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:
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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.
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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.