California Fresh Fundraisers Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
Q: In what states are your citrus products available?
At present we deliver to California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Oahu, Hawaii. Please see our Service Map in our Products, Profits & Areas Serviced section. In the near future, we'll begin delivering to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Q: Where is the fruit grown?
Our delicious citrus is grown in the San Joaquin Valley, located in the heart of California. This valley encompasses an area approximately 100 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, where cool winters and warm summers produce world-renowned citrus.
Q: When is the best time to sell fruit?
We recommend starting your fundraiser two to four weeks before your delivery date. We can deliver anytime between December 1 and April 30 of any given year.
Q: How much fruit is in each carton?
It depends on the size of the fruit in your order. The larger the fruit, the fewer pieces that will fit in a carton; the smaller the fruit, the more pieces that will fit in a carton. Our citrus cartons will weigh approximately 20 to 40 pounds regardless of the number of pieces in the carton. Please see our Products, Profits & Areas Serviced section on our website for more details on fruit size.
Q: What is the average profit our organization can make?
You can expect to make a "per carton" profit between $8.00 - $10.00 depending on the carton size. The recommended prices we have will help you to maximize sales and profits. If you require a higher profit, you can set your own sales price and profit to meet your market needs. Just call us and we can customize a program for you.
Q: How long should our fundraiser last?
Most successful fundraisers run between two and four weeks. This gives you plenty of time to actively promote your sale, while maintaining the enthusiasm of your fundraising team.
Q: How do we determine our selling price?
We'll provide your organization with suggested selling prices. These prices are conservative and you may find you are able to charge your supporters more than what we recommend. Ultimately, the amount you charge is entirely up to you, as you're the most familiar with the economic conditions in your area.
Q: When will prices be available?
Our fundraising prices are generally available in mid-August (for fall fundraisers) and December (for spring fundraisers). Prices typically do not fluctuate much from year to year. Please contact us and we'll provide pricing for you.
Q: Is there a minimum product order?
Typically we have a minimum order requirement of 200 cartons.
Should your final order fall below our 200-carton minimum, please contact us and we'll do our best to accommodate you. Please note that, in the event we are able to deliver an order that falls below 200 cartons, additional shipping charges may apply.
Q: How do we get started?
It's easy! Just use the "Sign-Up Now!" link on our website. We'll then assign you a customer User Name and Password so you can obtain all the information you need online and get your fundraiser started.
Marketing Your Fundraiser
Q: What marketing materials are available?
For your convenience, we provide online samples of our marketing materials. When you Sign-Up for our program, you will be able to request the marketing items you'll need, and we'll ship these to you FOR FREE. Every organization uses fundraising materials differently, so we let you determine what materials will work best for your team, and make you the most successful.
If you're unsure what materials to order, simply contact us and we'll help you decide on the best way to promote your fundraiser to achieve the highest level of profit. (Once you have your Username and Password, be sure to read the online tips in our Client Login section for the many ways you can successfully promote your fundraiser.)
Ordering / Payment
Q: How do I place our order?
Once you have your Username and Password, use our Client Login link. There you'll find a Tally Sheet that once filled out, helps you total your sales. Once your sales are totaled, you place this in our Order Fundraising Products page and it will be automatically totaled in our Checkout area where you can pay by cashier's check, Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal. If you prefer to place your order by phone, just call us at 1-800-779-0031 and we will be happy to take your order.
Q: Should I order extra fruit?
Yes, it's always a good idea to order a few extra cartons, just in case you receive late orders. We recommend ordering an extra 5 to 10 percent of product, depending on your order size.
Q: Should our members collect the money in advance?
Yes - we strongly recommend collecting the money at the time the customer places the order, as this secures your profit in advance, before you place your order with California Fresh Fundraisers. As we require payment at the time of your order, you will have secured the money needed to purchase your organization's citrus product.
Q: What are the payment terms?
Payment is due in full at the time you place your online order, prior your product shipping.
Q: How do I pay?
Payment is made easy through our Client Login link and Order Fundraising Products page. We provide you with a number of convenient payment options including cashier's check, VISA, MasterCard, or by using Pay Pal on our secure website. If you prefer to pay by check, just call us.
Product Delivery
Q: Are there additional delivery charges?
No - delivery charges are included in the recommended sales price per carton. Please see our Products, Profits & Areas Serviced section on our website for more details.
Q: When will we know our product delivery date?
California Fresh Fundraisers will confirm your delivery date within 48 hours after your confirmed order is placed. We will do our best to deliver your product around your preferred delivery date.
Q: How is the product shipped?
Our citrus is shipped to your preferred located by insured, refrigerated trucks. Your order will be packed in color-coded boxes for easier unloading and distribution. Please have your volunteers ready on delivery day to unload your product and deliver this fresh citrus to your supporters.
Q: Who's responsible for unloading the fruit once it arrives?
Your organization will be responsible for unloading the cartons. Our drivers are considerate, helpful, and most importantly, on time. However, due to the large number of cartons on each truck, our drivers are not required to unload. We ask that you have an adequate number of volunteers ready to unload. Please keep in mind that the truck driver may have additional deliveries to make, so your assistance in unloading your order as quickly as possible is greatly appreciated by both the driver and the organizations also awaiting their delivery. We suggest 5 to 10 volunteers to help unload the truck.
Q: How do I know which cartons contain which fruit?
Our cartons are color-coded: navel oranges will have a sticker that states for example: Large Navel, Large Carton on each carton; Mandarins will have a sticker that states: Mandarin on each carton.
Q: How long will the fruit last?
The shelf life of citrus can vary by fruit maturity and delivery time. The most important advice we can give you: tell your supporters to remove the citrus from its delivery carton and immediately refrigerate it. If properly handled, your customers will be very pleased with our product's shelf life! If refrigeration is not possible just keep the fruit in a cool dry place.
Q: What should I do if there is any damaged product?
Contact our office within 24 hours of delivery and we will gladly replace this product, free of charge. Call us at 1-800-779-0031 or on-line through our Contact Us link.
Q: What about follow-up customer service after delivery?
California Fresh Fundraisers is a family-owned company, dedicated to providing our supporters with the best fruit and service available. If in the unlikely event you should have a problem or concern, please give us a call at 1-800-779-0031 and we'll do our best to fix the situation.
