When I enrolled my daughter in Daisy Scouts, it was primarily because it met twice a month and I didn’t have to be present—yes, I’m that kind of mom. As cookie season approached, we were assured that selling cookies would be low-pressure and flexible. The cookie coordinator handed us 20 cases with a promise that they would practically sell themselves. However, winter was unkind, bringing the stomach flu along with it, and I witnessed some parents arriving with actual U-Hauls to pick up their cookie inventory.
I had a mere two weeks to sell 230 boxes of cookies. No pressure at all.
Here’s what I discovered:
- Initial Sales Period is Essential
The first two weeks are crucial as everyone is eager for cookies, yet no one has them yet. Unfortunately, you’ll never realize your full sales potential when your household is struck by the stomach flu—not once, but twice. By the time you’re ready to hit the streets, everyone else has already stocked up, and suddenly, no one wants more because, as they often remind you, who really needs more cookies? Plus, Keebler sells Samoas year-round under the name Coconut Dreams, so good luck with that. - Cookies and Illness Don’t Mix
I took an extra case of Tagalongs because I’ve loved them forever—even back when I was a Brownie. I had plans to freeze them and savor them through the summer, but after indulging in six cookies, I was down for the count with the stomach flu. After a bout of intense nausea, I vowed to never touch another Tagalong again. Now, I have one box left that no one dares open. Such are the best-laid plans. - Consuming Cookies Trumps Selling Them
Invite me to enjoy Trefoils with whipped cream and caramel, and I’m in without hesitation. For every door I knocked on, I realized those were minutes I could have spent relishing cookies instead. - Dedicated Cookie Moms are Tough Competitors
These women are passionate and relentless. They transform into an unstoppable force during cookie season, sporting comfy shoes and setting up booths that would put celebrity events to shame. With cookie samples to entice buyers, saying “no” becomes nearly impossible. In fact, with 230 boxes to move, I ended up purchasing from other troops as well. - My Six-Year-Old Lacks Entrepreneurial Spirit
She was enthusiastic until we encountered seven homes that weren’t interested. “Can we go home and play Legos?” she suggested. “I’m tired.” I mean, she’s six—how can she be tired? Until your child is motivated by some sort of reward, you’ll be the one hustling cookies, and those cookies will only sell as fast as you can sell them. - Entrepreneurial Spirit Isn’t My Strong Suit
I’m not a hustler; I’m more of a settler. My husband, on the other hand, is the family’s negotiator. He’s the type to barter his way to savings. So, I’ve just devised my cookie-selling strategy for next year. - Secret Snack Stashes Exist
Turns out, my husband also has a hidden cache of S’mores cookies somewhere in the house. - One Cookie is Never Enough
You might convince yourself to savor just one cookie throughout the day, but before you know it, you might have polished off three boxes by noon. The reality of having cases of cookies around is that you’ll end up contributing significantly to your child’s inventory. - People Willing to Spend on Cookies
I was surprised by how easily people dropped $4 for cookies without a second thought. I felt a tinge of guilt asking for such a price for something that might only be worth $1.99 compared to store brands. Yet, they willingly handed over cash, perhaps out of tradition or support for the cause. - I Don’t Want to Be the Cookie Mom
Juggling sales records while managing the chaos of my kitchen counter was overwhelming. I lack the organizational skills for such a role.
In the end, we didn’t sell all 230 boxes, but we made a decent effort and returned the unsold inventory early enough to contribute to booth sales. I contemplated purchasing the leftovers, but my husband wasn’t on board with that idea. I guess he still has his own stash hidden somewhere. Ultimately, we managed to sell about half—maybe even less—but enough to ease my mind about those boxes lingering in my car. Next year, we’ll start earlier, assuming we don’t fall ill again. For now, I have plenty of Samoas and S’mores to indulge in, along with a half-eaten box of Tagalongs for anyone brave enough to try them.
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Summary
Selling Girl Scout cookies proved to be an enlightening experience that revealed the challenges and humorous realities of cookie sales. From the importance of early sales efforts to the revelation that enjoying cookies is much more appealing than selling them, the journey was filled with surprises. I learned that while I may not be cut out to be a cookie mom, the experience was, nonetheless, valuable and filled with life lessons.