Bagger Contest Rules

[Click here for Bagger Entry Form]
To submit form, simply print out, fill in and mail to:
RI Food Dealers Association
450 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Building 8
East Providence, Rhode Island 02914-5300

How to Hold Your Own Best Bagger Contest and become a part of one of the food industry’s most exciting events!

Running Your Own Contest
Whether you are a retailer, wholesaler, or state association executive, the National Grocers Association’s Best Bagger Program can offer your company some outstanding benefits. From building morale to enhancing your relationship with your customers and members, to encouraging outstanding customer service, holding a Best Bagger contest at the local level is a great move. So how do you do it? While it may seem like a formidable task, it is actually a fun and rewarding project. Take a look at the tips below, which will help you begin planning your contest. If you would like more specific information, like score sheets, a sample list of products and a schematic for setting up your check stands, just call NGA today and ask for the "Best Bagger" Coordinator, at 703-516-0700. A more detailed manual can be forwarded to you.

 1. Select Your Site
Choose a location for your contest where there is ample space for the equipment, contestants, timers, judges and observers. In addition, the contest should be easily visible to the observers watching the competition. One of the goals of the bagging contest is to improve morale for all employees, not just the baggers.

2. Contest Time Line
A key element in planning a successful competition is allowing enough time for both preparation and execution.

A sample time schedule might be:

Before the Event

Two to three months prior — Announce the competition. Included in the announcement should be the rules, the criteria for judging and an entry form so companies/stores can run internal competitions. Six weeks prior — Send announcements to the press. Contact local papers, radio and TV stations, and community bulletin boards — you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the response. This is a great opportunity to get exposure for your company, a real “All-American Event!” Sample press releases are available from NGA Call us to receive one. One month prior— Place announcements in your store(s) to alert customers and employees; remind press and other media of the event. One-week prior — Send rules and judging instructions to judges.

The Day of the Event

Two hours prior — Brief judges and timers on procedures. Check all equipment (scales, clock, stop watches, calculators, PA system) to make sure everything is in working order. Give a description of duties to the timers along with a schematic of how groceries should be arranged on the check stands. While the contestants are being briefed, have the timers arrange the groceries on the check stands. Everything must be identical! One-hour prior — Assemble all contestants and go over contest procedures with them. Remember, they will be nervous, so try to make the procedures as simple and concise as possible, and reassure them.

For more information on any of the above membership services, call 401.431.0880 or email vsanantonio@rifda.com