or outstanding balances.

Outstanding BalancesIf payments due are not turned in, caregivers must be reported to GSofSI as having an outstanding balance. GSofSI may actively pursue collection efforts through legal avenues. If a girl is delinquent with her payment to the Troop, the Troop Cookie Manager will need to send a Product Program Collection Form to the Service Unit Cookie Manager. As GSofSI uses Automated Clearing House (ACH) electronic funds transfer(see following page) you must also submit the ACH adjustment request form to GSofSI within FIVE business days from the sweep date. You must submit an adjustment form by March 1, 2019 by 3 p.m. if the outstanding balance is from your initial cookie order. For final sweep adjustments due to caregiver debt, adjustment forms must be submitted by March 15, 2019 by 3 p.m.

TransactionsFor each transaction, Troop Cookie Managers and caregivers should count cookies and money together, then complete a receipt for the transaction. This way everyone is on the same page!• All checks should be written to “Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois - Troop #”.• Try not to accept bills larger than $20 (to avoid counterfeit bills).• Cookie money should NEVER be deposited into personal bank accounts.• Every Troop should have Check Redi on their bank account - this will help with bounced checks written by parents.• Troops should not accept checks over $500 from a caregiver. Check Redi will only cover bounces up to the

amount. Have caregivers write multiple checks if necessary. • Note: Troops that do get parent/customer checks which come back with Non-sufficient funds (NSF), can also

send those to their States Attorney’s Office for collection.

When Is Cookie Money Due?There are two stages during the sale where there will be an ACH withdrawal from the Troop’s bank account for payment of cookies. Here are the dates and amounts due:

March 6: 50% of your initial order dueMarch 21: Remaining balance due to council from initial order, January Kick-Off and booth cookies

The Product Program Team will upload a confirmation of payments to eBudde. These will show under the “Deposits” tab in eBudde. With each ACH payment, you will see that a reduction to the Troop’s balance reflected on your “Sales Report” tab.

All DOC and NSF transactions can be viewed from the "Deposit" tab and "Sales Report" tab.

MONEY MANAGEMENT

How to Transfer Cookies in eBuddeHow to enter a Cookie Transfer:1. Go to the Transaction tab and click "Add a Transaction.:2. Select the types as normal and enter under "2nd Party to Troop." Enter the Troop number of the receiving Troop.

Remember, all the Troops in eBudde are five digit numbers. Ex: if the Troop is 8447, enter 08447.3. Under Product Movement, select "Remove Product" because you are removing product from your inventory.4. Click OK to save the transaction, then click "Save" to complete the transaction.5. Both parties will now see the transaction in eBudde.

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RECEIPTSMoney or Product ReceiptYou will give this receipt to a girl/caregiver when they pick up cookies from you. The TCM will keep the white copy and the caregiver gets the yellow copy. Again, please keep these receipts for your records even after the sale is over.

You will get a receipt whenever you pick up cookies from your designated cookie cupboard. You may also print your own receipt from the eBudde cupboard transaction. Please save these receipts for your records even after the sale is over in case there is a discrepancy or a caregiver debt.

What is ACH?ACH is a process called Automated Clearing House. It is an electronic funds transfer from your Troop account to GSofSI.

What is the Direct Payment Authorization Form?This form is needed in order to establish an eBudde account. Every Troop must fill out and sign this form. The person signing the form needs to be the signer on the Troop’s bank account. Direct Payment Authorization forms will be available prior to and during cookie trainings.

The Direct Payment Authorization form can be found on our website www.gsofsi.org.

How to Determine Bank ACH Withdrawal Amounts:1. Look under the “Sales Report” tab in eBudde.2. At the bottom, you will see “Amount You Owe Council.”3. Take half of that number. This will be the amount of the first

and second council bank withdrawal.

Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF Charges)Troops will incur non-sufficient funds fees (NSF charges) associated with insufficient funds, similar to fees charged for a bounced check.

Funds due to Council that are returned for Non-sufficient Funds will be ACH Swept for 80% of the balance within a one week time period.

If 80% is returned for NSF, we will attempt to pull 60% of the balance and so forth, until the amount attempting to be pulled reaches 40%.

If 40% is uncollectible, it will be turned over to the proper authorities.

Tips for Making Deposits

• Use the business banking window for cookie deposits. (There is usually a separate entrance, or you can ask the teller if the business window is open).

• Bundle like bills together in appropriate quantities.

• Use coin wraps to keep all like coins together.

• Fill out a deposit slip in advance.

Sweep with NSF Example:Balance due to GSofSI = $1,500

If ACH is returned as NSF: Second sweep = 80% of $1,500Total = $1,200

If second sweep is returned as NSFThird sweep = 60% of $1,500Total = $900

BANKING

Cupboard managers may use a printed eBudde transaction receipt instead of a product receipt. The receipts work the same way. You may also print this receipt out from home when you place your cupboard order.

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The Girl Scout Cookie Program gives girls the opportunity to practice philanthropy and give back to their community. In 2018, GSofSI sent more than 18,992 boxes of cookies to U.S. Military Members!

OPERATION SWEET TREATS and BUSINESS GIFT OF CARING

GSofSI’s Gift of Caring program is a wonderful option to offer to customers who do not want to purchase cookies because they are on restricted diets or have set New Year’s resolutions. Girls who sell 12 Gift of Caring boxes will receive a special Gift of Caring patch. Girls who sell 24 boxes will receive a cookie tote.

How it Works• Donations to Operation Sweet Treats can be made from January 5

to March 17 through every method of the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

• Customers can choose to donate money or cookies, which girls will use to support Operation Sweet Treats.

• Troops will collect money for these orders, but will not receive the cookies, as they are held in our virtual warehouse.

• Record your Operation Sweet Treats under the “OPS” tab in eBudde. Please note: eBudde entries should be by the box, and not the dollar

• amount. Track donated funds separately until they add up to a full box amount of $4 (the core variety price).

• When the cookie season is over, GSofSI will send all of the donated cookies to H.E.R.O.E.S Care in Fenton, MO, which supports area U.S. military members before, during and after deployment.

Business Gift of CaringGirl Scouts of Southern Illinois’s Gift of Caring program is a great way for area businesses to send a taste of home and a message of encouragement to Troops serving overseas.

How it Works• Girls may approach businesses to ask them if they would like to be a

corporate sponsor for the GSofSI Business Gift of Caring Program.

• Businesses will choose which level sponsorship they prefer.

• The Business or Girl will then turn in the appropriate paper work to council Product Program will enter the cookies under the "OPS" tab with the business name tied to the cookies.

• Cookies will NOT come out of your inventory! These count as a “box sold” for the girls—however they do not impact physical inventory.

• The Product Program Team is responsible for entering the Business Gift of Caring cookies into eBudde. Troop leaders DO NOT input these donations.

• We encourage girls and customers to write out cards that we will send with the cookies as an extra touch when a little taste of home. Be sure to submit them to GSofSI by the end of the cookie program.

Girls have the opportunity to earn

Gift of Caring Rewards!

GOC Rewards are cumulative, and also count towards a girl’s

overall total, helping her reach the “traditional cookie” reward levels.

Gift of Caring Patch12+ Boxes

Cookie Tote24+ Boxes

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GIRL REWARDSGirls earn individual rewards for participating in the Cookie Program. All rewards below 999 are cumulative.

25-64Boxes

65-104Boxes

105-139Boxes

40-164Boxes0 164

xesox

200-299Boxes

-299xes

400-499BoxesBox

500-599Boxes

600-749Boxes

750-999Boxesxes

1000-1249Boxes

1750-2499Boxes

2500+Boxes

1250-1499Boxes

1500-1749Boxes

Theme Patch LeopardSleep Mask

Bar Patchesare

earned at the

highest levelsold,

startingat 100 boxes

Lapboard Clouded LeopardPlush

"Girl Scout Life"Baseball Cap

Raining CookiesUmbrella

Retro Pop-Up LanternOR $5 Cookie Dough

165-199Boxes

Wild About Cookies ChairOR $10 Cookie Dough

City Museum SleepoverOR $15 Cookie Dough

3 Nights at Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, IL

Jumbo Pouf Pillow AND Snack Cup

OR $30 Cookie Dough

Custom Converse Shoes OR $50 Cookie Dough

"Scout" Style CamelbakOR $75 Cookie Dough

American Girl DollOR Hover board

OR $100 Cookie Dough

Outdoor Movie SetOR Apple iPad

OR $200 Cookie Dough

Leopard Sleeping BagOR $20 Cookie Dough

June 2-5 , 2019OR June 9-12. 2019

300-399Boxes

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Cookie DoughGirls have the option to choose Cookie Dough as a reward for one level between 300 and 2499 boxes. Girls may only choose Cookie Dough as their reward once. If a girl selects Cookie Dough more than once, the Product Program team will select Cookie Dough as the reward for the highest level and the other reward options will be selected for the lower levels. $1 in Cookie Dough is equal to the value of an actual dollar Please note that Cookie Dough can only be selected once as the preferred option for cumulative rewards. Girl Cookie Dough can be used as payment for the following:• Items sold at the GSofSI Retail Juliette's Closet, our mobile shop• Payment for GSofSI sponsored programs• Council memberships if registering via paper form

Troop Rewards

Initial Order Troop Troops averaging 165+ boxes at initial order earn a 2019 GSofSI “Bold Star” Cookie Program t-shirt for each girl who sells 20 boxes, plus one for the Troop Leader!

Final Troop RewardTroops averaging 200+ PGA at the end of the cookie program will receive $5 in cookie dough for each girl selling (20 boxes qualifies as selling).

If a Troop averages 300+ PGA at the end of the program, they will receive an additional $5 in Cookie Dough for each girl selling. Troops have the opportunity to earn $10 in Cookie Dough credit for each girl selling!

Please have rewards distributed by June 1. If you are missing or have received a defective reward, please report it to your Service Unit Product Manager IMMEDIATELY. Reporting missing/defective rewards to the vendor must be done within 14 days of reward delivery. It is crucial to distribute rewards as soon as possible so as to promptly recognize and resolve any issues.

Opting Out of RewardsGirl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors have the choice of opting out of rewards. If these Troops decide to opt out of rewards, they will receive an extra $0.10 per box sold. Please be aware of the following:• Girls, caregivers, and leaders must make this decision as a whole.• Troops who select this option WILL NOT receive any rewards, with the exception of the bar patches. • Theme patches may be ordered for $.50 per patch. Please contact Product Program if you would like to

purchase the 2019 Theme Patch.

In order to opt out, Troop Cookie Managers need to go under the SETTINGS tab in eBudde and select “Opt out of rewards for additional proceeds.” Once this has been done, eBudde will automatically calculate the additional 10 cents into the Troop’s proceeds. The ability to order rewards will be restricted; GSofSI's Product Program Team will order and distribute patches and Troop Rewards.

Multi-Level Troops and Opting-OutIn regards to product programs, Troops who contain an multi-level range of girls will be classified at level of the majority (for example, a Troop with 3 Brownies, 8 Juniors and 3 Cadettes would classify as a Junior Troop). In order for Troops to opt out of rewards, the entire Troop must consist of a Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors majority.

Service Unit RewardsEach Service Unit will receive a $300 advancement of proceeds in October. Then, when the cookie program is over, each Service Unit will be credited with $.02 per box sold. The original $300 will be deducted from this total and any additional proceeds will be sent to the Service Unit.

HOW REWARDS WORK

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General Guidelines• There are two types of booth sale weekends:

Council Sponsored Booth Weekends: These are booth sale weekends set by GSofSI. On these weekends, GSofSI guarantees cookies to be stocked at all the local cupboards.Non-Council Sponsored Booth Weekends: Girl Scout Troops can sell cookies on ANY weekend during the Cookie Program (January 5-March 17). GSofSI cannot guarantee stock on non-council sponsored weekends.

• Two adults must be present at booths. One must be a registered, approved volunteer, and the other must have a background check (Girl Scout membership is encouraged, but not required, for the second individual).

• Remember, Troop Cookie Managers do not have to attend all booths – enlist caregivers to help! However, the adult designated as the money handler must be a registered Girl Scout Volunteer with a current background check on file with GSofSI.

• ONE Senior or Ambassador Girl Scout may sell cookies at a booth with only one registered adult (18 and older) present.

• Work with your Troop Leader to decide what booth system works best for you and communicate that to your caregivers. We recommend dividing booth times into shifts according to what is appropriate for your Troop.

• This is an opportunity to shine in the community! Girl Scouts should have fun, smile, be polite, and demonstrate their amazing people skills. Other than water (stay hydrated!), do not bring other food or drinks to booths. Girls should be on their best behavior – no running, yelling, or horsing around. Instead, greet customers, be present, maybe even make up a Cookie Season jingle! Encourage girls to make eye contact with customers—this demonstrates courage and confidence, and prepares girls to be lifelong leaders.

• Please encourage caregivers and volunteers to wear Girl Scout attire – there are plenty of fun cookie shirts in the GSofSI Council Shop!

• Troops are required to stay within their Service Unit jurisdiction when scheduling booths. If you would like hold a booth in a different Service Unit, please get permission from the other Service Unit first.

• Be mindful of the number of booths you are scheduling. We encourage you to strategize with Troop volunteers and caregivers to hold an appropriate number of booths for your Troop’s size and adult availability.

How Troops Order Booth Cookies:1. Log in to eBudde.2. Click the "Transaction" tab.3. Click "Add a Transaction."4. In the "Pick-up" box, choose a date and time.5. In the "2nd party" box, "Cupboard" needs to be selected. In the next box,

choose the cupboard in which you plan on picking up your cookies.6. Enter your Troop order. Make sure you put your order in full cases.7. Click "save/print." Take this receipt with you when you pick up cookies.

BOOTH GUIDELINES and STRATEGIES

Cooperating With Businesses• Please check in with store managers EVERY TIME you arrive at the location.

• Follow any guidelines that are set forth by management at the cookie booth location and GSofSI. This is KEY to maintaining relationships with these important partners. Feel free to leave behind GSofSI information or flyers.

• Be PREPARED and ON TIME to your booth reservation. If you cannot make your scheduled time, please be fair to your fellow Girl Scout sisters and release your time slot on eBudde so another Troop may have the opportunity.

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Money Safety• Keep money in a safe location. Cash boxes are an easy target. Instead, use a cash apron to keep money

nearby, and designate one person to handle all cash transactions.• Never leave money or personal valuables unattended.• Be cautious when taking large bills at a cookie booth to avoid counterfeit money.

What To Do If Theft Occurs?• First, DO NOT go after the thief! The safety of you and the girls is worth much more than a cash box

or box of cookies.• Next, secure the girls and your property (cookies, money, and personal property), and call the police.• After that, contact GSofSI. The Product Program Team will support you through the next steps.

Cookie Booth Tips• Talk to your girls’ caregivers about what their schedules look like prior to selecting booths.• Use a “booth kit” (posters, tablecloth, etc.) for every booth. You might want to keep 2-4 booth kits ready to go

to make preparation easier. Have fun with your decor! Consider using Girl Scouts' G.I.R.L. art and messaging. • Display your Troop number and Troop fund raising goals/projects prominently!

BOOTH GUIDELINES and STRATEGIES

Recommended Supplies• A card table and Girl Scout tablecloth, plus an extra sash or vest in case a girl forgets.• A binder with girls’ emergency contact info and signed permission slips, booth location eBudde printout,

important phone numbers (Product Program Team, Service Unit Cookie Manager, Troop Leader, etc.) and a tracking sheet for inventory and cash.

• Cookie recipes, pens, calculator, tape to hang signs on your table and brochures.• Pocketed tie-on aprons for adults and older girls who take money and give change.• A heavy-duty, zippered money bag.• Decorative promotion signs: Girls can promote their service projects, sales strategies, goals, etc.• A chair for the cookie adult and/or the girl on break. Girls selling should be standing.• Smiles! Remember to always have fun.• Bling for your booth! Decorate and create a fun, eye-catching one-stop “Cookie Shop” with your girls.• Optional - a cookie plate for samples…customers love to try them! (Be sure to decide who is responsible for

purchasing samples.)

High Traffic

(over 45 boxes an hour)Thin Mints: 8

Samoas: 7Tagalongs: 4Do-Si-Dos: 2

Savannah Smiles: 1Trefoils: 2

Girl Scout S’mores: 2Toffee Tastics (GF): 1

Medium Traffic

(over 30-45 boxes an hour)Thin Mints: 6

Samoas: 5Tagalongs: 4Do-Si-Dos: 2

Savannah Smiles: 1Trefoils: 1

Girl Scout S’mores: 2Toffee Tastics (GF): 1

Slow Traffic

(under 30 boxes an hour)Thin Mints: 4

Samoas: 3Tagalongs: 2Do-Si-Dos: 1

Savannah Smiles: 1Trefoils: 1

Girl Scout S’mores: 1Toffee Tastics (GF): 1

How many CASES should I bring to a booth?

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Don't miss Girl Scout Cookie Program promotional materials available in the GSofSI Shop in Glen Carbon or Juliette's Closet Mobile Shop! T-shirts, car magnets, yard signs, money bags, clipboards and more can be purchased to help give your booth extra oomph!

How do I allocate boxes to girls from booth sales?Once a booth weekend is over, Troop leaders will need to go back into eBudde and give the boxes sold at the sale to each girl that sold.

1. Go to the "Girl’s Order" in eBudde.2. Click a girl’s name.3. Click "Add Transaction."4. Enter the number of boxes the girl should get credit for under the "Booth" column.5. Click "OK" on the bottom right side.6. Click "Save" on the top left.7. Follow these steps for all the girls that are participating in the booth sales.

I have a girl in my Troop who decided not to sell. How do I delete her in eBudde?You are not able to delete a girl in eBudde once she has already been entered into the system. As long as her balance is zero and says that she has sold zero cookies, she will not be counted as a participant in the sale and the Troop’s per-girl-average (PGA) will not be affected.

How do I cancel a booth that I’m registered for?It is very similar to how you would sign up for a booth. 1. Go into eBudde in the “Booth Sites” tab. 2. Click on the location and time that you’re signed up for and uncheck the box. 3. Once you have removed your Troop number from the box, hit “submit”. This will cancel the booth.

What is 5 for five and how does it work?The 5 for five campaign will run during the February/March Council Sponsored Cookie Booth Weekends. Customers who purchase five boxes of cookies will have a chance to win five cases of cookies. Once the cookies are purchased, customers will receive a business card with a QR code (as well as a website URL). That code will link the customer to a web page to complete their entry form to be eligible to win. Cards will be available at your local cupboard to pick up.

What should I do if I’m at a booth and we feel uncomfortable because it is dark?You are never required to stay at a booth if you feel uncomfortable. Please feel free to leave your booth location if there is anything there making you uneasy.

I’m at an awesome booth and I ran out of cookies. What do I do?Please be aware of the inventory present at each cookie booth. If you have a very successful booth and begin to run out of inventory before the booth is over, you can contact another adult in your Troop to drop off additional cookies.

Our booth did not sell as many cookies as we'd hoped. Now what?The best thing to do in this situation is to keep it positive when talking with the girls in the Troop. Praise their effort and focus on the positive that you did sell some cookies, and then open up the dialogue about what techniques they could have tried differently.

If you find yourself with extra inventory you can always sign up for additional booths and try your girls' new ideas. You can also consider transferring cookies to another Troop. Please use the "Cookie Exchange" tab in eBudde if you are looking to exchange cookies with another Troop.

Can Troops contact businesses to host cookie booths at their location?Yes you can! Troops can contact any stores that are not on our council sponsored booth list. As soon as your Troop has found their location you will need to add this information in eBudde in the tab under “My Sales.” Once this is done, GSofSI or your Service Unit Cookie Manager will approve or deny this location. If your site is approved, the information will be uploaded into the Cookie Finder App provided by Little Brownie Bakers.

COOKIE BOOTH FAQS

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Cupboard Location Name E-mail Cell Phone

Alto Pass Kelli Ellis kelli.ellis.5@gmail.com 618.559.3096Alton Nancy Matis lackenb@aol.com 618.581.9935Belleville LaKisha Burnette minister2them@gmail.com 910.580.6687Benton Alicia Dixon rosiesmom96@frontier.com 618.439.6030Carbondale Anita Presley anitapresley@hotmail.com 602.432.2460Charleston Miranda Zerbst Mzerbst@firstmid.com 217.246.0848Effingham Hannah Hodge hannah.hodge21@yahoo.com 217.690.2368Glen Carbon Kristen Gibbs kgibbs@gsofsi.org 618.307.3624Highland Nicole Balint nicolebalint@gmail.com 618.410.8157Mattoon Stacey Carrington stacylc5964@gmail.com 217.218.6194Mt Vernon Jenney Fenton JFenton1608@yahoo.com 618.231.1156O'Fallon Jennifer Hanny gsjen.hanny@gmail.com 618.304.4310Olney Debbie Lomas debbi0106@hotmail.com 618.843.5208Marshall Jonni Turner anastasia7102@yahoo.com 217.826.8162

CUPBOARD CONTACTS

Can my Troop accept credit cards at booth sales?Yes! Your Troop can opt to accept credit cards at your booth sales! For some Troops, this is a great way to reachhigher sales, provide great customer service and reach more customers. In addition, working with credit card processors can help girls get hands-on experience with technology, help customers make purchases more easily and eliminate the chance of counterfeit money or bounced checks. Please keep in mind that using any credit card processor involves fees, and Troops should evaluate those fees prior to making a decision regarding credit/debit card sales. Troops will be responsible for the setup, tracking and fees related to their merchant account.

Here are a couple of popular outside processor companies (please note that Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is not endorsing or promoting the use of these processors, but simply stating some popular options):Square - https://squareup.com/PayPal Here - https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/credit-card-reader

Watch for more information about credit card processing at www.gsofsi.org.

Can Troops exchange cookies to help meet booth needs?Yes! Troops can exchange cookies if they find that they are running low or have excess amounts of a certain variety of cookie. Take advantage of the new "Cookie Exchange" tab in eBudde:

To offer cookies to other Troops:1. Click the "Cookie Exchange" tab in ebudde.2. Enter the number of packages that you would like to offer to another Troop and click "submit." 3. Once the exchange has taken place, the Troop that offered the cookies will need to go back to the

"Cookie Exchange" tab and zero out the offerings. If all cookies are gone, zero through each variety. If only a few of the varieties are gone, only zero out what you exchanged.

To find cookies from other Troops:1. Click Cookie Exchange tab in eBudde.2. Click on the variety of cookie you are looking for.3. eBudde provides the email address of the Troop leader that has cookies available. Troops looking for cookies will

set up the exchange through this email. 4. Once the exchange is complete, the Troop leader that received cookies will enter the transaction in eBudde.

(See Inventory Management on page 13 for transaction instructions).

COOKIE BOOTH FAQs

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DIGITAL COOKIEGirls can create their own web pages to share their cookie program goals and collect online orders. Digital Cookie is a safe, password-protected site that enables caregiver supervision of customer-facing information. Be sure to share Digital Cookie information with families to set girls up for success!

Using Digital Cookie, a Girl Can:Customize her own page with a photo or video, tell customers about her goals, and share what she learns by participating in the cookie program

Access program activities to help with “learning while earning” and work on financial literacy badges

Send customers an email with a unique link to her online storefront pageShip cookies directly to customers or have customers share the love with a cookie donation

Digital Cookie Rewards are cumulative, and count towards a girl’s overall total, helping her reach the “traditional cookie” reward levels

Digital Cookie in eBuddeDigital Cookie and eBudde are platforms from different companies; however they work together regarding program information. There are some instances where TCMs must work with parents to input Digital Cookie information into eBudde manually.

Digital Cookie Rewards

Cookie Techie Patch40+ DOC Boxes Sold

Iridescent Shine Bright Case80+ DOC Boxes Sold

Fold Out Desk Organizer120+ DOC Boxes Sold

Girls who use Digital Cookie typically have higher PGAs

than girls who only sell in person!

Caregiver Directions: 4 Easy Steps to Set Up Digital Cookie:

1. Register: You will receive an email from Digital Cookie with a link that says “Ready, Set, Register.” Click the link which will take you to the Digital Cookie registration page. Create a password, or login with a stored account from prior years. View the Safety Video (it won’t let you proceed without it) and accept the Safety Terms and Conditions. Then you’ll be able to view your girls.

2. Set Up Your Site: Input your girl’s sales target (include both online and offline sales). Have your girl share her Cookie Story – why is she selling cookies? What is she learning through the cookie program? What will she do with her cookie money? Then, upload a photo or video. Tip: Girls who uploaded photos or videos sell more boxes than girls who don’t! Customers like to see girls take that extra step.

3. Invite Customers: Add or import customers from your address book or Excel file. Then, send them one of three auto-generated marketing emails, or copy your website URL and send your own personal email inviting customers to purchase cookies from you.

4. Track Your Goal: Use the dashboard to track your sales by week, by variety, and by delivery type. Do not forget to update your offline sales so your online customers can see how close you are to reaching your goals!

Sell on the go with the Digital Cookie Mobile App!

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How do girl-delivered orders in Digital Cookie work?During the Initial Order phase of the Cookie Program (Jan 5-26) customers will have the option to purchase cookies through Digital Cookie and have them delivered by a Girl Scout.

When customers choose “girl delivered” on the Digital Cookie platform, parents MUST approve the order in Digital Cookie for it to be a successful order.

Once the order is approved, the customer’s payment will show under the girl’s name in eBudde (under "Girl Order" Tab.)

The parent MUST write the girl delivered packages on the Girl Scout’s order card under “Digital Order Card- Girl." Please Note: Cookies will NOT automatically populate in eBudde. Cookies will not be ordered unless they are written on the order card.

The TCM should verify that all parents have entered their Girl Scouts' girl delivered cookies on their order card.

How do direct shipping orders in Digital Cookie work? When customers choose direct shipping in Digital Cookie, the packages and payment will automatically appear under the girl’s name in eBudde under the Digital Cookie column of the Girl Order tab. The order will be locked; the TCM will not be able to make edits to these orders.

How do donation orders in Digital Cookie work?When customers choose to donate cookies in Digital Cookie to GSofSI’s Gift of Caring, the online order and payment will automatically appear under the girl’s name in eBudde under the "GOC" column of the "Girl Order" tab. The order will be locked; the TCM will not be able to make edits to these orders. These orders will count toward the girl’s Council Gift of Caring packages.

DIGITAL COOKIE

23

CHECKOUT Cancel< ?

Cookies, 5 boxes Change $20.00

How would you like to get your cookies?

Ask your customers:

Give cookies to customer now

? FREE

Deliver in-person later

? FREE

Subject to Parent/Guardian approvalEstimated delivery is 6-10 weeks

Ship cookies to customer

? $9.99

"Cookies in Hand" Feature on the Digital Cookie AppThis feature can be used when a customer wants to purchase cookies that you have with you.• When the customer has made a selection and the girl clicks “Checkout,”

the app moves to a checkout screen where she will mark “Give cookies to customer now.”

• The girl then completes the customer information for where the cookies will be delivered and ask if the billing address is the same. She will also scroll down and ask the customer the questions that are at the bottom of the checkout page.

• When the girl clicks the review order page, it will bring her to a screen where she can confirm the order with the customer and when she scrolls down, she can input the payment information from the customer.

• When she clicks the “Place Order” button, she will receive an order confirmation screen asking if she gave the cookies to the customer and a reminder to thank the customer for the order.

• It is particularly important at a booth that the girl be directly involved in the mobile sale and that a leader/parent/guardian supervise her mobile transactions.

• Cookies purchased using the “Cookies in hand” feature will be credited to the girls account in which the transaction was made. Cookies are non-transferable from these sales.

SOCIAL MEDIA and COOKIES IN THE NEWS

Guidelines for Online Selling and Marketing For the safety of girls, GSUSA has provided guidance in regards to online selling for Girl Scout Product Programs:

Girls are only to use the internet to market the Girl Scout Cookie Program and Fall Product Program to Friends and Family (for clarity, “friends and family” are people the girl or her family personally know).

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a girl-led program and online marketing and sales efforts should always be led by a girl while also being supervised by her caregiver. For safety purposes and other reasons, online marketing activities, especially those conducted through social media platforms, should always be done through accounts set to “private.” Girls who are 13 years and older may use social networking sites that have privacy settings, such as their Facebook feed, to market cookies to friends and family with caregiver permission.

Sales may not be transacted nor promoted through the use of auction sites or public sites such as eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, Etsy, or public Facebook pages such as garage sale or community pages. This is to keep girls safe. Cookie Booth locations can be shared on public-facing sites.

Parents/guardians may promote their Girl Scout's cookie sales through social networking sites such as their personal Facebook feed or Twitter account; however, the Girl Scout must be the one to complete the sale.

Friends and family of a girl participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program must not share a girl’s contact information, sales links, or sales information on public-facing online sites. They also should not share sales links with any news outlets (this includes online and traditional news media, such as radio, television, or magazines). The only approved platform for accepting Girl Scout Cookie money online is Digital Cookie. You may not use any additional online payment platforms.

Should any online marketing activities be identified as in violation of guidance, GSofSI or the GSUSA reserves the right to intervene and request removal or remove the post.

We All Represent Girl Scouts!Social media is a wonderful tool! It allows us to connect and promote our amazing entrepreneurship program. Please keep posts positive. We all represent the Girl Scout Movement and Cookie Program to the public. If you have a concern, there are plenty of people ready to support you, including Service Unit Cookie Managers, the Product Program Team and additional GSofSI Council Staff. Please share photos and stories on GSofSI's social media platforms!

News Media Guidelines Girl Scouts have so many wow-worthy stories to share—and the Cookie Program is one of the most popular!

Please keep in mind that any Troop that speaks to the media is representing the entire Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois council, as well as Girl Scouts of the USA. If you are approached by the media, whether for an online, print, radio or television outlet, please contact GSofSI's Director of Communications at communications@gsofsi.org or by calling 800-345-6858 for guidance.

Please do not approach the media independently - if you have a fantastic story to share, please contact our Director of Communications and we can help you and your girls spread the news!

Sensitive IssuesPlease review GSUSA guidance on sensitive issues at: https://www.girlscouts.org/en/faq/faq/social-issues.html

If a customer, member of the public, or media seeks further discussion regarding social issues, please direct them to GSofSI's Director of Communications at communications@gsofsi.org or 800-345-6858.

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GETTING STARTED:First Sign On for user in eBudde, Ideal Cookie Sale, VIP eTraining, Troop App Plus

1. Receive welcome email. Click the link in the email that will take you to the screen that allows you to change your password on the Cookie Tech Portal.

2. Enter in your personal password and confirm personal password and click "Change My Password."3. Enter in your personal profile information. All profile fields are mandatory except for Address Line 2. Be sure

to enter your current password. 4. Click "Update Profile." This will update your information on the Cookie Tech Portal and in the source system.5. Select the system you want to use and have access to.6. You will be taken to the landing page of the system of choice.7. Confirm you update by clicking the link in a confirmation email. eBudde tools are collected in tabs you’ll see at top of page. Click each tab to execute various tasks. Contacts Tab1. Review information; click EDIT to make any necessary changes.

Settings Tab1. Select the specific Troop whose information you want to edit from the list to the left of your screen (if applicable).2. Enter goal in packages for girls selling.3. Mark Opt-out rewards for additional profits (if applicable).4. Enter banking information (if applicable).5. Click "UPDATE" to accept all changes.

Girls Tab1. Enter t-shirt size and sales goal in packages. 2. Click "UPDATE" to accept all changes.

Meet eBudde –The power tool for cookie volunteers.The online eBudde system is home base for cookie volunteers. It’s where you’ll enter cookie orders, reserve cookie booths, manage pickups, place Girl Rewards orders and more. Along with a web platform, eBudde also offers two convenient apps for mobile devices.

eBudde Troop App Plus: The eBudde Troop App Plus makes it easy for you to manage the Girl Scout Cookie Sale on the go. This year, you can use the app to enter initial orders, plus sign up for booths, total cookie orders at your booth site, access Girl Scouts Cookie VIP eTraining and more—all from your mobile device!

eBudde Booth Sale Recorder: The Booth Sale Recorder app allows volunteers to enter the number of cookie packages sold at the cookie booth, select which girls will receive credit and send the information directly to their eBudde accounts.

Web Resources:eBudde Booth Scheduler: Sign up for Girl Scout Cookie booths approved by the council. Please keep Booth Scheduler in eBudde up-to-date so customers can find you using the Cookie Locator mobile app.

eBudde Help Center: The eBudde Help Center is a dedicated website that provides direct support to volunteers using eBudde for both digital and traditional sales.

MANAGING THE SALE: eBUDDE

Need a Little More Help? Visit Little Brownie Bakers on YouTube and click on the "eBudde Microburst Training" playlist for more helpful tips on how to get the most from the cookie season. Also check out the eBudde Help Center for additional resources and information.

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Booth Sales

Booth Sites Tab Council Sponsored Booths1. Select "COUNCIL SALES" from the dropdown list.2. Find booth sales you would like to sign up for,

click date and time.3. Click time slot and click "SUBMIT." MySales Booth Requests1. Select "MY SALES" from the dropdown list. 2. Click "ADD A LOCATION."3. Fill in location site information, date and

time range.4. Click "ADD." Request will be pending until

approved or denied.

REMEMBER:Please keep Booth Scheduler in eBudde updated with your group’s times and dates.

This data powers Girl Scouts Cookie Locator that helps customers to find you.

eBudde Fingertip Facts

Initial OrderRemember: You can place initial orders from your mobile device with the eBudde Troop App Plus. Video training and eBudde help are built right in! Initial Order Tab1. Click girl’s name, go to bottom of screen, click in

highlighted fields to begin entry.

2. Press the "Tab" key to navigate fields and enter the girl’s total cookies order in packages by variety.

3. Click "OK" button to save change for girl.

4. Repeat for each girl.

5. SAVE the page.

6. Carefully review the totals at the bottom; if correct, click "SUBMIT ORDER." Remember, you cannot change the Initial Order after it has been submitted. Contact your Service Unit Cookie Manager or the Product Program Team to make changes.

7. Click "PRINTABLE VERSION" to print a copy for records.

Delivery Tab1. Review and enter delivery information.2. Select time slot. 3. Click "SUBMIT MY INFO."4. Click "Print" to print out a confirmation form.

Rewards

Rewards Tab1. Click "FILL OUT" next to Initial or Final

Reward Order.2. Click on individual girls’ names to review Girl

Reward Orders and click "SUBMIT GIRL ORDER." 3. Enter or review total rewards earned.4. Click "SUBMIT" to submit your order. Payment Tab1. View ACH payments and digital cookie payments. Sales Report Tab1. Review cookie package numbers.2. Review your receipts.3. Review your “OPS” Operation Sweet Treats and

Gift of Caring totals.

Girl Orders Tab1. Update Girl Orders to include all additional

packages from booth sales.2. Click "SAVE."

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Product Program Roster Change

My Troop List Needs Updated in eBudde. On the Girl Order tab, which is locked, you can view all the girls registered in your Troop. This page will continue to update throughout the program as new girls join Girl Scouts or Troop rosters are edited in eBudde. ONLY girls with cookies entered in eBudde will count as selling and be used to calculate your Troop's per-girl-average (PGA.)

NOTE: If there is a girl missing from your Troop in eBudde, fill out the "Product Program Roster Change" form, which can be found on our website, www.gsofsi.org, under the "Forms" tab.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program Ends March 17, 2019

To Close Out Your Sale You Must:• Submit your Girl Rewards order in the "Rewards" tab in eBudde.• In eBudde, review your Sales Report to make sure ALL the transactions are correct. If there is an issue, • Troops can call the Cookie Cupboard Manager or contact GSofSI Customer Care at 800.345.6858

or by email at customercare@gsofsi.org.• Make sure you have a copy of EVERY receipt of pick up, return or exchange.• Remember to have caregivers turn in money by March 17, 2019.• Your final transfer of funds due to GSofSI will be pulled on March 21, 2019—please be prepared!

Ordering Rewards - Due No Later Than 11:59 p.m. on March 20, 2019• The rewards each girl receives corresponds to the number of boxes she sold.• Under the "Girl Order" tab in eBudde, make sure that all OPS/Gift of Caring boxes are recorded in the correct

column for each girl. Every girl who has at least 12 boxes in the "Gift Of Caring" column will receive a Gift of Caring Patch. This will be automatically calculated by eBudde.

• Rewards and Cookie Dough will be delivered to Service Unit Cookie Managers in April/May. Since we use many vendors, keep in mind that some rewards may come in at different times. We thank you for your patience!

• If a girl earns an event as a reward, she will be contacted directly by the Product Program Team.• Please follow pick-up procedures set in place by your Service Unit Cookie Manager. Please distribute rewards

promptly to girls—they’ve worked hard to earn them!• Remember that if you do not place your rewards order, GSofSI will choose options on your behalf.

How do I submit my Troop’s final reward order? Before you can enter the girls’ final rewards you must finish allocating ALL the cookies. Do not complete your final rewards selections until this is done. Note: In the following directions we suggest the "Edit All" feature, where you can make the girls’ selections on the same page. There is not a save feature, so if you use this be prepared to complete all rewards selections at once. 1. Go to the "Rewards" tab. 2. Click "Fill Out" next to Final Rewards Order. All messages showing "Size/Catalog Selection Needed" means you

must enter a choice. 3. Click "Edit All" and scroll down to each girl’s name to make her selections at the required levels. 4. Once this is complete, select "Submit All Reward Orders." The system will alert you if a choice has been missed. 5. Review your Troop’s total order and scroll to the bottom to select "Submit Rewards Order." After this point you

cannot make any edits. If you need to make changes, contact your Service Unit Product Manager.

Outstanding BalancesIf a family fails to pay their cookie bill, the Troop Cookie Manager should make every effort to collect the money.If unsuccessful, the Troop Cookie Manager must complete a collection form to report the delinquency.

In order to collect on unpaid debt, it is imperative that, along with the collection form, the following forms be turned in to the Service Unit:• Signed Permission and Responsibility Form • Signed receipt for any money received• Signed receipt for product issued • Other (copies of e-mails, texts, etc.)

Troops are RESPONSIBLE for all the money due from their product sales. Troops will be held liable for the fundsdue if the appropriate paperwork is NOT collected from the parent/guardian.

Please do NOT pay GSofSI for cookies if payment has not been received from the parent/guardian. GSofSI will refund Troops their proceeds only when the debt is paid in full.

What happens to the Girl and Parent that has a debt owed to my Troop?Girls who have parent/guardian delinquent debt will not be allowed in future Product Programs and the incentives for the current program (in which the debt occurred) will be held until the debt is paid.

SEASON CLOSE OUT

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As a Troop Cookie Manager, you have the fantastic role of supporting Girl Scouts through the Cookie Program and helping prepare them for a lifetime of leadership one box of cookies at a time! It is very important that you set clear program guidelines for girls’ caregivers, so that everyone is set up for success. An initial caregiver meeting followed by regular communication is key. We recommend that you send weekly email updates, texts, or Facebook messages to caregivers to share needs, keep momentum going, and celebrate successes.

When to Hold a Caregiver MeetingA caregiver meeting should be held between November and December. Remember that your January Cookie Kick-Off order is due December 1. Depending on caregiver availability, you may need to hold a make-up meeting.

Make the Caregiver Meeting MandatoryEvery caregiver needs to be informed of the policies and procedures of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. They too will be helping girls learn, as well as handling inventory and money, therefore need to understand the guidelines.

Training Preparation:1. The TCM should meet with Troop Leader to discuss:

• Benefits of the cookie program.• Incorporating girl programming into the experience.• Troop proceeds.• Goals: Encourage your girls to set Troop goals.

Consider how many boxes are needed to meet goals, and how many cookies each girl will try to sell to in order to contribute. Please encourage girls and families to set individual goals for themselves, and to share with you their participation plans and ability.

• Troop management plan for money collection and deposit into Troop bank account.

• Troop inventory management and booth sales plan.• Date for Troop training.

2. Determine Troop cookie norms and deadlines• When and where will families pick up initial orders

after the cookie drop?• What is your availability for additional cookie pickups?• When is money due?• In what ways can caregivers help you?• What is everyone’s availability for booths? How will

girls sign up?

3. Invite caregivers to training meeting and enjoy the gathering!

Training Goals:• Spark enthusiasm and excitement for the

Cookie Program by introducing what’s new for 2019.

• Explain cookie program benefits for girls, Troops, and Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois.

• Review basic facts and standards, safety guidelines.

• Review selling methods, online marketing, and Digital Cookie.

• Review booth sale standards and strategies.

• Discuss availability for booths.

• Discuss Gift of Caring and Operation Sweet Treats for possible business sponsorships.

• Facilitate a discussion between girls and families about individual girl goals and Troop goals. What do you want to do with your cookie money? How many boxes do you need to sell to get there?

• Review inventory management and pickup procedures.

• Review money management and financial responsibility.

• Convey your expectations by providing important dates and deadlines, and request assistance where needed (i.e. adult help at booth sales).

• Collect completed and signed participation agreements.

• Discuss cookie pricing structure: (Core Varieties: Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Trefoils and Savannah Smiles are $4 per box. Specialty Cookies: Girl Scout S’mores and Toffee-Tastic are $5 per box)

Materials to distribute at training:• Samples of your Troop training cookies• Caregiver Permission Forms• TCM contact information and availability• Calendar of Troop deadlines• Business card templates if desired• GSofSI event dates

FAMILY COOKIE MEETING GUIDE

(see sample agenda on back!) 28

FAMILY COOKIE MEETING GUIDESAMPLE AGENDA

1. Introductions (consider an ice breaker activity).

2. Girls lead everyone in the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

3. Discuss Cookie Program standards and guidelines.

4. Share basic cookie facts.

5. Discuss 5 Skills that Girl Scouts learn through the Cookie Program:• Goal Setting• Decision Making• Money Management• People Skills• Business Ethics

6. Review Rewards, Cookie Dough and Troop Proceeds• Girls use Cookie Dough for camp, events, programs,

or the GSofSI Council shop.• Cookie Dough: Girls may choose Cookie Dough in the 300 to

2499 box levels. Girls may only choose Cookie Dough once as a reward option.

• Opting Out: Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors have the choice to opt out of rewards for an additional $.10 per box.

7. Discuss safety.

8. Share important dates.

9. Review booth guidelines.

10. Discuss Money Management and financial responsibility.

11. Give tips for inventory management.

12. Discuss how caregivers can help during cookie season.

13. Brainstorm new and creative ways to sell cookies.

14. Answer questions.

15. Closing – Thank everyone for attending.

• Empower girls to teach a new song to end the meeting!• Encourage girls to present their Cookie Program goals

to caregivers.• Collect signed Caregiver Permission Form• Wish everyone good luck!

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois800.345.6858 customercare@gsofsi.org

On my honor, I will try:to serve God and my country,

to help people at all times,and to live by the Girl Scout Law.

Girl Scout Promise

Our MissionGirl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the

world a better place.

For Girls, By GirlsSince 1912

With over 100 years of expertise, Girl Scouts is the BEST place for your girl to embrace new

challenges, learn important life skills, and take the lead in unique

ways—and in an all-girl space proven to unleash her potential.

Publication Date: 10/15/2018