In Jackson, Michigan, we have held a bike swap as a fundraiser for a couple years, but we're still working to grow it to a popular event. Here are a couple things that worked for us:
- charge flat fees for sellers. We charge $5 to put a bike in the bike
corral (whether it sells or not) and $10 to for a table where you can sell as much as you can fit. We charge $50 for a sponsorship, which includes promotion with the event and extra table space (great for bike shops).
- We only provide the marketplace; we aren't involved in the sale
transactions. Phone numbers are tagged to corral bikes to allow sellers to be contacted. they don't have to hang around the corral.
- Sell stuff from your shop. You'd be amazed what a bike swap spending
frenzy can get people interested in. Sell stuff that is too high-end for your programming and stuff you have way to much of (mountain bike tires).
- Sell food/drink. If you have a volunteer to do this, it is an easy
way to capture some additional revenue.
On Tue, Jan 15, 2013 at 6:51 PM, Dave Ellis enjoybikes@gmail.com wrote:
I've recently taken on turning our local bike swap into a fundraiser here in Helena, MT. Previously it's been a low turnout, low publicity affair. I'm new to really any kind of organizing, but I like my ideas and hope to glean some info from some experienced voices here. Here goes:
Commission/consignment: what percentage of a sale have folks found to be a number that doesn't turn people away? Also, a handling fee for those that don't sell their items, thinking about a per person charge, vs a per item charge i. e. bike, clothing, parts, etc. Mostly interested in bringing people in since this first year is intended more for exposure.
Pickup time for unsold items: Has anyone experienced difficulties with people not meeting a stated pickup time for items, then demanding their items back. Is this an appropriate situation for a signed waiver or legal document of some kind since some of these items have some value?
Thanks much,
dave
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