In 2010, fundraising through Yankee Candle helped raise $15 million for more than 12,000 local and national fundraising groups in the United States. For each product sold during the fundraiser, Yankee Candle says fundraisers "earn 40 percent profit for your organization on every product." The company recommends spending 10 days to two weeks selling the candles during your school fundraiser. Fundraising for schools through Yankee Candle is only available in the continental United States.
The selling periods for Yankee Candles products are July through November for fall-related products and January through the beginning of June for spring-related items. Items in the Yankee Candle catalogs vary depending on the year and season. In the 2010 fall/winter catalog, holiday-themed or fall-scented candles were available in fragrances such as candy cane, evergreen or pumpkin pie. Unique candle holders and potpourri holders were among the other candle-related products offered. Before shipping the product, Yankee Candle sorts the products individually by seller and delivers in about three to four weeks.
Yankee Candle does not require a minimum amount of purchases, and no costs are charged before starting the fundraiser. However, sellers should be aware that shipping and sales tax may apply. Yankee Candle recommends checking with local tax agencies to determine specific amounts that may be owed. Yankee Candle says it is working to develop an online sales system for future fundraisers and encourages sellers to obtain money for orders at the time the order is placed. As of January 2011, sellers do not have the option to include online sales as part of their Yankee Candle fundraiser.
As part of the fundraiser, a chairperson should be designated to work with the school for student participation, product distribution and working with Yankee Candle. The business provides a fundraising consultant to work with chairperson to set up sale dates, provide sales packets, parent letters, confirming orders entered and orders shipped, as well as giving access to Yankee Candle customer service. Shipping can be monitored, with tracking information provided by the company.