GSSOAZ Troop Product Manager Manual 2023

Let's Go Bright Ahead!

Dearest Volunteers,

Thank you for volunteering to serve your girls and assist them with the largest girl run entrepreneurship program in the world! Because of you, Girl Scouts will learn invaluable skills that will last them a lifetime. There are many moving parts in facilitating the Cookie Program, and our goal is to ensure you have the proper training, resources and support to navigate it. This manual was designed to guide you step-by-step, in great detail, so that you feel prepared and confident in your role and duties as Troop Product Manager. Please know that our team, comprised of volunteers and staff, is available to you to ensure you enjoy this program, as much as your Girl Scouts do. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is magical, a beloved ‘Americana’ tradition, that is joy-filled and girl-empowering. There is no limit to what a Girl Scout can achieve! I greatly look forward to hearing all the success stories and goal-shattering moments.

Stronger together, Kristen Garcia-Hernandez

Girl Scout Cookie™ entrepreneurs are forces of nature. They are bold, curious and bring a go-getter spirit to every challenge, no matter how big or small.

Whether Girl Scouts are planning their own cookie stand or making a splash on their Digital Cookie® pages, they are determined to achieve their goals, and have lots of fun doing it!

A Girl Scout’s potential to succeed is limitless—especially if they’re among the 6 in 10 girls* who have entrepreneurial mindsets. Research has shown that these Girl Scouts:

• Want to change the world and are confident in their abilities to make their mark

• Embrace challenges, take risks and see failing as an opportunity to learn and grow

• Are curious and innovative self-starters

• Excel as team players who are open to new ideas and suggestions

We’re willing to bet that you know Girl Scouts in your area— or a whole troop—who are leaping with joy to get started, so let’s encourage them to go bright ahead!

Here’s to You, Volunteer!

Thank you for volunteering to serve as a Troop Product Manager! You’re an invaluable part of the cookie program, and we’re here to support you with resources, tools, tips and more. Find everything you need for a bright season in this guide, developed in collaboration with Girl Scouts of the USA.

Every Girl Scout has it in them to do amazing things. With your support, they’ll rise to the challenge!

Volunteer Roles

Service Unit Product Manager

• Volunteers assigned to a specific area who serve as troop mentors

• Guides TPMs in the procedures set forth by Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona

• Reviews and submits the initial cookie and rewards order for their assigned area

• Reviews data in eBudde to ensure successful inventory allocation

• Receives Girl Rewards at the end of the season and distributes to troops

• Checks in weekly with troops

Troop Product Manager

• Works with Troop Leader(s) 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, enters inventory in eBudde, and submits the troop's initial cookie and Girl Scout reward orders

• Schedules cookie pick-ups and makes plan for troop cookie inventory distribution and any storage as needed

• Collects money, makes FREQUENT deposits, and records updates in eBudde

• Orders additional cookies as needed

Troop Leader

• Works with Troop Leader(s) to schedule, plan, and lead family meeting

• Works with troop to set goals and plan cookie learning activities

• Assists with cookie pick up, storage, and distribution

• Supports Girl Scouts throughout the program to review goals and progress

• Supports TPM with money collection and deposits

• Receives and distributes Girl Scout rewards

Troop Mentor

• Works with any TPM who is new or feels they can use a little extra guidance

• TPMs opt in at training

• Troop Mentor will send weekly emails with tips on what to do and guidance on how to do it

The Girl Scout Promise

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.

*Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.

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 of all Girl Scouts and adults, and will be recognized through incredible opportunities, such as Kindness Counts.

Your Invaluable Role

Troop Product Managers (TPMs) are an invaluable part of the Girl Scout Cookie Program.® Voluneers like you are the champions, role models, and cookie coaches who help Girl Scouts discover their amazing potential and take steps toward achieving their goals.

5 Essential Skills for Girl Scouts

With your support, Girl Scouts in the Girl Scout Cookie Program® build essential skills and learn to think like entrepreneurs.

• Goal Setting—Girl Scouts learn how to set goals and create a plan to reach them.

• Decision Making—Girl Scouts learn to make decisions on their own and as a team.

• Money Management—Girl Scouts create a budget and handle money themselves.

• People Skills—Girl Scouts find their voice and build confidence through customer interactions.

• Business Ethics—Girl Scouts learn to act ethically, both in business and in life.

Resources for You

As a Troop Product Manager (TPM), you are not only special—you are busy! We have resources available to you that make your season quick, easy, enriching, and an overall delight.

Customer Care (520) 327-2288 customercare@girlscoutssoaz.org

Cookie Team Support

Rosi Southee (she/her) Ren Watkins (they/them) Director of Product Program Product Program Specialist (520) 262-9109 (cell, text friendly) (520) 319-3175 rsouthee@girlscoutssoaz.org rwatkins@girlscoutssoaz.org

E Locke-Thomas (she/her) Chief Mission Delivery Officer (951) 212-3654 (text or call) elockethomas@girlscoutssoaz.org

What's Bright and New!

Introducing Raspberry Rally Girl Scout Cookies®

Let’s all cheer for Raspberry Rally,TM the first Girl Scout CookieTM exclusively sold online and shipped only through Digital Cookie.® Cookie fans will love how Raspberry Rally adds a delightful new dimension of sweet and tart flavors. Girl Scouts using Digital Cookie will love how it brings even more excitement to their cookie business. There’s also less product for them to manage on hand as this cookie is only available to customers via shipping.

Direct shipping, 2/27-3/12, while supplies last.

eBuddeTM Enhancements

We’re partnering with your council to update eBudde! This spring we conducted surveys to hear feedback from dedicated Girl Scout supporters like you on what they’d like to see in eBudde this year.

Digital Cookie® Updates

This fun, easy-to-use platform from Girl Scouts® lets girls customize how they learn and earn by using technology in new and engaging ways—all while honing their digital marketing skills.

Here’s what you’ll find on Digital Cookie for 2023:

• Integrations for in-person booths and pre-pay/pickup options

• Enhanced dashboard

• Increased connectivity with eBudde for a seamless sale

Learn more: girlscouts.org/digitalcookie

Cookie Program Standards

Troop Participation Requirements

• Each Girl Scout must be registered for the 2022-2023 membership year, with a completed and signed Caregiver Permission and Code of Conduct - Product Form. These forms will be submitted online, with a copy automatically emailed to the caregiver and council. A list of submissions for your troop will be emailed in early January.

• All troops must have an adult volunteer TPM. They must be registered as a member, be an approved volunteer, and have completed cookie training.

• Visit our online volunteer application: girlscoutssoaz.org/volunteer

Girl Scouts 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. Disregard of any cookie program standards and guidelines outlined in this manual may result in coaching regarding cookie program standards, loss of booth privileges, loss of highest girl rewards earned, loss of troop proceeds, and/or removal from the cookie program, determined on a case-by-case basis.

Returns and Exchanges

1. Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona will NOT accept any cookie returns at any point in the sale. Please plan accordingly.

2. You may allow caregivers to return unsold boxes to you in good condition at your discretion, if you feel you can sell them. REMEMBER, troops are financially responsible for accepted returns.

3. Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona will accept warehouse-damaged boxes in exchange for the same variety.

4. Cookie swaps and transfers between troops are encouraged. You can utilize the Cookie Exchange on ebudde, or contact your Cupboard Manager if you are looking for someone to swap cookies with!

Zero Tolerance

Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona has a zero tolerance policy for misuse of Girl Scout funds. Any adult accepting responsibility for handling money is accountable for its proper use and safekeeping. Unresolved debt will be referred to a collections agency and misuse of funds may result in legal action with law enforcement and termination of volunteer service. In order to minimize the risk of loss, the TPM should regularly collect payments from caregivers throughout the sale and make prompt deposits into the troop's bank account. Please provide weekly financial updates to families for full transparency. We appreciate your understanding and support of the Cookie Program. The intent of the program standards are to ensure a positive experience for all.

Girl Scout Core Cookies

• Thin Mints

• Samoas

• Tagalongs

• Do-si-dos

• Trefoils

• Lemon-Ups

• Adventurefuls

• Raspberry Rally All at $5 a box

Speciality Cookies

Girl Scout S'mores and Toffee-Tastics are to be sold at $6 a box.

The price of Girl Scout cookies is non-negotiable. We are not able to offer any special discounts.

Participation

If your troop is planning in-person cookie sales events, there are lots of ways they can creatively rise to the occasion!

Here are just a few ideas to get started:

Door-to-Door

Girl Scouts can stay local and sell in their neighborhoods—and use door hangers and business cards for customers who aren’t home. They’ll also grow their people skills by meeting new neighbors (with the necessary adult supervision, of course.)

Cookie Stands

Would your Girl Scouts feel more comfortable on their own turf? Cookie stands, much like lemonade stands, are set up in front of a residence on private property, where they’ll market their cookies to customers in their neighborhood.

Cookie Booths

Troops or groups of Girl Scouts work together to market their cookies outside a preapproved location (like a grocery store, bank, mall or even a drive-thru booth in a parking lot) where they can practice their business skills with new customers.

Cookie booths must be coordinated by Troop Product Managers, may only happen at council-approved locations and must be legally open to, accessible, and safe for all Girl Scouts and potential customers. For more details, talk to your council and visit girlscoutcookies.org/troopleaders.

In-Person Cookie Sale Guide

Use the tools and tips in this action planner to help girls organize booths for both in-person and virtual cookie sales. You'll find resources to support a wide range of selling environments, from DIY workplace order stations to customizable social media posts.

Girl Scouts’ Online Safety Resources

Girl Scouts and their supervising caregiver must read, agree to and abide by the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge, the Digital Cookie Pledge and the Supplemental Safety Tips for Online Marketing before engaging in online marketing and sales efforts through the cookie program. You’ll find all of these documents—and everything else you need—in your council’s Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Learn more:

• girlscoutcookies.org/troopleaders

• LittleBrownie.com/social-resources

• Get info from your council regarding approved methods of delivery. Safety resources are available at girlscoutcookies.org/troopleaders and with your local council.

• girlscouts.org/cookiebadges

• girlscouts.org/digitalcookie

Essential Volunteer Safety Information

See our website— girlscoutssoaz.org—for the Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints. You’ll get just about everything you need, including basic facts, forms and tips for plan ning outdoor activities, managing troop financ es, promoting safety, arranging trips and selling cookies.

Timeline and Checklist

Planning for Cookie-Selling Success

By the time you read this, you will have done most of your preparation for the Girl Scout Cookie Program®—look at you ahead of the game!

� Submitted your ACH authorization

� Placed your initial order

� Ensured all your Girl Scouts are in eBudde

� Confimed all Girl Scouts in the troop are registered for the 2023 membership year

� Attended a cookie rally

� Selected your booths

� Collected caregiver permission slips

� Picked up your initial order

So what do you need to do next?

JANUARY

� Jan. 20th-21st: Distribute cookies to your troop members

� Jan. 21st: In-person sales start with Girl Scouts going door-to-door, setting up booths at local businesses and cookie stands at their homes

� Jan. 21st: Cupboards open so troops can restock as your entrepreneurs sell through their cookie supplies

� Weekly: Collect funds from troop families, receipts, and make bank deposits

� Weekly: Enter all receipts from cookies checked out, booth participation, and money paid to the troop into eBudde so Girl Scouts can track their sale on their Digital Order Cards

� Weekly: Look for our post on social media to submit your Bling Your Booth photos

� Weekly: Read the Monday Maintenance email that comes through eBudde for tips + news

FEBRUARY

�

Feb. 6th: 1st ACH (25% of your current balance due) will be pulled—ensure funds are in the bank or contact council at least 2 days in advance to advise that you are short and set up alternative options

� Feb. 17th-19th: National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend—boost your sales by promoting the event to your customers

� Feb. 20th: 2nd ACH (50% of your current balance due) will be pulled—ensure funds are in the bank or contact council at least 2 days in advance to advise that you are short and set up alternative options

� Feb. 27th: DOC, direct shipping opens, send out emails

� Weekly: Collect funds from troop families, receipts, and make bank deposits

� Weekly: Enter all receipts from cookies checked out, booth participation, and money paid to the troop into eBudde so Girl Scouts can track their sale on their Digital Order Cards

� Weekly: Look for our post on social media to submit your Bling Your Booth photos

� Weekly: Read the Monday Maintenance email that comes through eBudde for tips + news

MARCH

� Weekly: Collect funds from troop families, receipts, and make bank deposits

� Weekly: Enter all receipts from cookies checked out, booth participation, and money paid to the troop into eBudde so Girl Scouts can track their sale on their Digital Order Cards

� Weekly: Look for our post on social media to submit your Bling Your Booth photos

� Weekly: Read the Monday Maintenance email that comes through eBudde for tips + news

� Mar. 12th: FINAL DAY OF SALE

� Mar. 13th-15th: Begin close out in eBudde

� Mar. 13th-15th: Submit outstanding balance forms

� Mar. 13th-15th: Submit rewards in eBudde

� Mar. 17th: FINAL ACH (100% of your current balance due) will be pulled—ensure funds are in the bank or contact council at least 2 days in advance to advise that you are short and set up alternative options

APRIL/MAY

� Pick up rewards from your Service Unit Product Manager

� Distribute rewards to Girl Scouts

� Celebrate your troop's accomplishments—YOU DID IT!

How the Cookie Crumbles

There's more than just delicious Girl Scout cookies in every box!

Did you know that 100% of cookie proceeds stay in Southern Arizona and benefit local Girl Scout Cookie™ proceeds provide Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona's largest source of income for Girl Scout programs, volunteer training, and facilities. They also provide financial assistance that keeps Girl Scouting availabile and affordable for all.

• 18% of proceeds are for Girl Scout Rewards and Cookie Dough

• 22% of proceeds are for Troops and Service Units

• 29% of proceeds cover cookie costs

• 31% of proceeds are for direct and indirect services; camps, facilities, programs, troop-support, and scholarships

How Troops Benefit (breakdown of $1.00 per box) from Troop Proceeds:

• $0.80 base proceeds – every troop will earn $0.80 per box sold

• $0.05 additional for a PGA (per girl average) of 350-449 = $0.85 per box sold

• $0.05 additional for a PGA (per girl average) of 450-549 = $0.90 per box sold

• $0.05 additional for a PGA (per girl average) of 550-649 = $0.95 per box sold

• $0.05 additional for a PGA (per girl average) of 650+ = $1.00 per box sold

How Volunteers, Troops and Girl Scouts Benefit from Council Proceeds:

• High-quality council programming for all Girl Scouts

• Staff-supported programs ensuring all Girl Scouts in our comunities have equal opportunities

• Access to Angel Charity Place for Girls, camp properties, and local resource centers

• Training workshops, certifications, community partnerships and programs

• Financial assistance and scholarships

• Volunteer background check screening

Girl Scout Badge Portfolio

Girl Scouts can earn a Girl Scout Financial Literacy and Cookie Business Badge for each year. Check out the Girl Scout Badge Explorer or search the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) for the appropriate badge for your grade level.

Girl Scouts Built by Me Cookie Planner

CookiePlanner.LittleBrownieBakers.com

Plan a cookie season just right for you and your Girl Scouts. With a few clicks, you can create your custom plan with this online tool, complete with fun suggested learning activities.

Social Planning Tool

LittleBrownie.com

Tools to Plan Tools to Use During Cookie Season

Download delightful graphics and suggested captions to help your Girl Scouts market their cookies on social media. Perfect for volunteers, families and troops.

Little Brownie Website

LittleBrownie.com Check out the bakers website for exciting Girl Scout activities, booth ideas, recipes and the latest cookie news.

Girl Scouts Cookie Rookie

Made especially for young Girl Scouts, this show teaches cookie names, how to ask customers to buy and other essential skills.

Girl Scouts Cookie Captain

Keep experienced teens engaged and interested in the cookie program, while giving them a chance to give back with this program.

Pinterest

The Little Brownie Pinterest page is brimming with fun and engaging goal-setting activities, learning games and arts and crafts.

Volunteer Blog Blog.LittleBrownie.com Check out the volunteer blog for exciting Girl Scout activities, rally resources, and cookie booth ideas.

Girl Scouts Cookie House Party video and hostest guide

Girl Scouts sell cookies by the case with this fun-filled strategy.

eBudde eBudde.LittleBrownie.com Manage thye cookie program from one central location. Order cookies, track Girl Scout activity and order Girl Scout cookie rewards.

eBudde Troop App Plus

Place orders, watch training videos and find eBudde help all on your mobile device. Learn more and download the app at LittleBrownie.com.

Girl Scouts Cookie Finder and the little Brownie Bakers Cookie Locator App GirlScouts.org CookieLocator.LittleBrownie.com Help friends and family locate the closest cookie booth with these tools.

Girl Scouts My Cookie Friend

Girl Scouts enter a fun-filled world with games, videos and activities all about Little Brownie's newest mascot.

Girl Scouts Website GirlScoutCookies.org Locate info on the Girl Scout Cookie Program and national cookie badges and pins.

Little Brownie Social Channels

Facebook + Twitter @SamoasCookies Instagram @Samoas_Cookies

Find the latest cookie news and sharable Girl Scout Cookie Season inspiration on the Samoas Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter channels.

Living in a Digital World

Your busy life picks up speed during the Girl Scout Cookie Season! You need the tools and digital resources that not only keep pace, but help keep you and your Girl Scouts moving toward success while having fun all throughout—we have you covered!

eBudde Mobile

The must-have app for volunteers in the Girl Scout Cookie Program now has a new name. eBudde Mobile makes your life simpler by meeting you wherever you are in the season.

• From a troop or service unit dashboard, keep tabs on all the information you need!

• Simple icons take you to important messages, booth locations, checklists, and more.

• Watch training videos and get help from right within the app.

Social Media Shareables Mobile

How can you help tomorrow's future entrepreneurs promote their Girl Scout Cookie businesses? We've got all the social resources you need on LittleBrownie.com.

• Resources are easily searchable by category, including cookie news, special promotions, holiday themes, profile pictures, and so much more.

• Simple icons take you to important messages, booth locations, checklists, and more.

• Each post includes a professionally designed graphic and customizable message, so you don't have to.

• New posts are added all throughout the year, so be sure to bookmark this handy resource.

Online Tips and Ideas

Help Girl Scouts build online marketing skills and learn all about e-commerce with the support of online tools like the Digital Cookie platform. We also have inspiration for engaging Girl Scouts in virtual activities!

Digital Marketing Tips for Cookie Entrepreneurs and Families

Girl Scouts of all ages should partner with their care givers to develop a plan to safetly market their cookie business online. Get started using this resource available at girlscoutcookies.org/digitalmarketingtips.

Let's Get Virtual!

Find familiar in-person resources with a tech twist, along with several new digital ideas. These strategies help Girl Scouts reach their goals in virtual environments when in-person is not an option. See more by visiting LittleBrownie.com.

• Gain access to virtual activities, resources and digital tools that allow you to customize an experience that makes sense for your troop. Use a few, use them all, or customize your own!

Girl Scouts of the USA has a suite of resources— including social media tools and safety—available for download at girlscoutcookies.org/troopleaders.

Connect with eBuddeTM

App Basics

A must-have for Girl Scout Cookie™ volunteers, the eBudde cookie management system offers calendar reminders, reports, training and much more—on either your desktop or mobile device. It’s also where sales are recorded so girls can receive their rewards.

Here are some quick steps to get you started:

• Download the eBudde app wherever you typically search for apps

• After Council grants you access, look for a welcome email with a link and login information

• Set up your troop—in this step, you’ll enter your troop’s package goal and edit your troop’s rewards settings

• Explore the dashboard on both the desktop and app versions, where you’ll find messages and links to tools and resources you’ll need throughout the season

Allocating Booth Cookies to a Girl Scout in eBudde

Cookies sold at a booth are allocated on the booth sales tab

• Click the Booth Sites tab

• Scroll down to "Record Sales" and you will see a list of your booth locations

• Choose the booth location for where you with to allocate cookies

• On the top row, enter the number of packages sold per variety and donation program

• Check the boxes next to the Girl Scouts that participated at the booth

If you wish to distribute the boxes evenly among Girl Scouts working the booth, click the purple "distribute" button, followed by the orange "submit" button.

If you wish to choose how many packages you wish to distribute to each Girl Scout, go to the row next to their name and enter the package numbers. Once finished, click the orange "submit" button.

Follow the steps to allocate cookies for any additional booths your troop has hosted. into eBudde and update your inventory.

Allocating Gift of Caring (GOC) Cookies to a Girl Scout in eBudde

Packages purchased for TGOC, in-person or at cookie booths, may be allocated under the "TGOC" column on the Girl Orders tab. Packages purchased for Cookies for Heroes, in-person or at cookie booths, must be allocated under the "CFH" column on the Girl Orders tab in order for Girl Scouts to be eligible for CFH rewards.

Adding Only Payments to a Girl Scout in eBudde

You may add a payment to a Girl Scout at any time

• Click the "Girls Order Tab"

• Click on the name of the Girl Scout who you are applying payment

• Click "+ Play"

• Enter the details of the payment under the comment section (i.e. Date)

• Click "Save" when finished

Enhancements for 2022–2023

The digital world is changing fast. That’s why eBudde™ is engineered to keep you moving at the speed of Girl Scouts.

This year, Little Brownie Bakers® has made several enhancements to the cookie management system to improve performance, speed and usability. These include security updates, a simplified troop user experience and—of course—the addition of new, shipped only Raspberry Rally™ Girl Scout Cookies®!

Updates were also made to offer you more visibility into important information while you’re on the go. Key areas are cupboards, reports, rewards and the booth scheduler.

No matter how the digital landscape evolves, or where you’re at in the Girl Scout Cookie Season, eBudde will stay bright at the center.

Simplicity at your fingertips!

Learn more at LittleBrownie.com/volunteers.

Helpful Information

Cookie Varieties

Girl Scout Cookies® are $5 per package for core varieties and $6 per package for specialty cookies.

Core:

Inventory Management Tips Document EVERY SINGLE Transaction

• The TPM and the caregiver should verify counts (money and cookies) and sign a receipt for every transaction, as this protects the troop and the caregiver in the event of a discrepancy.

Keep Deadlines Top of Mind

• Create firm deadlines for your caregivers— think about sale dates, when ACH cookie payments are due, your schedule, and when you are able to facilitate cookie check-outs and money collection.

Decide If You Will/Will Not Accept the Unsold Cookies

• Do this ahead of time! Troops may accept returns of unsold cookies from Girl Scouts into the troop's inventory if they can be used for booth sales or to replenish another Girl Scout's inventory. All cookies accepted as returns are the sole responsibility of the troop. We recommend setting a deadline by which cookies can be returned to the troop, to determine the troop's inventory and cupboard pick-ups towards the end of the sale.

Limit Check Out Amount at a Time

• Remember to be mindful of previous pickups! It is highly recommended that you only allow Girl Scouts to check-out 80 boxes at a time. Troops will be responsible for any debt over $400. We recommend you have families turn in money from previous pickups before allowing them to check-out more cookies. Please only check-out cookies to caregivers that have submitted a Caregiver Permission Form! If a Girl Scout lives in two households, please have each caregiver sign the form and continue to monitor what each caregiver checks out.

Do Not Check-Out More Than What Can Be Sold

• 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 excess inventory at the end of the sale.

Inventory Management Tips (cont.)

Update eBudde Regularly

• Update on a weekly basis (at minumum) to monitor what you have in troop inventory and what Girl Scouts have for themselves. Updates also help your Service Unit Product Manager to track your progress and offer help.

Practice Good Recordkeeping at Cookie Booths

• Make sure you keep track of inventory during booth sales at all times. Please take cookies to booths according to traffic levels at the location. If possible, designate an additional adult to be a "runner" to pick up cookies if you need more cookies during a booth.

Regularly Count Troop Inventory

• Count, count, and recount! Then do it all again! Make sure that your receipts, eBudde, and physical inventory reconcile on (at least) a weekly basis. This will keep you organized and save you a lot of potential stress and headaches.

Troop-to-Troop Transfers of Cookies

• We encourage cookie swaps and transfers between troops by the box or the case. Remember that the troop receiving boxes also receives the financial responsibility for them! Once you and other TPM have decided to transfer cookies, please send an email to your Service Unit Product Manager, with a copy to the other TPM, detailing the number of boxes of each flavor of cookies transferred and the troop number of the receiving and giving troops. The Service Unit Product Manager will enter into eBuddee, updating the inventory and finances for both troops. so they can enter it into eBudde and update your inventory. The Cookie Exchange on eBudde is a great tool.

Re-Stock and Re-Energize!

What is a Cookie Cupboard?

Cookie Cupboards are designated locations where troops can pick-up more cookies to fill additional cookie orders AND pick-up cookies needed for booth sales. These locations are local homes or Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona owned or rented facilities throughout Southern Arizona, which offer convenient places and times for troops to pick up additional cookies. They are maintained by council staff or a volunteer. Designated troop volunteers with a signed Troop Product Manager Agreement on file with our council can pick up additional cookies on the troop's behalf.

Cupboard Guidelines

• Cupboard pickups are made by the case only (remember, there are 12 boxes per case).

• Pickups should be made by the TPM or other volunteer designated in eBudde. Caregivers cannot pick up from the cupboard, rather, they restock directly from the TPM.

• Rememer to count cases with the cupboard manager and sign a receipt every time. Keep these receipts for your records.

• No returns or exchanges are allowed at any cupboards. Exceptions will be made for damaged cookies, which must be exchanged for the same variety.

• Bring your Driver's License with you every time you pick up cookies.

• Although every effort is made to keep the cupboards well-stocked, there may be times the cupboard inventory is limited or unavailable. Cupboard managers will make every effort to notify you in advance if they do not have enough to fill your order.

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

• Be sure to check cupboard times, hours and requirements (such as "pending orders necessary", etc.) before going to a cupboard.

• Utilize pending orders when available – this will allow you to ensure your cupboard has the varieties and quantities you need.

• TPMs may restock from any cupboard—not just those located in their service unit.

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

Receipts and Banking Re-Stock and Re-Energize Cont.

How to Place a Pending Order

• On the transactions tab, click "+ Add" button on the right of the screen

• Choose a pick-up date and time (must match location's hours)

• Enter your quantities by variety, quantities are entered in cases

• Click "Save" at the top right corner to submit the order to the cupboard

Can I Return Cookies?

• COOKIES CANNOT BE RETURNED ONCE THEY ARE PICKED UP

• Troops are responsible for counting and verifying the total number of cases

• Troops accept financial responsibility by signing the receipt. Once receipts are signed, case counts are final and cookies are the property of that troop

• WHEN IN DOUBT, RECOUNT. Wait until you are sure about your case count to sign the receipt

Receipts and Banking Receipts and Banking

Cupboard Receipts

You will receive this receipt whenever you pick-up cook ies from a cookie cupboard. Your Cupboard Manager will keep the white and yellow copies. You will keep the pink copy. Please save these receipts for your records even after the sale is over (we recommend keeping receipts for one year).

Money or Product Receipts

You will give this receipt to a caregiver when they pick up cookies from you. The TPM will keep the white copy and the caregiver gets the yellow. Again, please keep these receipts for your records even after the sale is over (we recommend keeping receipts for one year).

Automated Clearing House (ACH)

Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona uses a process called Automated Clearing House (ACH). It is an electronic funds transfer from your troop's account to Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. How do I authorize an ACH?

• A signer from the troop bank account must provide written authorization on an annual basis—the form can be found by using the QR code

• Failure to submit the ACH form by January 8, 2023, will result in your troop not receiving their initial order of cookies

Bank Fees

Should your troop incur fees to your bank account due to excessive deposits, cash deposit fees, etc., please complete the bank fee reimbursement form (located on our website under "Forms'') and submit it to receive reimbursement.

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

Money Management

Understand that cookie money is Girl Scout money, and that any misuse or failure to appropriately deposit funds may result in legal action taken by Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona.

Make at least weekly deposits of all funds collected from cookies into your troop's bank account.

• TPMs should regularly collect payments from caregivers throughout the sale to minimize risk of loss and/or outstanding balances

• DO NOT leave large sums of money in places that may be unsafe—this includes your vehicle and your home

Outstanding Balances

If payments due are not turned in, caregivers must be reported to the Cookie Team as having an outstanding balance. Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona may actively pursue collection efforts through legal avenues.

• Outstanding balance form can be found by using the QR code— the form must be submitted no later than March 15, 2023

Transactions

• For each transaction, Troop Product Managers and caregivers should count cookies and money together and complete a receipt for the transaction—this way everyone is on the same page

• All checks should be written to "Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona – Troop #"

• Try not to accept bills larger than $20 (to avoid counterfeit bills)

• Cookie money should NEVER be deposited into personal bank accounts

• Should your troop receive counterfeit bills or a returned check, please contact the Cookie Team

When is Cookie Money Due?

There are three stages during the sale where there will be an ACH withdrawl from the troop's bank account for payment of cookies. Here are the dates and amount due:

• On February 6, 2023, we will calculate 25% of your total balance due at that time; this amount will be pulled on February 8, 2023

• On February 20, 2023, we will calculate 50% of your total balance due at that time; this amount will be pulled on February 22, 2023

• On March 17, 2023, we will pull 100% of the balance due

Ensure funds are in the bank or contact council at least 2 days in advance if the calculation date to advise you are short and set up alternative options.

Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona staff will upload a confirmation of payment to eBudde within a week of the transaction. These will show under the "Deposits" tab in eBudde. With each ACH payment, you will see a reduction to the troop's balance reflected on your "Sales Report" tab. As your sale progresses, your troop's proceeds level may change. eBudde is designed to automatically calculate any shifts in proceed levels, and Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona staff will ensure the reconcilation of your balance at the end of the sale.

New this year, you will be required to submit your banking history showing all funds including Girl Scout proceeds that have been collected and deposited into your troop account. This is mandatory.

Marketing and Media

Guidelines for Online Selling and Marketing

For the safety of Girl Scouts, GSUSA has provided guidance in regards to online selling for Girl Scout Cookie Program®. Girl Scouts are only to use the internet to market Girl Scout Cookies® to friends and family, who the Girl Scout(s) and/or their family know personally.

• The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a girl-led program and online marketing and sales efforts should always be led by Girl Scouts while also being supervised by their caregiver.

• Girl Scouts engaging in online sales and marketing must review and apply the Digital Marketing Tips for Cookie Entrepreneurs and Their Families on girlscouts.org.

• Girl Scouts, volunteers and parents must review and adhere to the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge, the Digital Cookie Pledge, the Supplemental Safety Tips for Online Marketing, and Girl Scouts' Safety Activity Checkpoints for Computer and Internet Use and Cookie and Product Sales (with the exception that they may share beyond friends and family), all of which can be found on girlscouts.org.

• Friends and family of a Girl Scout participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program® must not market or share their contact information, sales links, or sales information on online resale sites i.e. eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Swap, etc.

• Be aware that posts on Facebook containing the use of a dollar sign ($) may automatically move the post to Facebook Marketplace—to prevent this from occurring you must disable the automated function.

• Social media ads should not be purchased or donated to promote sales links.

• Girl Scouts should consider truncating or removing their last name when using social media sites to protect their identity.

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

• Caregivers, Girl Scouts, and volunteers should contact and collaborate with their council and GSUSA in advance of any national news media opportunities.

• The only approved platform for accepting Girl Scout Cookie money online is Digital Cookie. You may NOT use any additional online payment platforms.

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 the Girl Scout Cookie Program® to the public. If you have a concern, there are plenty of people ready to support you, such as your Service Unit Product Manager and Council Staff.

News Media Guidelines

Girl Scouts have so many wow-worthy stories to share—and the Girl Scout Cookie Program® is one of the most popular! We love when the media showcases troops' Gift of Caring projects, or girl-led adventures funded by the Cookie Sale.

Please keep in mind that any troop that speaks to the media is representing the entire Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona council, as well as GSUSA.

If you are approached by the local media, whether for an online, print, or television outlet, please contact the Cookie Team for guidance.

Please do not approach the media independently of council. If you have a fantastic story to share, let us know by reaching out to us at communications@ girlscoutssoaz.org or calling (520) 319-3193 and we can help you and your Girl Scouts spread the amazing news!

Let Us Shout You Out—in All Your Shine!

We love singing your praises all year long, and especially during the Girl Scout Cookie Program®! If you and your troop are having a fun time at a booth, want to feature a Cookie Boss flexing their 5 Business Skills, care to share why your troop is selling this season, or have a snapworthy story you love about your BRIGHT cookie journey, share it with us.

Girl Scouts not only learn important skills through selling cookies, they also help to make the world a better place. Help us share those stories and the incredible impact of the Girl Scout cookie with customers and community members.

Throughout the sale, submit your troop's unique goals, stories, fun and incredible moments to us via photo or video, for a chance to be featured on the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona social media. To share the cookie impact, email us at communications@girlscoutssoaz.org, or tag us at @gssoaz on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

Make sure you give us a follow to see all the amazing happenings around all of Southern Arizona!

Gift of Caring

The Girl Scout Cookie Program gives Girl Scouts the opportunity to learn philanthropy and give back to their community.

Customers support Girl Scouting by donating to your troop's designated Gift of Caring project.

How it Works

1. Prior to the Cookie sale, have a meeting where the troop selects their Gift of Caring project: a group or organization to receive a donation of cookies.

2. Communicate to customers that they can choose to donate money or cookies, which Girl Scouts will use to support their Gift of Caring project.

3. Record your Gift of Caring in eBudde ("TGOC org" tab). Please note that eBudde entries should be by the box, not the dollar amount. It is important to keep track of donated funds separately until they add up to a full box amount, $5 (core variety price).

4. Deliver the cookies to the chosen group or organization at the end of the Cookie Season.

How to Advertise Your Gift of Caring Project

• Display a sign that informs customers which group or organizaiton you are supporting.

• Create a box where customers can place donated cookies, and watch the donated cookies stack up!

• Create a Tally Poster to track the number of donated boxes or funds, so customers can see their donations making a difference!

How Else Can Your Troop Give Back?

Want to support a community organization that may not need physical boxes of cookies? Your troop can use a portion of their cookie proceeds to purchase goods or resources for their favorite organization, such as purchasing canned goods for a food bank, or buying the supplies and making dog treats for an animal shelter.

How it Works

1. Prior to the start of the cookie sale, have a meeting where the troop decides which organization they wish to support.

2. Contact the organization and discover their needs.

3. As a group make a decision to either use a percentage of the final proceeds or set a dollar amount that will be used.

4. At the end of the sale, using troop proceeds purchase the goods or resources and deliver them to the organization.

5. Take pictures of your troop’s project and send them to council at communications@girlscoutssoaz.org.

How Rewards Work

Cookie Dough

Girl Scouts earn individual rewards for participating in the Cookie Program. All rewards are cumulative, cookie dough is not.

Cookie Dough can be earned by all Girl Scouts participating in the cookie program, unless the troop chooses a full opt out. Girl Scouts who earn Cookie Dough will receive an email after the conclusion of the program with their Cookie Dough number and the amount earned. It can be used as payment for:

• Items sold in any of GSSOAZ retail shops or at the GSUSA online shop (after conversion)

• GSSOAZ programs, camps and council trips

• Renewing their own membership

• GSUSA Destination trips

• Expenses related to approved Silver Award and Gold Award projects

Girl Scouts who want the chance to earn all the physical rewards and experiences will want to select Standard Dough. Under Standard Dough, Girl Scouts receive all physical rewards and experiences relative to their boxes sold and the amount of dough listed at their highest boxes sold.

Girl Scouts who would rather have additional cookie dough and do not mind missing out on some of the physical rewards, can select Bonus Dough. They will receive no rewards until they reach the 875+ box level but will receive the higher dough amounts. Upon achieving sales of 875+ boxes, Girl Scouts will automatically be opted back into physical rewards and experiences but will still receive the dough listed at the highest boxes sold. See the adjacent page for tables breaking down Standard and Bonus Dough.

Boxes Sold Standard Dough Received

250-349 $10 350-449 $25 450-549 $40 550-649 $55 650-875 $70 876-1000 $85 1001-1250 $100 1251-1475 $125 1476-1700 $150 1701-1850 $175 1851-2200 $200 2201-2700 $250 2701-3000 $300 3001-3500 $350 3501+ $400

Boxes Sold Bonus Dough Received

51-100 $5 101-200 $10 201-300 $20 301-400 $35 401-500 $55 501-600 $95 601-700 $120 701-875 $150 876-1000 $175 1001-1250 $200 1251-1475 $225 1476-1700 $250 1701-1850 $275 1851-2200 $300 2201-2700 $325 2701-3000 $350 3001-3500 $400 3501+ $450

Gift Certificate

Girl Scouts who want to shop online at the GSUSA shop may choose to convert their Cookie Dough to an e-gift Certificate by submitting a request here: https://bit.ly/39j9bsz.

• It may take up to 10 days from your request for the conversion to be complete.

• The request to convert must be submitted 15 days prior to the expiration of the cookie dough.

• Once converted you will receive an email with redemption instructions.

• Once converted they cannot be used for anything other than on the GSUSA website and they cannot be changed back.

• Questions about e-gift certificates should be sent to jhoenshell@girlscoutssoaz.org

Renewing Membership

Girl Scouts who use their cookie dough to renew their Girl Scout membership may do so by submitting a request here: https://bit.ly/3CMgbJU.

• Cookie Dough may only be used to renew the Girl Scout that earned it.

• If renewing to earn Early Bird rewards, renewal will be effective the date of submission.

• It may take up to 14 business days from your request for your renewal to appear in your MyGS account.

• If you are transferring to another Council, you may use to Cookie Dough to renew through GSSOAZ and then request your transfer.

• Questions about renewing with Cookie Dough should be sent to troopsupport@girlscoutssoaz.org

Travel Bucks

Girl Scouts who are a Junior, Cadette, Senior or Ambassador may choose to convert their Cookie Dough to Travel Bucks by submitting a request here: https://bit.ly/3wlYb5S

• Travel Bucks are valid for 5 years

• Can be used for any GSSOAZ sponsored travel or GSUSA Destinations

• Travel Bucks are non-transferrable

• The request to convert must be submitted prior to the expiration of the cookie dough

• Once converted they cannot be used for anything other than travel

• Once converted they cannot be changed back

• Questions about Travel Bucks should be sent to travel@girlscoutssoaz.org

Opting Out of Rewards

Troops may choose a full Opt-Out of all rewards in in exchange for additional troop proceeds. The entire troop must agree to be on the Opt-Out Reward Plan. The decision should be made in conjunction with caregivers and troop leadership with the final decision being made by the Girl Scouts. There is no option for individual Girl Scouts to opt back in and receive rewards. This peer led decision is either all in or all out.

This plan is not recommended for troops with Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts. Explaining to a child 7 or younger that they will receive no rewards rather the troop will attend an event or experience is not a tangible reality for littles. If having the discussion to opt out with younger Girl Scouts, let them plan the event or experience that requires the extra funds so they know exactly what they will receive in exchange of the cookie rewards they will see on their order card. After discussion with troop members, if the decision is made to Opt-Out, a troop leader will need to fill out the request form here: https://bit.ly/3s4AgGm. This form must be submitted BEFORE January 8, 2023.

Troops that are approved to Opt-Out will receive an additional 30 cents per box, added to the base proceed amount of 80 cents per box for a proceed rate of $1.10 per box. This amount does not qualify for the additional 5 cents per box increase based on reaching designated PGA levels. The Girl Scouts in troops that choose the Opt-Out program will receive all earned program patches and any earned contest rewards. All other individual items including Cookie Dough, standard rewards, including trips, experiences and events, DOC rewards, and CFH rewards will be forfeited. Full Opt-Out is not available for Juliette Girl Scouts.

Ways to Sell Cookies

Door-to-Door/Friends and Family

• Leave no doorbell unrung! We encourage Girl Scouts to visit friends, family and neighbors to make sales. Customers love seeing Girl Scouts in their neighborhoods—the number one reason people say they didn't buy Girl Scout Cookies last year? They were never asked!

• Girl Scouts should bring door hangers or letters to leave if folks are out. Make sure to include their unique Digital Cookie URL!

• 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.

• Try a text-a-thon! Girl Scouts can let friends and family know it's cookie time, ask for orders, and check in about restocking.

Cookie Stands

• These mini-booths can only be set up in front of private residences (non-commercial).

• They DO NOT need to be entered into eBudde as a Booth.

• Girl Scouts do not require a chaperone besides their caregiver, unless other Girl Scouts are in attendance, in which case, adults must be background checked

GSSOAZ-Sponsored Booths

• GSSOAZ-Sponsored Booths are booth locations for which GSSOAZ staff have secured dates and times.

• Girl Scouts are honest and fair, and we have made a commitment to these locations that Girl Scouts will only sell on the dates and times we have listed. Please check the "booth sites" tab in eBudde for the most current list.

• Please do not approach businesses on the council-sponsored booth list for additional booth times or dates.

• The Do Not Contact List is updated to add/remove businesses as we are advised. Please always check the most current list in the eBudde Help Center.

Troop Booths (formerly MySales Booths)

• Want to set up a booth at a business NOT on the council list? These are called Troop Booths.

• TPMs may reach out on their own to request days and times to host a booth.

• All Troop Booths must be submitted into eBudde for approval. Please enter your Troop Booth requests into eBudde at least 48 hours in advance.

• Please submit the following criteria for Troop Booths: Business Name, Booth Location, Date and Time, and Store Manager Name and Contact Information.

• Locations deemed inappropriate or unsafe for Girl Scouts will not be approved. If a Girl Scout cannot be a patron of the business, then they are not permitted to sell there (i.e. Total Wine, cannabis dispensaries, etc.).

Workplace and Corporate Sales

• Girl Scouts may ask business owners or managers for permission to sell cookies at a workplace.

• Submit a Troop Boothrequest as ALL booths must show in eBudde, even if it is for your own troop only.

• Remember, even if an adult helps make the connection, it is always a Girl Scout's responsibiliy to fill all orders, oversee their delivery, and thank their customers.

• Companies may also be interested in purchasing cookies as gifts or making charitable contributions to Cookies for Heroes or your troop's Gift of Caring project.

• Many companies are willing to match Girl Scouts' collected donations.

Digital Cookie

Girl Scouts can create their own webpages to digitally share their cookie program goals and collect online orders.

Digital Cookie is a safe, password-protected side that enables caregiver supervision of customer-facing information. Be sure to share Digital Cookie information with your troop's families to set Girl Scouts up for success!

Using Digital Cookie, a Girl Scout can:

• Customize their own page with a photo or video, tell customers about their goals, and share what they learn by participating in the Girl Scout 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 their online storefront page.

• Ship cookies directly to customers and have customers share the love with a cookie donation.

• Earn Digital Cookie Rewards cumulatively—these count towards a Girl Scout's overall total, helping them reach the "traditional cookie" reward levels.

Business Program - have a plan!

January 9th: DOC opens for Girl Delivery Orders—send to your customers who will want Girl Delivery.

• Why do this before the cookie program begins? This convenient pre-sale allows people to order their favorites, pay online and helps the Girl Scout begin hitting goals early on and moving inventory.

• Many times when cookies in hand begins, the Girl Scout has already sold all their inventory and will need more—what a great way to start their goal setting!

February 27th: DOC opens for Direct Ship—orders as well as Girl Delivery, send emails to all customers who will want direct ship including the brand new cookie, Raspberry Rallies. This is a big push for them to cross the finish line strong!

Did You Know?

Girl Scouts who use Digital Cookie typically have higher per-girl averages (PGAs) than those who only sell in person—now that's thinking like an entrepreneur!

Cookie Booth Guidelines

• Booths are intended to be a troop experience and should be run by at least 2 and no more than 4 Girl Scouts along with 2 registered and approved adult volunteers.

• Remember neither the Troop Product Manager nor the Troop Leader have to be at every booth – enlist caregivers to help.

• Be mindful of the number of booths you select for your troop. You are encouraged to strategize with your troop members and caregivers to schedule an appropriate amount of booths for your troop’s size and adult availability.

• Talk to Girl Scouts' caregivers about their availability prior to selecting booths.

• After you've scheduled your booths, send out a booth sign up email to the troop,

• There is a maximum of 4 Girl Scouts allowed to work a booth at one time. If you have more than 4 Girl Scouts interested in a booth, try to schedule another one f or the same date and time.

• Make sure to submit any Troop booths that you have arranged no later than 48 hours in advance in order to receive approval from the Cookie Team.

• Use a "booth kit" (posters, tablecloth, etc.) for every booth! You might want to keep 2-4 booth kits on hand and at the ready to make your preparation easier.

• Display your troop number and troop fundraising goals and projects prominently!

• Siblings or friends that are not registered Girl Scouts should not be at booths

NO SHOWS

The number one complaint we hear from the community is that they went to a scheduled booth and no one was there. You MUST release booths in eBudde as soon as possible if you know your troop cannot cover it.

• First strike — Warning

• Second strike — Warning

• Third strike — Lose a proceeds bump

Cookie Booth Sign Ups:

#1 Round: Jan 8th, 7 pm–Jan 11th, 7 am; 2 booth selections per troop/1 per Juliette family

#2 Round: Jan 11th, 7 pm–Jan 14th, 7 am; 2 booth selections per troop/1 per Juliette family

#3 Round: Jan 14th, 7 pm–Jan 16th, 7 am; 4 booth selections per troop/1 per Juliette family

#4 round: Jan 16th, 7 pm–Jan 19th, 7 am; 6 booth selections per troop/1 per Juliette family Open rounds begin Jan 19th, 7 pm

How Many Cases to Bring to a Booth

HIGH TRAFFIC (45+ boxes/hour)

Thin Mints: 8 Samoas: 7

Adventurfuls: 6 Tagalongs: 4 Do-Si-Dos: 2 Lemon-Ups: 1 Trefoils: 2 Girl Scout S'mores: 2 Toffee Tastics (GF): 1

Cooperating with Businesses

MEDIUM TRAFFIC (30-45 boxes/hour)

Thin Mints: 6

Samoas: 5

Adventurfuls: 4 Tagalongs: 4 Do-Si-Dos: 2 Lemon-Ups: 1 Trefoils: 1 Girl Scout S'mores: 2 Toffee Tastics (GF): 1

SLOW TRAFFIC (>30 boxes/hour)

Thin Mints: 4

Samoas: 3

Adventurfuls: 3 Tagalongs: 2 Do-Si-Dos: 1 Lemon-Ups: 1 Trefoils: 1 Girl Scout S'mores: 1 Toffee Tastics (GF): 1

• Please check-in with store managers EVERY TIME you arrive at the booth location.

• Follow any guidelines that are set forth by store management or by Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. This is KEY to maintaining relationships with these important partners—we want to be able to return next season!

• 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 into eBudde so another troop may have the opportunity!

Bling Your Booth Guidelines

This is an opportunity to shine in your community! Girl Scouts should smile, be polite, demonstrate their amazing people skills, and have fun! Other than water (please stay hydrated!), do not bring food or beverages to booths.

Girl Scouts 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 Girl Scouts to make eye contact with customers—this demonstrates courage and confidence, and prepares Girl Scouts to be lifelong leaders.

Please encourage adults to wear Girl Scout attire— there are lots of fun cookie shirts in the Girl Scout Shop! Be sure to visit girlscoutssoaz.org/shop for hours or to shop online.

Recommended Supplies

• A card table and a Girl Scout tablecloth

• An extra uniform in case a Girl Scout forgets theirs

• Brochures, cookie recipes, pens, calculator, tape

• A pocketed tie-on apron to take money and give change

• A heavy-duty, zippered money bag

• Handmade signs! Girl Scouts can promote their service projects, sales strategies, goals, etc.

• Emergency contact info for everyone attending the booth

• Contact information for TPM, Troop Leader, Service Unit Product Manager, Cookie Team

• Small, first aid kit

• Tracking sheet for inventory and cash

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

What

To Do If Theft Occurs?

1. DO NOT go after the thief—the safety of you and the Girl Scouts is worth infinitely more than a cash box or a box of cookies

2. Next, secure the Girl Scouts and your property (cookies, money, and personal property), and call the police

3. Next, contact the Cookie Team—staff will support you through next steps

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I allocate boxes to Girl Scouts from Booth Sales?

There are two ways that you can allocate boxes of cookies sold at the cookie booth. You can either 1) divide the number of boxes or distribute evenly to each Girl Scout selling at the booths, or you can 2) add the total number of hours that Girl Scouts have worked at booths, then add the total number of boxes sold and divide the number of hours by boxes sold. Please see examples below:

1) There are 3 Girl Scouts selling at a cookie booth and the total number of boxes sold are 96. In this method, each Girl Scout would earn 32 boxes sold.

2) There is a troop working 2 separate cookie booth locations. Each booth location has 2 Girl Scouts working in the booth and both booths work for a total of 3 hours each. At booth 1, the Girl Scouts sell a total of 100 boxes. At booth 2, they sell a total of 20 boxes, bringing the total number of boxes sold for both booths to be 120 boxes. The total number of hours both booths worked is 12 hours (each Girl Scout worked 3 hours; 3 hours per Girl Scout x 4 = 12 hours). Using this method, the number of boxes sold per hour would equal 10 (120 boxes/12 hours = 10). Since each Girl Scout worked 3 hours a piece, they would each receive 30 boxes per person (10 boxes per hour x 3 hours = 30).

We are at a booth for 3 hours and only sold 5 boxes. Now what are we supposed to do? The best thing is to keep it positive when talking with the Girl Scouts at the booth. Talk to them about how they did sell some cookies, and then open up the dialogue about what the Girl Scouts could have tried differently to sell more. If you find yourself with extra inventory, you can always sign up for additional booths and try their new ideas. You can also consider transferring cookies to another troop—contact your Product ManagerService Unit for assistance with this step.

I have a Girl Scout in my troop who decided not to sell. How do I delete them in eBudde?

You are not able to delete a Girl Scout in eBudde once they have already been entered into the system. As long as their balance is zero and says that they have sold zero cookies, they will not be counted as a participant in the sale and the troop's PGA will not be affected. Remember, no one is obligated to participate.

How do I cancel a booth that I'm registered for?

It is very similar to how you would sign up for a booth. You will need to go into eBudde in the "Booth Sites" tab. Click on the location and time that you're signed up for and uncheck the box. Once you have removed your troop number from the box, hit "submit". This will cancel the booth that you were registered for. If a TPM is not near a computer to cancel, they can call a Service Unit Product Manager or member of the Cookie Team to assist with this step.

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. Be sure to clean up the area and tell someone before leaving.

I opened a case of Samoas and the box in the middle is squished!

If there is a box of damaged cookies in the case, contact your local cupboard or Council for an exchange, no worries!

I'm at an awesome booth and I ran out of cookies, what do I do?

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 additional cookies and/or your closest Cupboard Manager or Service Unit Product Manager to help coordinate a delivery.

Season Close-Out

Final Close-Out: Wednesday, March 15th

To close our your sale, you must:

• Transfer all cookies to Girl Scouts

• Submit any outstanding balance forms

• Submit your Girl Scouts' reward choices

• Ensure you have deposited all funds into the troop bank account—your final ACH pull will take place on March 17th and will cover any funds remaining due to Council

Ordering Rewards

Prepare ahead by asking your troop members which rewards they will select if they earn any levels that have choices. Enter all rewards before the Final Close Out deadlines of March 15th. Remember if you do not make a selection in eBudde, Council staff will choose on behalf of your Girl Scouts and no changes can be made.

• The rewards each Girl Scout receives, corresponds to the number of boxes they sold

• Under the "Girl Order" in eBudde, make sure all CFH and Troop Gift of Caring boxes are recorded in the correct column for each Girl Scout.

• Rewards will be delivered to Service Unit Product Managers in early 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 Scout earns a reward experience, they will be contacted directly by the Product Program Staff

• Please follow pick-up procedures set in place by your Service Unit Manager. Please distribute rewards promptly to Girl Scouts—they worked hard to earn them

• Remember, if you do not place your rewards order, council will choose options on your behalf

Outstanding Balances

• If you are having difficulty collecting money from a caregiver, please contact the Cookie Team at Council for assistance ASAP. Don't wait until the last minute

• In order to report any caregiver debt, you must complete the Outstanding Balance Form

• Please complete a separate form for every Girl Scout who has an unpaid balance

• You must submit an Outstanding Balance form (found in the eBudde Help Center or by scanning the QR code) by March 15th. Troops who do not submit the form will be held responsible for any caregiver debt

Submit Paperwork

• Submit all bank statements covering the Cookie Program (Jan. 21st - Mar. 15th).

• Include a copy of your eBudde Sales report and email to productprogram@girlscoutssoaz.org, no later than Mar. 18th

Glossary

ACH

Automated Clearing House (ACH) is the banking system that Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona uses for electronic fund transfers during the cookie season.

Bonus Dough

Girl Scouts can opt to recieve less physical rewards and receive additional Cookie Dough.

Booth Locator

Visit girlscoutcookies.org and type in your ZIP code to find cookie booths near you!

Box/Package

This refers to a single box or package of Girl Scout Cookies®.

Case

This refers to case of Girl Scout Cookies®, containing 12 boxes total.

Cookie Booth

A way to sell Girl Scout Cookies® directly to the public. The most common way is to set up a table in front of a business where Girl Scouts sell directly to the customers.

Cookie Cupboard Manager

A volunteer who manages a cookie cupboard either from their home or other designated location.

Cookie Dough

Part of the Girl Scout rewards for cookie sales. Girl Scout Cookie Dough is like cash, in that it can be used to make purchases or pay fees for Council events and activities, such as Camp or a Girl Scout membership.

Cookie Mobile

Girl Scouts lean into their creativity and decorate anything they can think of to hold their boxes of Girl Scout Cookies®, as they go door-to-door.

Cookie for Change

Girl Scouts can use a portion of their Troop's Girl Scout Cookies® proceeds to help them assist organizations they believe in, within their area.

Cookie for Heroes

This is Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona's Gift of Caring Project. Girl Scout troops will support heroes—teachers, first responders, as well as the brave military overseas by virtually donating boxes of Girl Scout Cookies® and sending them overseas.

Cupboard

This is a supply of extra cookie cases maintained by a Cookie Cupboard manager. Troops can check out additional cases of cookies from cupboards during the sale.

Cupboard Receipt

This is a multi-part carbon copy receipt that must ALWAYS be signed any time troops check out cookies from a cupboard. Troops are financially responsible for the cookies they sign for.

Delivery Agent

Ralph's Moving and Storage, the moving and storage company that handles the product delivery for Southern Arizona.

Direct Sale

Rather than taking pre-order, Girl Scouts have cookies in hand on the first day sales begin. Girl Scouts and Troops are able to restock cookies from cupboards throughout the duration of the sale.

eBudde

This is the web-based program that tracks your Troop's cookie sales. Through this site, you can track inventory and rewards, as well as schedule booth sales or cancel if need be.

Gift of Caring

Girl Scout troops can choose an organization to donate boxes of cookies to.

Help Center

eBudde > Help Center > From Council

• Hosts all communications

• How to videos

• Needed dates

• Cupboard dates and info

• Plus more

Initial Order

The first cookie order that is placed by December 6th and picked up at the Cookie Drop in January.

Juliette Girl Scout

A Girl Scout who participates in programs independently, rather than selling in a troop setting.

Juliette Program Credits

Additional cookie dough earned by Juliette's in lieu of troop proceeds.

Little Brownie Bakers

Little Brownie Bakers supplies our Council with cookies, as well as cookie program resources for Girl Scouts and volunteers.

Per Girl Average (PGA)

Based on the information entered into eBudde, this is the average number of boxes sold by each Girl Scout.

• Total # of boxes sold/ # of Girl Scouts selling = your Troop's PGA.

• Your eBudde calculated PGA can be found on the top right hand corner of your "Troop Sales Report".

Product Manager - Service Unit

Coordinates their Service Unit's participation in the cookie program. This includes managing submissions into eBudde, inventory and trainings.

Girl Scout Rewards

Girl Scouts earn items and experiences based on the number of boxes they sell. Rewards are cumulative, excluding Cookie Dough.

Resources at a Glance

Girl Scouts of the USA

About Girl Scout Cookies® girlscouts.org

Troop Leader Resources girlscoutcookies.org/troopleaders

Cookie Business Badges girlscouts.org/cookiebadges Your council’s website

Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pin girlscouts.org/entrepreneurfamily

Cookie Family Connection Guide girlscoutcookies.org/troopleaders

Cookie Program Family Meeting Guides girlscoutcookies.org/troopleaders

Digital Cookie® Platform girlscouts.org/digitalcookie

Digital Marketing Tips for Cookie Entrepreneurs girlscoutcookies.org/digitalmarketingtips

Virtual Cookie Booth Guide girlscoutcookies.org/troopleaders

Volunteer Essentials girlscoutssoaz.org/en/for-volunteers/ VolunteerEssentials.html

Girl Scouts’ Safety Guidelines

One of the most essential steps you can take to go bright ahead this season is to review all safety guidelines with troop members and their parents or guardians.

• Digital Marketing Tips for Cookie Entrepreneurs and Families

• Practical Tips for Parents

• Safety Tips for Product Sales

• Your Council’s Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints

(You’ll find Supplemental Safety Tips for Online Marketing and all other safety documents here.)

Find information about Girl Scouts' safety resources and more:

• girlscoutcookies.org/digitalmarketingtips

• girlscouts.org

• girlscoutssoaz.org

Little Brownie Bakers®

Cookie History, FAQs and Nutrition Information LittleBrownie.com eBudde™ App LittleBrownie.com/volunteers and wherever you download apps

FAQs

LittleBrownie.com/pages/faq Go Bright Ahead Toolkit LittleBrownie.com/volunteers

Girl Scouts® Built by Me Cookie Planner LittleBrownie.com/volunteers

Girl Scouts® Cookie Captains LittleBrownie.com/teens

Girl Scouts® Cookie Rookies LittleBrownie.com/girls

Girl Scouts® Cookie VIP eTraining Vipetraining.littlebrownie.com Girl Scouts® My Cookie Friend LittleBrownie.com/volunteers

Goal-setting Activities and Tips LittleBrownie.com Also on girlscouts.org

In-Person Cookie Sale Guide LittleBrownie.com/volunteers

Little Brownie Family Guide LittleBrownie.com/families

Social Media Tools and Graphics LittleBrownie.com/social-resources girlscoutcookies.org/troopleaders

Resources for Girls LittleBrownie.com/girls Resources for Teens LittleBrownie.com/teens

Virtual Cookie Sales Tools LittleBrownie.com/volunteers

Need Inspiration?

Find us on Pinterest for quick, easy and exciting ways to make the Girl Scout Cookie Program® a success.

FOLLOW Little Brownie Bakers® on Pinterest @lbbakers

Bite Size eBudde

Remember your "HELP CENTER" in eBudde is full of screenshots, videos, and how-tos for utilizing the system. We also know sometimes you just want a handy guide for the tranac tions you will utilize the most.

eBudde Level Access Types

• Troop Cookie Manager – has full access to make changes to the troop records

• Troop Leader – has full access to make changes to the troop records

• Troop View Only – cannot make any changes to the troop records and can ONLY view re cords

• Troop Cookie Pick Up – only for pick up at cupboards, has no access to eBudde While there are requirements (training) for TCM and Troop Leader access levels in eBudde, View Only, and Troop Cookie Pick Up access levels, have no requirements other than active membership and background clearance.

Assigning Cookies to Girl Scouts

• Click Girl Order Tab

• Click the Girl Scout

• Click "+Add"

• Enter a comment

• Enter the cookies distributed by flavor

• Enter payment if appropriate

• Click SAVE – must do each time you complete a transaction

• Note if CFH or TGOC, see other instructions

Add a Troop Booth (Formerly MySale)

• Click Booth Sales tab

• Click add/edit a troop booth

• Click "add"

• Enter requested information

• Click save (note: council must approve or deny your both before acting upon said booth)

Distribute Booth Sales

• Click Booth Sales tab

• Select record sals

• Select booth

• Enter quantities sold

• Select appropriate Girl Scouts

• Click distribute

• Click submit sale

Cupboard Transaction

• Click Transactions Tab

• Click the "+Add"

• Select the cupboard location

• Select location and time

• Enter CASES as needed

• Click save

Recording Payments - not optional

• Click Girl Order Tab

• Click the Girl Scout

• Click "+Add"

• Enter amount received

• Click save

Assigning Donations i.e. CFH or TGOC

• Click Girl Order tab

• Click the Girl Scout

• Click "+add"

• Enter a comment

• Enter the donations by $5 increments i.e. $7 donation = 1 $5 box, cary over the $2 to the next donation

• Click SAVE - must do each time you complete a transaction

Reward Orders

• Click Rewards Tab

• Click fill out

• Click any Girl Scout highlighted in red

• Make choices as needed

• Click submit Girl Order

• Click Submit Reward Order

Select a Booth

• Click Booth Sales tab

• Click sign up for a council booth

• Select the city

• Select the business

• Select the date and time slot

• Click in the troop box (this will enter your troop number and turn green)

• Click submit

Moving Cookies or Payments

• Click Girl Order tab

• Click the Girl Scout

• Click "+pay" or "+order"

• Enter a comment

• Enter cookies/amount with a negative (-) before the total

• Click save

• Add to receiving Girl Scout repeating "assigning cookies instructions"

May you truly shine this Cookie Season!