Frank Pizzo

Each Group will be responsible for manufacturing buttons. Each week groups will manufacture the assigned number of buttons. Not only will your group be manufacturing the assigned number of buttons each group will come up with individual ideas to market and sell of which that group will be solely responsible for selling.

1. The Button Cutter: When cutting buttons each group will be given a two-piece manual button cutter. It consists of a cutter with a handle and square steel under piece.

Ø       Place the steel square under the sheet of button sleeves to be cut. This is to keep from cutting into any objects under the blade because it is very sharp. DO NOT touch the blade or put and fingers under the place while cutting.

Ø       Position the cutter over the button that you wish to cut out.

Ø       Press down while turning the handle around several times.

Ø       Remove the cutter from the sheet and the sleeve should be fully removed from the sheet.

Ø       Repeat until all sleeves are cut out or until you cut out how many were asked of each group.

 

 

 

2. The Button Maker: Make sure you have all the pieces necessary before you begin.

Ø       Set up the button cutter so it is secure.

Ø       Push the mobile middle piece so the left side is out from under the suppressor.

Ø       Put a metal cover facing down into the cavern.

Ø       Place the sleeve of the button you wish to create over the metal cover.

Ø       Place the clear mylar sheet over the sleeve. Make sure the picture is.

Ø       Move the slide die so that the left side is completely under the suppressor and the right side is out.

Ø       Pull the handle down until you feel it click. Release the handle.

Ø       Place a metal pin back in the right side with the pin side down. Make sure it is centered.

Ø       Move the slide die so the right side is under the suppressor.

Ø       Pull the handle down with sufficient force and release the handle.

Ø       Remove your button.

Ø       Repeat until finished producing all the button sleeves necessary.

 

Issuing Buttons

          Each group member will be issued buttons by their group leader. Each group leader will consult with their group to find a total of the buttons needed for his/her entire group. After the number is decided they will be required to fill out a Inventory Form. On this form you will need to verify the group name and number, group leader’s name, the date, the number of buttons needed and then a signature is required by the group leader.

        Make sure the amount of buttons you get is reasonable. Don’t get too many buttons that you or your group members will not be able to sell in a few days. (Note: If a group member has not sold any button, don’t give them more. They must sell in order to get more!)

Managing Money

          Everyday at the start of class all group members will enter the room and turn their money in to their group leaders. Each group leader will be given official sales and inventory sheets to record data on. The group leader will then follow proper procedures for handling money:

1)       Collect and count money

2)       Record money on sales record sheet by group member

3)       Fold money up tightly inside of a sheet of paper do not staple or tape

4)       Put block number and amount enclosed, date, group number, the group name, and the group leaders

                    name on the outside of sheet (If this is not followed you will NOT receive credit for your deposit)

5)       Turn in to Mr. Pizzo

 

Sales

         On the sales sheet you will fill out the entire sheet upon receiving it. All of the corresponding dates must be correctly filled out on the right side of where it says “dates”. Below where it says names you will list in that column each one of your group members’ names. The sheet will then work as a table. On each date you record the number of sales of the specific group member. At the end of the sheet they are counted up.

 

Inventory

          On the opposite side of the sales sheet there is an inventory sheet. The inventory sheet must be filled out in the same manor the sales sheet was filled out. On this side though, next to the name, you will record under the correct date the number of buttons distributed to that member on that day. On the first day everyone will have a six under that date because the initial starting button number is six. Every person in the class will begin with six buttons to sell and once they have sold them will be free to receive more buttons to sell.

 

Advertising

            Each group is responsible for producing a poster a week over the course of the six week project. Therefore this means that you are required to complete six posters by the time the project has ended. The poster can be whatever you want it to be, BE CREATIVE! The best way to catch your customers’ attention is to catch their eye, make the posters interesting. There are several different ways to go about getting all of the posters done. The best suggestion would be to get them done and out of the way as soon as possible. In between class work and group assignments you should be getting these posters completed. In some cases you may need to take them home to be completed. Group leaders are responsible for making sure their group members are on task and getting them done on time.

 

Promotion

          In order to get optimum results in button sells you need to promote button sales. Create visuals for your customers reinforcing the fact that you are selling your product.

         A very effective means of promotion is wearing the buttons. When you wear the buttons people will recognize immediately that you are selling them and will have the ability to see all the types of buttons you have available.

          Be resourceful! Use what you have available such as the school newspaper and morning announcements. You can easily talk with someone from these sources of media and inform them of what you are selling. Have them do a story on it which will inform the whole student body of the fact that you are selling buttons and peak their interest. This can also be your chance to get your groups name out in the open.

 

Selling Tips

• Set up stand outside of gate of student parking lot and round-a-bout.
• Make really flashy posters and hang them around school.
• Wear a jacket or sweater full of buttons and make T-Shirts.
• Create flyers to pass out to students.
• Word of mouth, talking to students about them.
• Different designs on buttons.
• Set up a table and have a raffle for each class group.
• Table in the rotunda.
• Sell during football games in the stands to show buck pride.

 

Comments on Team Success:

 

• To get to know your team members well
• If a group member is not pulling their weight they should be noted; and as a leader you need to do what you have to do to get the job done.
• Try to advertise your product in every way you can because it really helps you sale your product more.
• Organization and endurance because you have to be willing to keep going with your project no matter what the obstacle is.
• Cooperate with your team members and listen to what each member has to say. Must have an open mind.
• Courage to step up in a group and take lead.
• When team member is not doing well don’t yell at them and put them down. Help them to become better.
• Up-selling to customers will be helpful because the more you sell, the more you make, and it may even be more beneficial to the customers.
• When in a group everyone should give 110%
• Don’t just try to just sell one, encourage them to buy more.
• Teamwork will go a long way.
• In order to succeed you will need help from your team members.