2019 Christmas Tree Lot Schedule Information
The schedules are for information only. Please go to the Google Document Link that was emailed to you to sign up for your shifts. Please note all youth must be accompanied by an adult.
TREE LOT MANUAL FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS
When you arrive:
Things to do if the Lot is not busy with customers:
Keep the racks filled with trees. They can be brought in from the overflow area or pulled from beneath the racks. The trees are arranged by species and height, check the tags on the trees to make sure they are going into the right section - Please do not overcrowd. If you are unsure of where trees go please check with the Lot Managers
Tidy up the excess branches and string, tidy the trailer, put vests and gloves out to dry are just some suggestions.
Tool Use on the Lot:
Safety is our first priority! While some scout and cub-aged youth are capable of using the tools on site, we cannot single out who is and is not allowed to use them. During your shift the following rules apply to tool use:
Box-cutters, hand saws, and clipper rules:
Beavers: are not allowed to use any tool or knife on site.
Cubs: may use a box-cutter knife to open up trees, but they must be supervised by their parent.
The parent must keep possession of the knife if not in use. Cubs may not use the hand saws or clippers.
Scouts: may use a box-cutter knife to open up trees, but they must be supervised by a Venturer or parent.
Venturers: may use the box-cutters, handsaws and clippers.
The Venturer or parent must keep possession of the knife if not in use. Scouts may not use the clippers or the hand saws when we are busy. During the slow periods (check with the Lot Managers first) Scouts may practice under the supervision of their parent.
The Tree Drill:
Each shift one or two parents, Leaders or Venturers will be trained to use the tree drill. Only the lot managers and those given training and permission are to use the tree drill, as it jams and snaps easily.
To Parents, Leaders, and Venturers: As adults we are all responsible for ensuring the safety of the youth in our care. If you see anyone doing anything that could be dangerous, or harmful to the equipment or trees, please do not hesitate to step in and direct them. The Lot Managers will be on site at all times, but it is difficult to monitor all of the youth and the lot operations simultaneously. If you have any concerns regarding any of the youth, please do not hesitate to talk to one of the Managers.
How to Sell a Christmas Tree!
Greet - Acknowledge each customer when they come in and ask if they would like some assistance.
Ask questions - It’s much easier to find the right tree for someone when you know what they are looking for. What species of tree? How tall? Full or sparse branches? Thin and tall, or short and squat? Wild, natural look or cultured and trimmed? There are samples of all our trees on display in the Marque by the cash register to help them decide.
Help them pick the right tree - After you’ve determined what species and size they want, help them decide by holding up different trees, and suggesting ones you think they would like, based on the questions you asked them. Rotate the tree for the customer to inspect.
Cut/Trim/Drill/Secure - Ask if they would like a trim, a fresh cut on the bottom (1/2 inch cut off), and if they need a hole drilled into the tree for their stand. Help carry the tree to the Cutting/Drilling Area. Offer to help secure the tree to their car (we also deliver!).
The Tag/Checkout - While a Leader, Parent or Venturer gives a fresh cut, the youth should give the tag from the bottom of the tree to the customer and escort them to the cash register while thanking them for supporting Scouts.
- Please dress for the weather and the work involved - moving trees, loading trees etc.
- Make sure you sign in with the Lot Managers at the desk - if you are replacing someone please advise the Lot Manager.
- Make sure you know who the lot manger is. There may be more than one on duty during your shift, but if you need to clarify a point or a procedure, it is good to know who to look for. _______________ and ____________ are who you are looking for!
- In the trailer please find a "Staff" vest and put it on. It is an important way for customers to distinguish between adult "Staff" and other customers.
- Familiarize yourself with the tree lot. Know where the price boards, display trees, and tree trimming/drilling areas are. Know where the various types of trees are, both on the racks and in the overflow area. Also be aware that we sell tree stands, bags, and tree preservative.
- Choose a favourite type of tree and think about why you like it, this will help when a customer needs a suggestion.
- Prices are firm. If you are uncertain on a price of any tree for any reason consult the Lot Manager(s)
- Please keep cell phone use to an absolute minimum. The success of the tree lot depends on the hard work and undivided attention of all our volunteers.
- We always offer to help the customer to their car with their tree.
- Keep the trailer time to a minimum, keep the trailer neat. Refreshments will be provided for adults and youth but they are intended for consumption only when the Tree Lot is not busy. Please consult the Lot Mangers first before partaking in refreshments.
Things to do if the Lot is not busy with customers:
Keep the racks filled with trees. They can be brought in from the overflow area or pulled from beneath the racks. The trees are arranged by species and height, check the tags on the trees to make sure they are going into the right section - Please do not overcrowd. If you are unsure of where trees go please check with the Lot Managers
Tidy up the excess branches and string, tidy the trailer, put vests and gloves out to dry are just some suggestions.
Tool Use on the Lot:
Safety is our first priority! While some scout and cub-aged youth are capable of using the tools on site, we cannot single out who is and is not allowed to use them. During your shift the following rules apply to tool use:
Box-cutters, hand saws, and clipper rules:
Beavers: are not allowed to use any tool or knife on site.
Cubs: may use a box-cutter knife to open up trees, but they must be supervised by their parent.
The parent must keep possession of the knife if not in use. Cubs may not use the hand saws or clippers.
Scouts: may use a box-cutter knife to open up trees, but they must be supervised by a Venturer or parent.
Venturers: may use the box-cutters, handsaws and clippers.
The Venturer or parent must keep possession of the knife if not in use. Scouts may not use the clippers or the hand saws when we are busy. During the slow periods (check with the Lot Managers first) Scouts may practice under the supervision of their parent.
The Tree Drill:
Each shift one or two parents, Leaders or Venturers will be trained to use the tree drill. Only the lot managers and those given training and permission are to use the tree drill, as it jams and snaps easily.
To Parents, Leaders, and Venturers: As adults we are all responsible for ensuring the safety of the youth in our care. If you see anyone doing anything that could be dangerous, or harmful to the equipment or trees, please do not hesitate to step in and direct them. The Lot Managers will be on site at all times, but it is difficult to monitor all of the youth and the lot operations simultaneously. If you have any concerns regarding any of the youth, please do not hesitate to talk to one of the Managers.
How to Sell a Christmas Tree!
Greet - Acknowledge each customer when they come in and ask if they would like some assistance.
Ask questions - It’s much easier to find the right tree for someone when you know what they are looking for. What species of tree? How tall? Full or sparse branches? Thin and tall, or short and squat? Wild, natural look or cultured and trimmed? There are samples of all our trees on display in the Marque by the cash register to help them decide.
Help them pick the right tree - After you’ve determined what species and size they want, help them decide by holding up different trees, and suggesting ones you think they would like, based on the questions you asked them. Rotate the tree for the customer to inspect.
Cut/Trim/Drill/Secure - Ask if they would like a trim, a fresh cut on the bottom (1/2 inch cut off), and if they need a hole drilled into the tree for their stand. Help carry the tree to the Cutting/Drilling Area. Offer to help secure the tree to their car (we also deliver!).
The Tag/Checkout - While a Leader, Parent or Venturer gives a fresh cut, the youth should give the tag from the bottom of the tree to the customer and escort them to the cash register while thanking them for supporting Scouts.
