Budgeting
Consultants

There are many questions that need to be discussed before a line-item budget can be created.  You need to understand your campaign.  Is it a field-oriented campaign?  Do you have a lot of volunteers?  Is fundraising strong?  All of these questions are integral to understanding the necessary materials and their quantities.  A campaign that is very field oriented, with a strong volunteer base, is going to both use more materials, and different materials, than a media driven campaign.  A strong fundraising team is going to move more high-end materials and more constituent oriented materials (in a way).  Let our experienced staff help you make those critical decisions. 

When deciding on an amount you should budget, think about three things.  First, will you be ordering most things in much larger bulk for the general over the primary, or before the major campaign starts?  Second, not everything can be bought in bulk, because you will want to try some things, or you will need to rush some things.  Third, do not forget to budget in additional costs: shipping, handling, tax, setup, PMS matches, artwork, etc.  We can help you calculate the materials and budget you'll need (accounting for all of those extras) as well as give you the best possible deal for what you want.   

Call (800) 336-4844 and ask for David

True Story on Budgeting

For the Texas 2002 governor’s race budget coordinators forgot to included shipping and handling in the first budget (not to mention tax).  Obviously, everything came in over budget.  At DemStore we provide shipping estimates.  And, unless you are in Virginia or DC, WE DON’T CHARGE SALES TAX.  In some case this can save a campaign tens of thousands of dollars.

Major Staple Items to Consider

There are several major staples that need to be specifically mentioned in any budget.  While not all of these are staples, no campaign will buy all of these things; most campaigns will need many of these things (note: this is a non-exclusive list of materials, we are able to provide many other things that campaigns occasionally buy). 

1.  Lapel Stickers - Think of these as cheap and plentiful buttons: 

2.  Buttons – The classier version of the lapel sticker, this is the single greatest staple of the political campaign.  

3.  Lapel Pins – This is a donor reward.   

4.  Bumper Stickers – Get them on the cars to increase your perceived appeal.  The bandwagon effect is huge in politics, and a successful bumper sticker program will make your candidate look like a winner. 

5.  T-shirts – Donors, volunteers and employees love them.  They are great rewards for hardworking volunteers towards the end of the campaign.  In warmer climates, they can turn the volunteers into walking billboards.   Recommended for anyone working the polls, doing canvassing, or being a lower level organizer or volunteer at an event. 

6.  Yard Sign – Modern designs have revolutionized the use of the yard sign.   The new plastic signs are so easy to put into and take out of the ground, that campaigns are using more and more yard signs to plaster events, as well as cover yards.  Literally hundreds of yard signs can line the roads in and out of your major event, giving the press and the people a feeling of total saturation, it is very exciting.  Yet, there is still a time and a place for the old cardboard sign. 

7.  Billboard Size Signs – These require a lot of dedication to get in the ground and kept maintained.  A few strategically placed signs can give total name recognition to a local candidate.  

8.  Banners – A staple of today’s modern press conference, Clinton perfected it, Bush has murdered it, is the issue oriented banner. 

9.  Hats – These are not very cost effective giveaway items.  Some people will wear them a lot, but for the most part they are worthless. 

10.  Mousepads – These can be popular for donations.  It is a good way to show people at work where you stand.   This really depends on a niche.  These are also best if bought early.  They are meant to last. 

11.  Pens – These are awesome to have as really cheap giveaways (that provide a constant reminder).  They are used at fundraising tables, volunteer sign-in, or anything in which you need to take down names. 

12.  Fans – They are awesome on a really hot day.  You can bring them to any outdoor event and be the most popular person there.   They are a great size to be visible, and not get in people’s way. 

13.  Balloons – On the plus side, they look great and cost just a fraction over plain balloons (they may actually be cheaper).  The trade off is having to have volunteers actually blow the balloons up when you need them.  That is a pain.  

14.  Drinkware – Cups can be a great hit at fundraising events.  They can be used as a special souvenir cup for a drink or can hold literature and small giveaways.  The big seller is mugs.  People love mugs.  They can be donation giveaways or used as raffle items.  People are just as addicted to mugs as they are to coffee. 

15.  Car Magnets – Makes any motorcade look official.  They are portable and easy to move.  They are great for parades (you or people working for you will be in tons of parades) and just to give added visibility as you drive through town.  Posters taped to the cars do not look good! 

16. Magnets – They are relatively cheap and can be given out by your canvass program (or you).  They last until the election on the refrigerator. 

17. Bags – Your canvassers will need something in which to hold their literature.   Furthermore, they can be used during Halloween (just a few days before the general election). 

18. Fun Flyers – Think parades and outdoor fairs.  Think cities with a few parks.  They are great for photo opportunities and giveaways for the summer. 

19. Sponges – Cheap and amusing.  People talk about this unique promotional item. 

20. Podium Signs  – There is a marked difference between rally signs and podium signs (podium signs are worth their weight in Sintra!). 

Want more details (want that checklist used on your materials)?  Call (800) 336-4844 and ask for David!