Supply Division -Free Shipping

awatson 7 months ago

Revise

Completed

Is it possible for the Supply Division and Scoutstuff.org to offer free shipping to people who order? I can't think of any major retailer who does not offer this service to their clients, especially if orders exceed a certain threshold (ie over $100 etc).

This type of service would be very helpful to unit leaders and parents who rely on web ordering to supply their unit when they live far from their local Scout shop and would show the type of customer service that we should be providing to our volunteers.

Idea # 219Internal, supply, division, supply division

Moderator Comments

1/6/09
From: Dave Harkins, Business Development, Supply Group

The Boy Scouts of America’s online store, Scoutstuff.org, is meant to complement, not replace, the business done by the physical stores that most members use to make their Scouting merchandise purchases. It is impossible to duplicate the experience shoppers receive by consulting knowledgeable in-store merchants such as those who operate the many National and council Scout Shops across the nation. Scoutstuff.org exists to serve those customers who cannot get to a shop or prefer the convenience of shopping online.

Periodically, the BSA emails its customers who have chosen to opt-in to receive offers and announcements regarding Scoutstuff.org. Since 2006 those offers have occasionally included free or discounted shipping for a time-limited period. For example, during the recent holiday season we announced a limited-time offer of free shipping with a minimum purchase, just as many other online retailers did during the competitive shopping period.

We will continue to find ways to best serve our members and meet their needs during these exciting and challenging times.

Comments

thofhenk 7 months ago

I do not agree with this option. For individuals wishing to order, some councils use this as an incentive. We offer free shipping if the order is placed through the council scout shop.

labbott 7 months ago

Councils do not receive same percent on online purchases as on scout store purchases

mmcginnis 7 months ago

Something to really think about...What the National Scout Shops sell and the money they can save goes into the retirement pool. Do you want your retirement dollars being given away? Just a thought.

mgriffin 7 months ago

Supply profits go into the general operating budget of the National Council. Supply funding retirement is a myth.

The retirement trust is made up of our personal contributions, a percentage of employee salaries (of those that participate) that a council (local and national for national employees)contributes, and investment returns.

sthanson 7 months ago

I manage a Council-owned Scout Shop, and do not want National Supply to offer free shipping. That will cut into my business.

awatson 7 months ago

Coming from a council with a council-owned Scout shop, I do appreciate the budgetary concerns that come with online ordering at scoutstuff.org and the impact it can make on our council's budget.

That said, I firmly believe that as a people-serving organization, we have to do everything we can to support our volunteers, and I am sure most would agree with this. Our "business" is supporting our volunteers and chartered partners.

If offering free shipping enables an outlying volunteer to get needed supplies at a better rate, and that creates a better program for Scouting, then I think its a win for the council.

melissa.terry 3 months ago

Status Changed from Active to Complete.

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