We’ve been getting lots of questions recently about pricing—specifically in light of rising food and packaging costs. The most important thing to keep in mind when thinking about raising the pricing on your shalach monos, is that it’s a tough time for many of your congregants (members, parents, etc.). Even if they haven’t been personally affected by the economic slowdown, many are afraid they will be affected and are thus cutting back on their spending. You should also keep in mind that there’s a certain threshold that people are willing to spend on Purim baskets—if you exceed that price point, many will make their own shlach manot or simply choose not to participate. That specific price varies by community demographic, but typically synagogues and schools that price their baskets as low as possible, have the highest participation rates, the most orders and the highest AVERAGE order size. People seem to become “click happy” if the price is low enough, and will send to many, many people.

So what to do about your Purim project this year? If you can, leave your pricing the same and market your fundraiser as being economically sensitive. Or raise your prices a small amount, say 25 or 50 cents. Or, our Happy Purim software offers the ability to charge a higher price for reciprocity orders, so you can leave your initial pricing the same, but raise your reciprocity prices. As always, please feel free to call, email or leave comments below.