Welcome!
Individually Registered Members (IRMs) are Girl Scouts who are not part of a traditional troop but still participate in the Cookie Program. This guide explains how IRMs can successfully sell cookies, earn rewards, and contribute to their community.
What IRMs Learn in the Cookie Program
Like all Girl Scouts, IRMs develop essential life skills:
Goal Setting: Decide how many boxes to sell and what rewards to earn.
Decision Making: Plan how to sell cookies (online, booths, or direct orders).
Money Management: Track cash, handle payments, and manage online sales.
People Skills: Communicate with customers, practice professionalism, and build confidence.
Business Ethics: Sell honestly, follow safety guidelines, and respect rules.
IRMs also develop independence and self-leadership skills, learning to manage their own sales while receiving support from caregivers and council staff.
IRMs participate with support from the council and service units:
Council: Oversees the Cookie Program, manages sales platforms (eBudde and Digital Cookie), and provides materials.
Service Unit Cookie Manager / IRM Mentor: a volunteer who helps IRMs coordinate booths and manage logistics.
Caregivers / Families: Provide guidance, supervision, and support for sales, booth participation, and financial tracking.
Unlike troops, IRMs may not have multiple peers selling together regularly, but they still participate in all phases of the Cookie Program: ordering, selling, and reporting proceeds.
Welcome!
Important Dates
These key dates help IRMs and families plan and stay on track.
12/12: Cookie Program begins
1/11: Online Girl Scout Delivered pauses in Digital Cookie (11:59pm)
1/13: Troop Initial Order due in eBudde (11:59pm)
1/17: Online Girl Scout Delivered turned back on in Digital Cookie
1/20: Association deliveries begin
2/4: Cupboards begin to open (all open by 2/11)
2/6: Booths begin
3/8: Online Girl Scout Delivered closes in Digital Cookie (11:59pm)
3/15: Cookie Program ends (booths, paper orders)
3/16-22: Limited cupboards open
3/22: Direct Ship closes in Digital Cookie
Quick Tips for IRMs & Families
Set Goals Early – Decide on sales targets and reward plans before the season starts.
Practice Your Pitch – Role-play greetings, cookie descriptions, and polite ways to handle “no.”
Track Everything – Use order forms, spreadsheets, or Digital Cookie reports to stay organized.
Stay Safe – Follow all door-to-door, booth, and online safety guidelines. Be Prepared for Booths – Bring cookies, money envelopes, and supplies; always have an adult present.
Communicate – Stay in touch with the council or service unit about questions, updates, and booth opportunities. Celebrate Milestones – Acknowledge every sale, first booth, or personal achievement to stay motivated.
Donate or Gift – Encourage participation in Gift of Caring or other charitable programs to share cookies with the community.
Getting Started
Preparation is key to a successful cookie season. Families and caregivers play a vital role in helping IRMs start strong, stay organized, and sell safely.
1. Attend Orientation
Join any kickoff meetings for IRMs or connect with your Service Unit.
Learn important dates, deadlines, and sales procedures.
Meet mentors and other volunteers who support IRMs.
2. Review Safety Guidelines
Door-to-door sales should always include adult supervision.
Only sell at approved locations such as council-authorized booths
Follow online safety rules: never share personal info, addresses, or passwords. Discuss what to do in emergencies or unexpected situations.
3. Set Goals
Personal goals: Number of boxes to sell, rewards to earn, or donation contributions.
Track progress: Use charts, thermometers, or checklists to make goals visible. Celebrate milestones: Recognize each achievement, even small ones.
4. Learn About the Cookies
Review cookie names, flavors, and allergen information. Understand online options and donation options (Gift of Caring).
Know what makes each cookie unique to confidently answer customer questions.
5. Practice Sales Skills
Role-play greetings, introducing the cookie program, and asking for orders politely.
Practice handling “no, thank you” gracefully.
Rehearse counting money and completing transactions.
6. Plan Family Support
Decide how adults will assist with door-to-door sales, booth setups, and online sales.
Determine pickup plans, schedules, and transportation. Encourage independence gradually while ensuring safety.
How IRMs Sell
IRMs can sell cookies through multiple methods:
Online Sales
Use Digital Cookie to reach friends and family by sharing your personal storefront link or adding them to your address book to send them marketing emails.
Supervised by a caregiver to ensure privacy and safety.
Direct Sales
Take orders from family, friends, and neighbors using your order card or door-todoor after the Initial Order period.
Collect payments responsibly and track sales.
Booth Sales
Some councils allow IRMs to participate in shared troop booths or IRMs-only booths.
Adult supervision is required.
Coordinate with IRM mentor to schedule approved booth locations in eBudde.
Donation / “Gift of Caring”
IRMs can participate in council programs that donate cookies to military, food banks, or local charities.
Hometown Heroes donations are delivered to the IRMs chosen organization/location by the IRM and their caregiver. Donations through Digital Cookie automatically count towards Virtual Troop 2 Troops and are delivered by council.
Safety and Supervision
Always sell with an adult or in a supervised group.
Only sell at approved locations.
Follow door-to-door and booth safety rules.
Use approved online platforms with adult guidance. Tip: Safety is as important as sales encourage IRMs to practice polite, professional interactions while maintaining awareness of surroundings.
Program Phases
The Cookie Program is organized into three main phases: Initial Order, Delivery/Direct Sales, and Final Reporting. Understanding these phases helps IRMs plan, track sales, and meet deadlines successfully.
Initial Order Phase
When: December through the first week of January
During this phase, IRMs collect customer orders using order cards, but do not collect payment yet. They can also start using their Digital Cookie link to reach friends and family, make phone calls, and share online.
Orders collected during this period, along with cookies needed for the first weekend of booth sales, make up the Initial Order, which is submitted by the Individually Registered Member Mentor (Advisor).
Tip: Encourage IRMs to start early and track all orders carefully this sets the foundation for a smooth delivery phase.
Delivery & Direct Sales Phase
When: January and throughout the cookie season
Once cookies arrive, IRMs begin delivering orders from the Initial Order phase. They also start direct sales to customers, which can include:
In-person selling at booths or lemonade stand-style setups
Door-to-door sales with adult supervision
Digital sales
Donation/Gift of Caring sales
Tip: Organize cookies by order, keep track of inventory, and coordinate deliveries promptly to maintain customer satisfaction
Final Reporting Phase
When: At the end of the cookie season
During this phase, Service Units submit all final documentation to the council. This ensures that:
IRMs receive any earned incentives or rewards
All cookie money is collected and turned in to the council
The program closes smoothly and transparently
Tip: Make sure all money, forms, and online reports are submitted on time to avoid delays in rewards or council reporting.
Safety Check
Show you’re a Girl Scout. Wear your Girl Scout membership pin, vest, sash, or other Girl Scout clothing to identify yourself as a Girl Scout.
Buddy up. Always use the buddy system. It’s not just safe, it’s more fun.
Partner with adults. Adults must accompany Girl Scouts when they’re taking orders, selling cookies, or delivering cookies—including cookie booths.
Plan ahead. Be prepared for emergencies, and always have a plan for safeguarding money.
Do not enter any homes or vehicles. Never enter someone’s home or vehicle when you’re selling or making deliveries. Avoid selling to people in vehicles except at designated drive-thru cookie booths.
Protect privacy. Youth members' home and email addresses should never be given to customers. They may leave their first name and SU number with a customer if they would like to call GSCNC to check their order. Also protect customers’ privacy by not sharing their information except when necessary.
Be safe on the road. Always follow safe pedestrian practices, especially when crossing at intersections or walking along roadways. Be aware of traffic when unloading products and passengers from vehicles.
Be safe online. Youth members are encouraged to utilize Digital Cookie to sell online. They can share their link with friends and family or share their QR code on their door hangers. Sharing their link in public groups like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, etc.. is strictly prohibited as it is difficult to control and can be unsafe for youth members to deliver to customers they do not know.
Meet the Cookies
Each cookie has a story and knowing the lineup helps entrepreneurs feel confident when talking to customers. Use this section to learn the names of every Little Brownie Bakers variety available this season.
Managing Inventory
Order Taking
Individually Registered Members (IRMs) can begin their sales using a paper order card to track customer information and cookie selections. This is a great way to start conversations, organize sales, and manage deliveries.
Families are not limited to a single inventory pickup. Additional cookies can be requested throughout the season simply check in with your Individually Registered Member Advisor before picking up more inventory. As cookies are sold, families should turn in funds regularly to the Advisor. Cookies are not prepaid, so payment is only collected once the cookies are delivered. The balance for all cookies is due shortly after the end of the sale; your Advisor will share the specific due dates and payment instructions.
Tip: Keep track of all payments and inventory in one place this makes reporting and final reconciliation easier.
Initial Inventory
Setting an initial inventory starts with goal setting, one of the key skills learned through the Cookie Program. The IRM, with family support, should think about what they hope to achieve through cookie earnings — such as funding activities, covering membership costs, completing service projects, or saving for awards and recognition.
Once goals are set, the IRM can determine how many boxes to order initially by: Adding up all paper order card totals
Estimating how many boxes may be needed for early booth sales
Considering potential Digital Cookie Girl Delivery orders
Combine these numbers to calculate an Initial Order. This order is entered in eBudde by the IRM’s Mentor and submitted by the Service Unit Cookie Manager (SUCM).
The Mentor will then pick up this inventory during the Delivery Phase and coordinate with the IRM’s family for cookie distribution and storage.
Note: The IRM and their family are financially responsible for all cookies ordered and received, so order carefully and plan based on realistic goals and selling capacity.
Managing Inventory
Additional Inventory
After the Initial Order period, you may find that your IRM needs more cookies to meet ongoing demand. This is where Cookie Cupboards come in. Cupboards are designated locations where adults can pick up additional cookies as needed.
If your IRM is using a Goal Getter Card, participating in Digital Cookie Girl Delivery, or hosting booth sales, they will likely need to request additional inventory. Work with your Mentor to determine how many cookies to order. Once your Mentor places the order in eBudde, a designated adult may be approved to pick up directly from the cupboard.
Tip: Request additional inventory in small, manageable amounts it’s easier to restock than to return unsold cookies.
Picking Up Inventory
Communication is key! Stay in regular contact with your Mentor throughout the program. Your Mentor will let you know when and where cookies are available for pickup. If you haven’t heard from your Individually Registered Member Advisor by the start of the sale, reach out to confirm your pickup details.
When picking up cookies:
Count every package before leaving the pickup location.
Sign a receipt and keep a copy for your records
Remember, families are financially responsible for every package signed for.
Store cookies carefully:
Keep cookies in a cool, dry place never in a garage, car, or other warm area.
Protect from pets and strong odors, including cigarette smoke and pungent foods. Handle cookies gently to prevent damage to boxes or packaging. Note: Damaged or melted cookies cannot be exchanged and must still be paid for.
Returning or Exchanging Cookies
If your IRM has extra cookies that cannot be sold, contact your Advisor as soon as possible. The Advisor may be able to transfer cookies to another troop or member who needs them If cookies cannot be transferred, the IRM’s family will remain financially responsible for the remaining inventory.
Money Matters
Managing money responsibly is an important part of the Cookie Program experience. Families play a key role in helping Individually Registered Members (IRMs) track payments, handle funds securely, and follow council financial procedures
Accepting Payments
When collecting money for cookie sales:
Count all money carefully at the time of the transaction
Only accept checks from people you know and trust.
If your Service Unit uses a Square account, you may use it to accept credit card payments at booths. Funds are automatically deposited into the Service Unit’s bank account. Checks should be made payable to your Service Unit (confirm the exact name with your IRM Advisor)
Accept only preprinted checks that include the issuer’s address. On each check, write the issuer’s phone number and driver’s license number, and include the IRM’s first name and last initial in the memo line. Avoid out-of-state checks, as they are more difficult to verify.
Cash and Counterfeit Prevention
To reduce risk when handling cash:
Do not accept $50 or $100 bills, even for large orders. This minimizes the risk of counterfeit currency
Be cautious of worn, torn, or suspicious bills.
GSCNC cannot reimburse counterfeit bills, so it’s best to limit cash risk whenever possible. Encourage customers to use credit or debit via approved platforms such as Digital Cookie or M2OS, which offer safe, convenient point-of-sale options.
Turning in Money
Turn in funds to your Individually Registered Member Advisor promptly and regularly, as instructed.
Do not hold onto money for long periods it can be misplaced or confused with personal funds.
Always get a signed receipt for every payment turned in. Keep a personal record of each payment for your own tracking.
Family Responsibility
Families are financially responsible for all funds collected during cookie sales, including any lost, stolen, or counterfeit money. Any theft should be reported to council staff as soon as possible.
Maintaining accurate records and turning in funds on schedule helps ensure a smooth and transparent program for everyone involved.
Rewards and Proceeds
Individually Registered Members have the same opportunity as troop members to develop skills and earn rewards through the Girl Scout Cookie and Fall Product Programs. While their funds are managed a little differently, IRMs can still benefit directly from their hard work and participation.
Proceeds
Base proceeds: IRMs earn $1 00 per package of cookies sold and 15% of the retail price for nut products and magazine subscriptions.
Additional proceeds: IRMs may also qualify for tiered proceeds based on their Per Girl Average (PGA) at the end of the sale. Older IRMs can opt-out of rewards to earn an additional .05 in proceeds.
Funds management: Proceeds are retained by the Service Unit for safekeeping and distribution to the IRM who earned them.
Use of Proceeds
Funds earned through product programs can be used for approved Girl Scout activities, including:
Membership renewal or Lifetime Membership
Purchases in the Girl Scout Shop (in person or online)
Registration for council or camp programs
Destination travel experiences
Silver and Gold Award projects
If an IRM later joins a troop, their earned funds may transfer to that troop. If the member leaves Girl Scouts, the funds remain with the Service Unit.
Individual Rewards
IRMs are eligible to earn individual rewards for their product sales just like troop members. However, they also have the option to opt out of physical rewards (for example, if they prefer to earn higher proceeds instead).
Because product programs are managed in eBudde, which organizes participants into troop groups, IRMs are placed in a “virtual troop” for system purposes. All IRMs in this group opt in or out together.
Service Units with a large number of IRMs may choose to create two groups one that opts in for rewards and one that opts out for additional proceeds.
Troop-Based Incentives
While IRMs may collaborate with each other at booths or events to meet safety ratio requirements, they are not eligible for troop-level incentives (such as group rewards), since they are not participating as part of a formal troop.
Resources
BetweenLittleBrownieBakers'CookieTechPortal,DigitalCookie,Rallyhood,andthe linksonourProductProgramLinkTree,therearemanyresourcesavailablefor volunteers,families,andcookieentrepreneurstoensureasuccessfulprogram.
CookieTechPortal:
YourCookieTechPortalisyouronestopshopforeverythingcookies.YoucanaccesseBuddeand theeBuddeHelpCenter
DigitalCookie:
Ifyouhaveproblemswithdigitalordersduringtheprogram,youcanreachtheDigitalService CustomerServicelineat888-791-2634.
Anyproblemswithdigitalordersaftertheprogramendsshouldbebroughttotheattentionof yourServiceUnitCookieManagerortheProductProgramTeam
Rallyhood:
Rallyhoodiswhereyou'llfindimportantforms,up-to-dateprograminformation,anda communityofothervolunteers.Tojoin,contactyourServiceUnitCookieManagerorthe ProductProgramTeam.
CouncilProductProgramTeam:
AnnaBradford|ProductProgramManager|abradford@gscnc.org
ContactAnnaforProgramrelatedquestionsorassistance,BakeryorVendorsupportorother mattersrelatedtotheCookieProgram.
JudyJohnson|SeniorProductProgramSpecialist|jjohnson@gscnc.org
ContactJudyforDigitalCookie,eBuddeassistance,addingtroops/youthmembersintoeBudde, Cupboard,ordeliveryinformation,ACHandTroopdeposits.
CherylRoberson|ProductProgramCoordinator|croberson@gscnc.org
ContactCherylforrewardsshortages,certificatesofinsurance,cookiecostumecheckoutand orderingextracookieforms
KatMichalak|ProductProgramSpecialist|kmichalak@gscnc.org
ContactKatforboothsitequestionsandinformation,videotraininginformation,andcookie promotions.
UsethisQRcodetoaccesstheProduct ProgramLinkTree.You'llfindallofour importantresourcesandforms!
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