The direct sale period is also sometimes known as the “cookie booth” period or “cookies-in-hand” period. All of these refer to the period of time that Girl Scouts use to sell cookies directly from their inventory, rather than ahead of time using an order card. Girls can also continue to sell digitally during the Direct Sale period.
The most popular in-hand selling method is Cookie Booths, but there are plenty of other ways to sell cookies such as Drive-Thrus, walkabouts, Milk and Cookies breaks, etc. Learn more below.
Inventory Management
If you ordered extra cookies during Initial Order, those cookies are now part of your troop’s inventory. They can be used to fill extra orders from Girl Scouts, taken to cookie booths, walkabouts, drive-thrus, etc. If you run out of inventory, you can replenish by placing an order through a local Cookie Cupboard.
Remember that all troop inventory is the financial responsibility of the troop. It will not be returned or refunded at the end of the program if it is not sold. You can exchange cookies between troops. Cookie booths and sales to the public are no longer permitted after the end of the program season on March 30, 2026.
If a troop still has inventory after March 30th, sales may happen only to friends and family.
Troops may also elect to donate their left-over inventory to charities of their choice if they cannot sell any longer.
Direct Sale - eBudde
During the Direct Sale period, you will utilize eBudde for:
- Signing Up for Cookie Booths
- Recording Booth Sales
- Adding Girl Orders
- Placing Cookie Cupboard Orders & Cookie Exchanges
Signing Up for Cookie Booths:
Go to the “Booth Sales” tab.
Select the city and location you would like to participate in. Then, click on the location you’re interested in and a list of booth time slots will appear. If the booth slots are GREEN, they are available. If they are GRAY, they are unavailable.
To reserve a timeslot, click on the window of time you would like, then click into the empty box next to the time you would like to sign up for. Click “Submit” in the upper right hand corner, then “OK” in the dialogue box that pops up. Your reservation should be listed in the Booth Sales screen if it is confirmed.
Tutorial Video:
If you can no longer attend a booth, you must release it in eBudde. You can do this using the schedule on your Troop Dashboard or from the Booth Sites tab. This will allow another troop to reserve the slot.
Recording Booth Sales:
Go to the “Booth Sales” tab. OR the “booths” on the eBudde app.
Using the list of booths scheduled on the Booth Sales tab, select the Record Sales button for the booth you would like to record sales for – the name will be displayed after the approved time of the booth has passed. It will show in gray. This will open the “Booth Sale Recorder” screen.
Enter the number of packages sold by variety at the booth, any number of Gift of Caring packages sold, and credit card payments made with the troop site link in dollars, during the booth sale. Check the values are correct and click the “ok” button and then “save.”
Click the checkboxes next to each girl who attended the booth.
At the top, enter the quantities sold of each variety. Then, click the “DISTRIBUTE” button to have the quantities distributed equally among the participating girls. (eBudde does it’s best to equally distribute the cookies sold to all girls who participated).
You can also enter these manually for each girl if you choose. Just remember to save your changes.
Click Submit Sale. The Girl Orders tab will automatically be updated once you submit.
Once you’ve completed a booth sale record, it will show up on each girl’s individual record on your troop’s Girl Orders tab. Although the record will be locked for changes, you can add additional transactions if corrections need to be made on the “Girl Orders” tab for individual girls or do so in the “booth sale recorder.”
Tutorial Video:
You can use the eBudde Booth Recorder in the eBudde app to record your sales on the go and eBudde website too! eBudde knows if you’ve already allocated cookies for a booth so you don’t duplicate a booth sale record.
Adding Girl Orders:
After the initial order, you may need to add additional orders for girls.
Go to the “Girl Orders” tab and select the girl’s name.
Click “Add Trans.”. A row of editable fields will appear at the bottom of the screen. Enter the amount in packages for each variety.
Click “OK”, then “Save” to complete the transaction.
Tutorial Video:
Placing A Cookie Cupboard Order:
Pending Orders should be submitted by a Troop eBudde user. The pickup person will need their eBudde login information with them when they arrive at the Cookie Cupboard.
Go to the “Transactions” tab. Then select “Add”.
Select “Normal” or “Booth”, depending on what you plan to use the cookies for. (Normal cookies are just placed into your cookie inventory to fulfill extra orders or other non-booth related orders).
Select the cupboard you would like to pick up at, and the date and time you would like to pick up.
Enter the number of cookies you need in packages and/or cases.
Click “Save”, then “OK”. The order will appear as “Pending” until it is picked up at the Cupboard and released to the troop to confirm.
Tutorial Video:
Using eBudde to Pickup Your Cookie Cupboard Order:
A registered cookie pick-up person must pickup cookies from a Cupboard after a pending order is placed in eBudde by the TCC.
You can have more than one pickup person in your troop. Troop Cookie Champion is automatically made a registered pickup person. You can identify other trusted troop volunteers in your troop as “Cookie Pick-Up Only” users by completing the Troop Pickup Only User Request form online with the volunteer’s name, their actively used email address and your troop number.
Please allow at least 2 business day for staff to complete this addition. The new user will receive an email to set up their eBudde account and they can then download and use the eBudde app at pickups.
When you arrive at the Cupboard, you will need to have eBudde open, or have the app ready to go with your eBudde login information. Ensure you have it with you, saved in your phone, or memorized. Confirm your troop’s pickup after the Cupboard Champion has released it to your troop on the cupboard side.
Having the eBudde App downloaded on your phone will make pickup easy.
You’ll need to confirm your order in eBudde when picking up, so have the app or website up, ready to go when you arrive at your scheduled cupboard pickup time.
Tutorial Video:
Confirming Your Troop Pickup Order in eBudde:
In the App:
1. Open the app, scroll to the bottom, and select “Cookies”.
2. Then select the “Troop Transactions/Pending Orders” row.
3. After the cupboard staff/volunteer has released your order on their end, you should be able to toggle to the “Ready for Pickup” section in the “View By:” options.
4. From the list of your released orders, tap on the order you’re picking up and tap the “Confirm” button.
*Make sure to double count with the cupboard champion/staff before confirming your order!
On the eBudde website:
1. Log into the eBudde website.
2. Click on the “Txn Pickups” tab.
3. Find the row of the correct released cookie pickup order and tap the “Confirm” button.
*Make sure to double count with the cupboard champion/staff before confirming your order!
Troop-to-Troop Cookie Exchanges:
Troops can exchange cookies between them using the eBudde Cookie Exchange function. On the “Cookie Exch.” tab, you can see what cookies other troops have available in excess inventory or you can post the cookies you have available in excess inventory. Remember that just because you post your excess cookies here, doesn’t mean you will be able to get rid of them, so we suggest a backup plan to reduce your inventory at the end of the sale.
When you exchange cookies, you must manually update your inventory in eBudde using a transaction.
- Go to the “Transactions” tab. Select “Add”.
- Ensure “Troop” is selected, not “Cupboard”.
- Select “Normal” or “Booth”, depending on what you plan to use the cookies for.
- Enter the Troop Number, and the date/time of the exchange.
- In the Cookie Order, indicate if you are adding or removing product. Then add the number of packages or cases exchanged.
- Select “Save”, then “OK”.
**ONLY the troop giving the cookies away in the exchange needs to input a transaction for the exchange.
Remember that inventory is the troop’s responsibility throughout the program.
Tutorial Video:
Distributing Girl Delivery Orders in eBudde – After the IO
You may recall from training, that after the IO period ends, Digital Cookie Orders for Girl Delivery ONLY sends the order number and payment to eBudde. So to off-set those “negative” payments, the TCC must allocate the cookie packages sold from the troop’s inventory to the girls who sold “DLVR” packages.
We have created the following two videos to help with this process. There are two simple options to find this information in eBudde.
- Using a Troop Report Tab
- Using the Girl Orders Tab
If a troop contacts a Cupboard Champion about damages they found in their order after a scheduled cupboard pickup, the Cupboard Champion should request for the damaged cookie package(s) to be brought back to the cupboard for replacement for the exact same variety and quantity.
The Cupboard Champion can then damage out the cookies from their cupboard stock.
Caregiver Package Issues:
- If a family opens a box of cookies to find there were incorrectly packaged cookies or another issue with the package themselves– they may contact their troop to report the issue or the SU level to report the issue. The SU should then replace their damaged cookies with a good one from the closes Cookie Cupboard and the SU can then damage out the cookie package(s) from their Cookie Cupboard.
Digital Cookie Issues & Customer Issues:
- If a Digital Cookie customer has received girl-delivery packages that were damaged during delivery, they can contact GSCB to receive an exchange of the cookies they ordered and we will replace it if they return the damaged packaging to us directly.
- If a Digital Cookie customer has received shipped packages that were damaged during shipment, they can use GSUSA’s Digital Cookie help email, using the form online here. There’s a drop-down box where they can select “damaged product” and fill out the form to receive a brand-new shipment.
- Damaged cookies cannot be exchanged for another variety of cookie.
- If a customer wishes to submit a flavor complaint or cookie-specific complaint, they may do so by contacting Little Brownie directly on their website or by calling the phone number that is found on every package of cookies.
Booth Sleuths are a position filled by an adult volunteer who is willing to visit Cookie Booths throughout the Service Unit and talk to girls about cookies, their booth, a knowledge “quiz”, and/or plans for their cookie proceeds.
- Service Unit’s are provided a limited quantity of patches for Booth Sleuths to hand out to girls at booths. For 2026, the “Super” patch will be utilized. Patches are limited for 2026 and will be given to the SU Cookie Champion.
- Booth Sleuths should be familiar with Cookie Booths so they can engage the girls in conversation.
- Once the Booth Sleuth has finished their brief conversation with the girls, they should hand patches to the adult volunteer(s) or to the girls for a job well done.
- Booth Sleuths may visit one or more booths any given booth day, so they’ll need to work with their Booth Coordinator to find out where to go or use the booth finder.
- Booth Sleuths should visit different troops in their SU each year and time they go out looking for booths. They should not limit patches to certain troops or the same troops each year.
- Booth Sleuthing is about the girls and getting them to work on their communication and People Skills.
Booth Sleuths Should:
- Engage with girls to start a conversation about the cookie program or test their knowledge.
- Ask girls questions about the cookie program such as what they would like to do with their proceeds earned.
- Talk with girls about some fun cookie program trivia.
- Be respectful to the troop volunteers, girls and customers.
Booth Sleuths are NOT:
- For critiquing the troop’s booth setup.
- To question the troop’s compliance with booth guidelines or traditional booth setup.
- For yelling or arguing with troop volunteers present.
If there is an issue the Booth Sleuth would like to talk to troop about, they should NOT do it at the booth. The Booth Sleuth should talk to the troop volunteers at a later time, and be kind!
If a booth rule or etiquette is being broken, the Booth Sleuth should not reprimand, yell or argue with the volunteer at the booth – especially NOT in front of the other troop members, GIRLS, or customers.
Once the booth has ended, and at an appropriate time away from girls, the booth sleuth should bring up the issue with the troop volunteers at that particular booth and make it a learning opportunity. It should NOT be a scolding, argument or complaint.
Important Note from Council about Failed Payments
GSCB will not take ownership or liability for any sales that were not completed correctly so please be careful to complete payments fully before the customer walks away with their cookies.
Validate Payments before Handing Cookies to Customers
Troops/caregivers/volunteers should ALWAYS allow the customer’s payment to be completed before moving on to another customer or allowing them to walk away. Hold on to the bag/cookies until the payment is finished.
There are times when WIFI is not as reliable in some areas, if you own a personal hotspot or can make sure, you’re connected to WIFI before beginning your booth, you may want to just double check.
Even if you have a line of customers, we understand that using the Digital Cookie “in-hand” option can be time-consuming, but it’s better for your troop to make sure the payments go through fully before moving on to the next customer.
Helpful Hint to Avoid Payment Issues or Long Lines:
One thing that can minimize long lines at your booths throughout the season is to make sure your Troop Link site is set up and ready to go well before the booth season begins and that all caregivers supporting your booths have the app downloaded to their phone and have their account set up too. Having more than one adult available to take credit card payments is SUPER helpful at booths.
Although you will not be timed out during a single booth, staying on top of keeping the app open and ready to go is another way to keep on top of long lines at your booth and maximizing your payment capabilities.
Digital Cookie Payments
With the improvements made to Digital Cookie app including the creation of the Troop Link account, members who have downloaded the Digital Cookie app and set up their account on their mobile device prior to booth season can take credit cards for in-hand purchases of cookies at cookie booths for the troop.
GSCB highly suggests using Digital Cookie to take payments for in-hand orders at cookie booths and throughout the cookie program using the Troop Link Account rather than a girl’s individual account. Digital Cookie also connects directly to eBudde to collect payments and order numbers so you can see the details on the Girl Orders tab.
Creating the Troop Link account for ease of access for any troop volunteers at booths to use, and to record cookie booth sales in eBudde faster and easier.
Troop leaders who do not have a Girl Scout in their troop can also take payments in Digital Cookie on behalf of the troop using the troop link. Payments made through the app will track in both Digital Cookie and eBudde – both for individual girl accounts and the troop link.
Digital Cookie Payment Option Additions to Website and App
- GSUSA has added Venmo and PayPal payment options to the web and app version of Digital Cookie.
- Please note that these are NOT a peer-to-peer payments as the customer is paying GSUSA’s third party company that processes payments NOT your troop directly.
Consideration if Using In Person Sales at Booths to allow Customers to pay with their Venmo/PayPal account:
- Troops should ALWAYS validate the payment has been completed before moving on to another customer or allowing them to walk away. Hold on to the bag/cookies.
- GSCB will not take ownership or liability for any sales that were not completed appropriately or correctly so please be INCREDIBLY careful about completing the process appropriately if you opt to use this to sell at booths.
Other Payments at Booths
GSCB suggests not taking checks at cookie booths as it’s extremely difficult to track down customers with checks that may bounce when deposited. If your troop chooses to accept check payments, be sure to ask the customer for their driver’s license number and a phone number to be written on the check.
If you will accept checks, you should fill out the Global Check Recovery form and turn it in to your bank proactively. Do not wait to fill out this form after you receive a bad check as you will not be covered or supported by Global Check Recovery.
If you absolutely must take a check from someone your troop trusts, it should always be made out to the troop and deposited as soon as possible.
NOTE: Troops may only use approved peer to peer payment apps to receive money from caregivers and to transfer money to Service Units or other Troop accounts. Approved peer to peer payment apps are as follows:
Venmo, Cash App, Facebook Payments, Apple Pay
Direct Sale - Digital Cookie
Girl Scouts can continue using Digital Cookie to sell cookies throughout the Direct Sale period. You may also find it useful to use your Troop Links during Virtual or In-Person Cookie Booths. When girls or the troop receive an In-Person Delivery order via Digital Cookie during Direct Sale, those orders should be filled from your cookie inventory.
Caregivers can turn off In-Person Delivery option anytime for their Girl Scouts and the Troop Cookie Champion can turn off In-Person Delivery for the troop link, if necessary.
See tipsheets below to help support girls, caregivers and customers.
Troop Volunteers can see the packages sold in the Troop Link, and in a Girl’s individual account a few different ways:
1. In eBudde, go to the “Reports” tab, scroll to the “DOC Reports” section and pull a “Girl Delivery – Varieties Only -By Girl” report OR “All DOC Orders” report. These will show the troop volunteer all the girl orders by package – be sure NOT to enter any of the Initial Order packages as they’ve already been added in the “Initial Order” row of the girl orders tab for each girl.
2. In eBudde, go to the “Girl Orders” tab, and click on a girl’s account to open her orders. Change the right side drop-down box from “All Orders” to “Girl Del. (after IO)” to see all her orders by package count.
3. In digital cookie troop account, pull a report of your troop’s sales to review the packages sold by girl for distribution in eBudde.
With the improvements made to Digital Cookie app including the creation of the Troop Link account, members who have downloaded the Digital Cookie app and set up their account on their mobile device prior to booth season can take credit cards for in-hand purchases of cookies at cookie booths for the troop.
GSCB highly suggests using Digital Cookie to take payments for in-hand orders at cookie booths and throughout the cookie program using the Troop Link Account rather than a girl’s individual account. Digital Cookie also connects directly to eBudde to collect payments and order numbers so you can see the details on the Girl Orders tab.
Creating the Troop Link account for ease of access for any troop volunteers at booths to use, and to record cookie booth sales in eBudde faster and easier.
Troop leaders who do not have a Girl Scout in their troop can also take payments in Digital Cookie on behalf of the troop using the troop link. Payments made through the app will track in both Digital Cookie and eBudde – both for individual girl accounts and the troop link.
Digital Cookie Payment Option Additions to Website and App
GSUSA has added Venmo and PayPal payment options to the web and app version of Digital Cookie.
Please note that these are NOT a peer-to-peer payments as the customer is paying GSUSA’s third party company that processes payments NOT your troop directly.
Consideration if Using In Person Sales at Booths to allow Customers to pay with their Venmo/PayPal account:
Troops should ALWAYS validate the payment has been completed before moving on to another customer or allowing them to walk away. Hold on to the bag/cookies.
GSCB will not take ownership or liability for any sales that were not completed appropriately or correctly so please be INCREDIBLY careful about completing the process appropriately if you opt to use this to sell at booths.
Digital Cookie Tipsheets
DC Tip Sheet Index (One Sheeter) for Caregivers/Girls
Caregiver Order Received (Shipped)
Troop Virtual Booth Links Video:
Digital Cookie Troop Site Payments Video:
eBudde Booth Sale Recorder Video:
Direct Sale Selling Options
Traditional Cookie Booth
Traditional booths are scheduled and managed by the Service Unit Booth Champion. Many SUs hold a booth lottery for troops to sign up for local booths, so be sure you are aware of your SUs process. On the day of the booth, your troop sets up the booth at a high-traffic community business or other location within the Service Unit boundaries.
In most cases, your troop will be responsible for providing tables, chairs, signage, etc. Be sure to follow the location’s rules about signage and setup.
Cookie Booths and sales end March 8, 2026.
Cookie Booths after March 15, 2026 may occur. However, clean-up period booths must still be scheduled with the SU Booth Champion and should follow all cookie booth rules, etiquette and regulations.
After March 15, 2026, troops cannot withdraw additional cookies from any cupboard. This is an opportunity for troops to focus on selling their existing cookie inventory.
No public cookie sales are allowed after March 30, 2026. After this date, any remaining cookies may only be sold to friends and family.
Council-Sponsored Booth
These booths are setup by GSCB. All booths will open up on January 30th at 8 pm, including Service Unit entered booth slots and Council-Sponsored booths. Be ready when they open – booth locations are claimed quickly.
Troops may choose up to 3 booth slots per Business Name (not address location) at this time, through February 4th at 8 AM.
At 8:01 AM on February 4th, troops may continue to select any additional booth slots that are available in eBudde.
Council-sponsored booths may be setup in shopping malls, Walmart stores, etc. In some cases, your troop may need to provide tables, chairs, signage, etc. Be sure to review the Notes section and any attachments needed to participate.
Cookie Stand
Girl Scouts can now work with their caregiver to host a Cookie Stand! A Cookie Stand is similar to a lemonade stand. Girls from one household, with their caregiver, may participate in a Cookie Stand on their own property.
The caregiver is responsible for the cookies they sign out from the troop, and since they are supervising their own Girl Scout(s), membership and background checks are not required. Cookie Stands allow girls to have the booth experience without extra requirements of caregivers.
Cookie Stands are not permitted to be submitted in eBudde as a booth to be found on Booth Finder.
Milk & Cookies Break
Milk and Cookies breaks are sales purchased by an employer, in bulk, for their employees. Cookie booths or sales pitches may also be set up at places of employment, with permission, to promote additional cookie sales.
Troops should inform the Service Unit Booth Coordinator of these cookie booths at all times. If booths are outside of the SU jurisdiction, GSCB Product Program team may need to be informed so they can notify the Booth Coordinator for that location.
Virtual Cookie Booth
Set up a Facebook Live session, a recorded sales pitch, a password-protected Zoom session, or a YouTube video where girls present their cookie booth to online customers.
Tips:
All online activity should be hosted via a private account for families or by a trusted volunteer for girl safety.
Instead of using girls individual links, you can utilize your troop’s Digital Cookie Troop Link to make taking virtual orders easy. Use this tipsheet on Troop Links for assistance.
Girl’s full names should NEVER be used and under no circumstances should the girl’s booth “location” be shared.
Cookie Drive-Thru
Some locations may be willing to rent out a drive-thru for cars, but you can also create a drive-thru in locations with large parking lots using pop-up tents (bring your own weights to keep it grounded for safety!), posters, cones, ribbons and appropriate signage. With specific safety steps in place, it can be a lucrative booth for your troop!
Tips:
- Girls should maintain 6 feet of distance between themselves and vehicles for safety.
- Encourage drivers to drive slowly. Ensure an adult is directing traffic and not a girl.
- Have signs for girls to handle and volunteers take payments from the customers using Digital Cookie troop link.
- Make sure it’s easily noticeable how a car should drive up, have cones or signs and keep the girls a safe distance away.
- Drive Thru Booths may not be safe for younger girl troops, so be cognizant of having enough adult supervision and consider requiring each girl have their caregiver present to take care of their own child.
- GSCB recommends that you do not have more than three (3) girls plus adults at a drive thru booth for safety and security reasons. Switch girls out as time permits.
Start with “Enter Here” Sign
Next, a “Stop Here to Order” Sign for order taking
Thirdly, if needed, a “Pay Here” sign
Last, a spot for “Pickup Cookies” Sign
Follow all GSCB/GSUSA rules and regulations as they apply to both the Cookie Program and Cookie Boothing!
Check out this video on hosting a Drive-Thru:
Walkabout
Walkabouts are portable Cookie Booths. Girls fill up wagons, sleds, etc. with the assistance of a buddy and adult(s) to canvas the place where they live (and not outside their own neighborhood, their apartment complex, their family’s senior citizen facility.
If you will be visiting a private business or building, you must get permission ahead of time.
Girls should not conduct walkabouts in locations where they do not reside. For example, in public locations such as strip-malls or other places where traditional cookie booths would take place.
Direct Sale FAQs
Cookie Booths are set up by the SU Booth Champion and GSCB only. If your troop has an idea for a Cookie Booth, be sure to check with your SU Booth Champion and have them work with you and the location to set up that booth. This ensures the booth isn’t already set up in your Service Unit, and if it’s in another Service Unit’s boundaries, that the appropriate approval is met. If a booth is being requested outside the SU boundaries, the Service Unit Booth Champion needs to contact GSCB Product Program team to work as a liaison between the SUBC’s so the booth can be secured fairly.
Booths set up in public must be scheduled and registered in eBudde.
Unacceptable Booth Locations
Cookie Booths may only be setup by the SU Booth Champion, but there are unacceptable booth locations that are not permitted by GSUSA and GSCB including businesses that include the following words or invoke such products/items:
- Liquor
- Beer
- Dispensary
- Gun(s)
- Rifle
- Pistol
- Gun(s) Show/Range/Club
- “Residence” (i.e. a personal household or place of residence)
- Home address (i.e. personal household or place of residence)
Cookie Booths should be set up at locations that girls themselves would be able to be a patron and stay true to the Girl Scout Brand Values such as leadership and inclusion.
Be sure to consider the booth’s location (how busy it is), your time slot, the weather and other factors when planning the number of cookies you’ll need for your booth(s). All booths are different and although you want to be prepared, you will also want to be mindful of your selection of cookies. These are suggested numbers by booth times and variety averages only – not required amounts. Again, every booth is different! If this is your first time, try reaching out to other volunteers in your SU who have done a booth at that location before – they may have some advice!
Ways to Keep Warm at Cookie Booths
Tried and true ways to keep warm at cookie booths in freezing temps include:
- Standing on cardboard – it actually works!
- Electric (re-chargeable or “hot-hands”) hand warmers – some can even be put into shoes.
- Electric Warming Clothing (hats, vests, socks, gloves etc.).
- Long-lasting warm/cold Thermos/travel mugs/cups (filled with your favorite hot chocolate/coffee/tea/water etc.).
- Dress in layers (tops/bottoms/socks too) or snow-ready clothing – the more, the better!
- MOVE! Don’t stand still, movement gets the blood pumping and keeps you warm.
- Switching out girls/volunteers more often during booth slots can help – just make sure you’re meeting girl/adult minimums at all booths as required by GSCB’s booth rules/regulations.
We just ask that you please leave your blankets at home!
Prohibition of Space Heaters at Cookie Booths
At Girl Scout cookie booths, safety and compliance with local regulations are of the highest priority. For this reason, the use of space heaters of any type is strictly prohibited at cookie booth locations.
Space heaters—whether electric, propane, kerosene, or butane—pose significant fire and safety hazards in temporary and high-traffic retail settings. Cookie booths are typically staffed by youth and adult volunteers who may be operating in close quarters and around materials (such as cardboard boxes, signage, and merchandise) that are easily combustible. Introducing external heating equipment increases the risk of:
- Fire hazards due to overheating, electrical malfunctions, or accidental contact with flammable materials.
- Burn injuries to volunteers, caregivers, and customers, especially in crowded spaces.
- Trip and fall hazards from cords or equipment in walkways.
- Violation of local fire codes and ordinances, which often prohibit portable heaters in temporary public sales settings without special permits or supervision.
For these reasons, and to maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all participants and visitors, space heaters may not be used at cookie booth sites under any circumstances.
Prioritizing health and safety ensure that Girl Scouts can focus on building confidence, learning business skills, and delivering a positive customer experience without unnecessary risk.
Cookie Booth Rules and Etiquette
Cookie Booths are Girl Scouts’ opportunity to SHINE in their community! Smile, be polite, have fun and demonstrate what it means to be a Girl Scout.
Booth Setup & Breakdown Rules –
-
Troops leaving a time slot should start closing their booth approximately 5-10 minutes before the incoming troop starts their time slot.
-
The incoming troop should be permitted to start selling as soon as their time slot starts and no more sales from the outgoing troop should be made.
To help us all SHINE, here are some guidelines for cookie booths:
- Girls must be present. The minimum is 1 girl and 2 unrelated adults (one of the two adults must be background checked and a registered member of GSCB.). No tag-a-long family members or siblings.
- Bring your booth confirmation printed from eBudde and ensure you arrive and leave on time.
- Dress for winter weather. You can always show your Girl Scout pride by wearing your uniform over your jacket/coat, or by wearing Girl Scout pins or other insignia.
- Use your manners – Smile and say please and thank you!
- Keep track of your inventory – Count packages before and after to verify.
- Come prepared with cash – Do not ask the business you are at or near for change.
- Come with all necessary supplies including cash box, counterfeit money checking pen, pens, Digital Cookie app for Cookies-In-Hand transactions, eBudde Booth Recorder app, posters to tell your troop story, etc.
- Do not eat or drink at the booth, if possible.
- Keep your booth area clean and pick up all empty boxes/cases.
- Follow any store guidelines – they are allowing us to be part of their business!
- Don’t be a NO SHOW – If you can’t attend, please release it in eBudde.
Cookie booths and all sales end March 15, 2026. See guidelines above for booths and cookie sales after this date.
GSCB Three Strikes Policy
GSCB enforces a Three Strikes Policy regarding booth conduct.
If a troop is reported for failing to follow the GSCB/GSUSA Program, Booth Rules and Regulations and a third infraction is confirmed, the troop’s future booth privileges and/or participation may be limited or revoked.
It is the responsibility of the Troop Cookie Champion and Troop Leadership to ensure that all caregivers and booth volunteers are fully trained in booth procedures and expectations, and their Girl Scouts are properly educated in the same rules, regulations and include Booth Etiquette.
Thank you for your cooperation in supporting a positive, consistent, and compliant cookie program experience for everyone involved.
