With spring just around the corner, many people are considering the
possibility of setting up their own rummage sale or flea market as a
way to raise money. We decided to ask some of the Lower Mainland's top
event planners what they thought were the three most important elements
to planning. Here is what they had to say.
Ken Knapton
Tosland
Antique and Collectibles Show and Sale
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here to find out more about upcoming shows
- Advertising.
- Proper planning and organizational skills.
- Patience (you meet all types of people in this business!).
................................................................
Renee Lafontaine
21st Century Flea Market
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here to find out more about upcoming shows
- Pricing - Keep the table rental fee and admission charge
as low as you can...a reasonably priced table will encourage more
sellers to rent, and a modest entrance charge is sure to bring in
more buyers. It's important that everyone does well, and keeping the
costs low will encourage repeat business from both buyers and sellers.
- Advertising - You have to do the legwork! Get those flyers
out there, recruit your friends and family to post notices wherever
there's a bulletin board...leave no stone unturned to find creative
ways to promote your sale.
- Organization - Organize your event right down to the very
last detail. Expect the best, but plan for the worst -- this way,
you'll be ready for anything!
................................................................
Verne Siebert
Fun Promotions: Computer Swap Meets and Sports Card Collector Shows
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here to find out more about upcoming shows
- Plan far in advance of the event.
- Make lots of signs and be sure to remove the signs after your sale.
- Bring a large float with small change and bills.
................................................................
Patrick Flynn
One Day Wonder Shows
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here to find out more about upcoming shows
Our three biggest challenges in these days of multiple shows, wide
interpretations of the words 'antique' or 'collectible' and the impact
of eBay and other auction houses are:
- Getting enough dealers with interesting (which we define as not
generally available) merchandise, some sense of display and some commitment
to dealing with the public (as opposed to the computer screen!).
- Assuming we have at least a reasonable chance of achieving # 1 -
selling the event to the general public without spending more on marketing
and advertising than the gate generates. Our stats over the last several
years show a cost of more than $5.00 per head to attract incremental
attendees - at an admission price of $3.00 to $4.00!
- Word of mouth, word of mouth, word of mouth - what the dealers relay
amongst themselves and to the general public about the show (which
is really their show) can enhance or detract very quickly any progress
made with points 1 and 2. What the general public takes away from
the last event you ran (not the previous 100 no matter how successful)
will have a greater impact than anything you do as a promoter.
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