advertising/fundraising question

Hi-
Would it be out of line to ask a question here regarding an advertising / fundraising idea we are developing for a non-profit?  I don't want to post it here if not acceptable.  It will cost $$ so I want to make sure this thread won't be perceived as spam or abusive to the forum rules.  Please advise.  Tks.

Shoot

Tks.
I want to ask a couple of questions first so that I understand the challenges / costs owners face .  All I know about the resturant business is through eating out and watching hell's kitchen (and the show where he goes in and trys to turn around failing places).  They are:
 
- what is the single best method of advertising you use?
and
- if someone buys a gift certificate from you for $50, what is your actual cost on that.. is it $25 of less?
 
 

cbc58


Tks.
I want to ask a couple of questions first so that I understand the challenges / costs owners face .  All I know about the resturant business is through eating out and watching hell's kitchen (and the show where he goes in and trys to turn around failing places).  They are:

- what is the single best method of advertising you use?
and
- if someone buys a gift certificate from you for $50, what is your actual cost on that.. is it $25 of less?

It depends a lot on the type of operation.  A B/M will have a higher cost than a trailer.  On our concession trailer our cost is abut 50 to 55% of sales.  That includes food cost, event fees, gasoline, insurance , labor and all other miscellaneous expense.  I usually give away about 10 $5.00 gift certificates to each show sponsor and figure it cost me $25.00 but it sure helps me get back into shows, year after year.  Good luck.
 
Mike S.

Tks for the info. 
 
I need to rethink what we are contemplating because it needs to be a win/win situation for establishments and local food banks (who we want to raise funds for).
 
Where we are (Raleigh, NC) - alot of places use valpak or money mailer... or spend $$ on other advertising and those costs can really add up.  I think it's like $350 a pop to advertise in a money mailer and if we can come up with a better use of those advertising dollars (and support food banks), that's what we are after.
 
Do most resturants think $350 is a minor amount to pay for advertsing?  Wonder what the average monthly budget is for this.  I know one pizza place in my area spends thousands a month on coupons and mailers and he must see that back in terms of net profits because he keeps doing it over and over.