After nearly 100 years, Girl Scouts for the first time will be able to sell their famous cookies online. Starting in January, a new platform, "Digital Cookie," will allow Girl Scouts to sell cookies via a mobile app or a personal website.
On its website, Girl Scouts of the USA said that, far from abandoning door-to-door or sales from booths outside retailers, Digital Cookie "expands and enhances girls' experience by giving them a fun new way to learn 21st century skills while providing another channel through which to sell cookies."
In particular, digital selling provides hands-on experience with online marketing, app use, website customization and e-commerce.
Overall, the digital component "strengthens" the five essential life skills Girl Scouts gain from the legendary cookie selling program: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.
Sarah Angel-Johnson, who directs the digital cookie effort, told the New York Times, "Girls across the country now can use modern tools to expand the size and scope of their cookie business and learn vital entrepreneurial lessons in online marketing, application use and e-commerce."
Under the Digital Cookie platform, Girl Scouts invite customers to visit their personalized cookie websites via e-mail. Videos are encouraged as part of the selling process. Buyers have their order processed, paid for and confirmed at point of sale. Credit card payments are available for the first time. Also a first, shipments can be made directly to customers. Buyers still have an option for delivery from a Girl Scout.
In another digital option, in-person orders can now be taken using a mobile app. The new service is expected to increase what's estimated to be the nearly $800 million in annual cookie sales.
The change came after numerous requests over the years and was partly delayed due to concerns over creating a "fair and equitable" way for girls to compete without parental meddling. Some parents have set up illegal e-commerce websites for their children. The widespread practice of having parents bringing order forms to work is also frowned upon.
Safety from cyber-bullying, predators and other web dangers was the other delay. Each Scout's parent or guardian approves everything on a girl's web page. While she feels adequate enough protections are in place, Krista Hicks, a parent of one girl scout from Mechanicsville, VA, told the Portland Press Herald she believes the experience still "gives them more education and chances for thought about what the dangers that are out there."
- Digital Cookie is Here! - Girl Scouts of the USA
- Girl Scouts add digital to usual recipe for cookie sales - Associated Press
- Girl Scout Leaders to Parents: Stop Selling Cookies - New York Times
- Girl Scouts may now sell cookies online and ship them directly to your face - Washington Post
- Online Sales for Girl Scout Cookies Are Approved - New York Times
- Will online cookie sales put Girl Scouts at risk? - Portland Press Herald