Parent Club Interview: Best Tools for Schools

The What: Best Tools for Schools - a "Made in Canada" business created by two mompreneurs: Laurie & Candace.

The Concept: Order school supplies on-line. Fundraising component for schools. Making life easier for parents.

The Interview: (between Caroline - Parent Club and Candace - Best Tools for Schools):

Parent Club (PC): How does Best Tools for Schools work?

Best Tools for Schools (BTFS):Best Tools for Schools puts together customized school supply kits based on each schools supply lists. We assemble the kits and deliver them to the school the week before classes start. $4 from the sale of each kit goes to the school to help with their fundraising efforts.

Our program is so easy that we only need one contact at the school to help co-ordinate the lists on our websites. We are web based, which means no forms to go home or cheques to collect. Everyone wins. Parents are relieved of the hassle of shopping out the lists, teachers lists are put together according to their specifications and schools receive money towards their fundraising efforts.

We also have a Donate A Kit option. Upon checkout parents are asked if they would like to donate a kit to a child in need at their school. They can choose between a junior kit or a senior kit. These are kits we put together using the same brand name products we use for all our other kits. Principals will be able to discreetly identify which children need these items at their school.

(PC): What is the timeline?

(BTFS): Once a school has decided to run our program, we can get their lists on our website within 48 hours. Letters to parents and lists can be printed off of our website to be sent home to parents. The success of our program in a school is greatly enhanced if the school promotes it through their school newsletter, flyers home and on their school website.

(PC): What is the responsibility of the teacher/parent/student?

(BTFS): Once the Principal has approved our program for their school, we need only one contact person to help us get their lists on our website and to take delivery of the kits the week before school starts. Our goal is to make the process as simple for possible for the schools to run.

(PC): How does fundraising work?

(BTFS): $ 4 from the sale of each kit goes to the school as a fundraiser. In addition to raising funds for the school, Best Tools for Schools offers a valuable time-saving service to parents.

(PC): Can parents order Best Tools for Schools, independently, on-line or does it have to be a whole school order?

(BTFS): To ensure that our lists are accurate we require the principals approval to run the program for the whole school. Parents can then go on and order their individual kits.

(PC): Mom-made-business is a great thing to support. What made you become a momprenuer?
(BTFS): Laurie and I are both actively involved in fundraising efforts for our children's school. We know first hand the obstacles schools face because of budget shortfalls. We also are very familiar with the school supply lists that come home each year, a dreaded task for many. Finally, we were both actively looking for a business opportunity. Best Tools for Schools is the answer to these three things. We've received nothing but positive feedback since we began.

(PC): Where can we read you?

(BTFS): Laurie and I take turns blogging at www.toolsforschools.ca. This is where we let you know about schools we've signed on, events we'll be at and offer what we hope is useful information. Candace also blogs for yummymummyclub.ca - See Mummy Juggle.

Their "green pledge" is a testament to their commitment as parents and as business owners to environmentally responsible acts. As it notes on their website;"Wherever possible, Best Tools for Schools buys in bulk and asks our suppliers to eliminate unnecessary packaging.

Every bit of cardboard is recycled. Our kits are made from unbleached cardboard, which is a 100% recycled, non-toxic, environmentally friendly product.

We have created a paperless process, eliminating paper-based forms by establishing an online order system. Invoices are sent to your mailbox and it is up to you if you wish to print it for your files or file it away on your computer."

The Post-Mortem: I "met" Laurie and Candace on twitter a few months ago and then "met" them (in person) in May. From tweeting to actual face-to-face conversation; I find Laurie and Candace to be lovely, honest, helpful ladies who really know their stuff.

The concept of making life easier for parents - more organized for schools - all the while - minimizing the impact to the planet -- is simply smart. Best Tools for Schools is the complete turnkey solution.