Popcorn FAQs

Proceeds from popcorn sales benefits Scouting! If you are selling popcorn, you are selling a top-notch product and should be proud of that. We've compiled some information below that we think will be useful. 

 Trail’s End - www.trails-end.com

To access the popcorn system, go to the Trail's End website at www.trails-end.com and click on “Leaders” at the bottom of the page then “Popcorn System” in the upper right hand corner of the screen. Enter your log in information.

Note: You must change your password the first time you log in each year.

How do I get my log in information for Trails End?

By attending the Popcorn Kick-Off, you will receive a flyer with instructions and your log in information for the Trail’s End website. If you do not have your log in information or if the popcorn kernel has changed, please contact Audrey Turner at audrey.turner@scouting.org. Please make sure you have this information ahead of time to ensure that you don’t have any problems when you go to place your order.

Does the password have to change for the Trail’s End website every year?

Yes. When you log in for the first time each year you are required to change your password. When you enter last year’s information it will take you to a new screen to enter your email address twice and then change your password. Once you change your password you will receive an email from Trail’s End with a confirmation code. Once you follow the instructions in that email you will be ready to access your unit’s popcorn page.

How do I order product and prizes for my unit?

Log in to your Trail’s End account at www.trails-end.com. Click on the unit where you want to place the order. Then click on “Orders” at the top of the page, then the category you wish to order (Show-N-Sell, Take Order Sale, or Unit Prize Order). If you are placing a product order, fill in the quantities of each product in cases and containers that you need. Once you have reviewed, and are ready to place your order you will click “Submit to Council” at the bottom of the screen. You will receive a confirmation email detailing your order from Trail’s End. If you do not receive this confirmation, please contact Audrey Turner audrey.turner@scouting.org.

Do we have to place our unit’s order online?

Yes, all orders must be submitted online. If you do not have access to a computer, we have two computers available for use at the Scout Office or you can contact your District Executive for more assistance.

How do my Scouts receive credit from their Show-N-Sell sales?

In order for Scouts' Show-N-Sell sales to show towards their prize total in the popcorn system, you must first input your Scouts in the system. You can do this in your unit’s Trail’s End account by clicking “Scouts” at the top of the page, and “Edit Scouts” at the bottom of the page, to add new Scouts.

Note: If you place a “Unit Prize Order” you do not have to have your Scouts entered into the system. It is up to the popcorn kernel to keep track of their Scouts sales.

Can my Scouts enter their own orders?

Yes, Scouts can enter their product and prize order by creating an account under the “Scouts” tab at www.trails-end.com.

However, the popcorn kernel must still go in and approve Scout orders and actually submit the full order to the Council.

How do I approve Scout orders?

You can not place your unit order until you have approved Scout orders. To approve Scout orders you have to click “Scouts” at the top of the page then “Order Form” on the right hand side of each Scout. You then will be able to check a box to approve the order. When you go to place your final order it will tell you at the bottom of the screen in red if you still have Scout orders to approve.

You can place your prize order at any time after you place your order for the Take Order Sale up until December 14th.

Online Ordering

You can order product online at www.trails-end.com. 

What are Online Order Sales?

Online order sales are another aspect of the fall product sale. It allows family and friends from out of town to support your unit without the Scouts or parents shipping items across the country. When items are purchased online the consumer can choose who they would like to support and the items they purchase will be shipped directly to their door.

How do I access the online ordering system?

To access the online ordering system, go www.trails-end.com . Click on “Leaders” at the bottom of the page then click “View Online Sales” in the upper right hand corner of the screen. If this is your first time participating in online sales you must create an account. The first box you have to fill in is for your “Validation Code”. The Validation Code is “popcorn”.  Also when you enter your unit number it must be entered with 4 digits. For example: Pack 56 would be entered as Pack 0056.

How will our unit get credit for sales made directly online?

To ensure that the proper unit gets credit, the Scout has to create an account for online sales which will give them a code to give to their friends and relatives. Also when Scouts send out emails through their account it provides a link that when used will link the sale to that Scout. When someone goes to purchase product they will be prompted to enter and id for a Scout and they can also search for a their Scout by name.

How do Scouts create an account online?

For each Scout to receive credit for his online sales he must create an account online. To do this he or his parent will need to go to www.trails-end.com and click "Scouts" at the bottom of the page. Then click "Create an account" in the upper right hand corner of the page. Fill in the blanks making sure your unit number is entered as a four digit number. Once you have your account you can send out emails to your friends and family and you will get credit when they click on the link in the email or you can give them your online Scout ID which is located on your "My Profile" page under your name.

How much commission does the unit receive for online sales?

The unit will receive the same commission for online sales as they do for the traditional sale. Units will have that commission until December 14th then it will drop to a flat 30% commission. Online sales also count towards the boy's prizes if your unit has chosen to use the Trail's End prize program.

Why is the product more expensive on the online ordering system?

The main goal of the online program is to increase the return back to Scouting.  Therefore the products offered will be middle or higher pricing levels, rather than the lower levels.  They will also be changing the products periodically. Products offered are either a different product or a combination of some of the same items offered by Councils.  The pricing is mainly determined by analyzing Councils’ pricing structure on the order forms and making sure that none online are less than the highest Council’s pricing.  Make sense?  Since the products are shipped in different sized boxes rather than case quantities like Councils purchase, the additional packaging plays some role in the difference in price as well.  The great thing is that Scouts and Units are having much success with this program, mainly because consumers want to support Scouting and the Scout regardless of the product mix.  When asked, the consumer knows whether they will buy or not.

For more assistance in selling popcorn to benefit Scouting, contact the Council's Director of Development Mike Kiel at 901-327-4193 or mike.kiel@scouting.org.