I don't like these kinds of fundraisers. The price on the products is inflated as the companies that make the product are still looking to make a profit above the amount that is given to the fundraising group. In a sense, those companies are using child labor in their sales as a way to push a product that people would otherwise not buy (certainly not at that price). It reminds me of the beggar groups that used (and use) children (sometimes intentionally handicapping them) to gain sympathy. Meanwhile, the prizes that they flash in front of the kids are overemphasized and not nearly worth what the kids have to sell.
I also do not like losing several hours of my weekend every week for this. It's just one other drain on a resource that seems to be slipping away all too quickly these days. On top of that, I'm terrified of mismanaging something. This fear is magnified by the fact that I am the only adult there during these times. Last year, the boys would team up with another boy or two, and thus another parent was also present. Having too many boys out there was an issue, so they limited it to only two boys a shift this year. I agree with the idea, but it does leave me alone--and sometimes forgetting to tally sales.
However, this experience is really good for the boys. It teaches them the importance of perseverance as well as how to read people's mood and body language. It gives them a better understanding of money and its value. It shows them that work often involves standing and being pleasant for long periods of time even when you don't want to. For my boys, it also helps them learn to work together. Most importantly, it gets them out in public and talking with people from all walks of life.
Right now, I think that the benefits outweigh my concerns. Thus we will probably be out there each week. ... I'll probably be getting some the overpriced stuff too. At least it tastes good.