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Post by Dabbit on Aug 28, 2006 7:41:13 GMT -5
At the back of our house today (being bank holiday here in the UK) there was a fete complete with car boot sale in order to raise funds for our local community centre. HOWEVER it was so badly advertised that only two cars turned up for the boot sale with one ice cream van and two tombola's it was a total waste of time.
Why didn't the organisers advertise it better, when we passed it by there was NO ONE browsing/buying just the stall holders. What is the point of having such an occasion when it is not advertised sufficiently enough to attract people to spend their money?
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Post by Mark on Aug 28, 2006 12:22:10 GMT -5
Exactly, Dabbit. Did they not even post banners on light posts, etc? I think it's always best to advertise such affairs 3 days running in the newspaper, with the third day being the day of the event.
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Post by Dabbit on Aug 29, 2006 11:41:48 GMT -5
The only thing I saw was a small advert on the local estates new (and we're talking less than a week old) notice board
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Post by Mark on Aug 29, 2006 11:53:15 GMT -5
So, for the sake of saving a bob or two or even a couple of pounds, they forego making that back 100-fold by not advertising? That makes no sense at all!
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Post by Dabbit on Aug 30, 2006 2:30:04 GMT -5
Indeed the trouble is we used to have a 'fete' once a year around the back of our house on the fields, but it stopped for some reason and was really successful. So now they have decided to reintroduce it without advertising (probably (though don't quote me) relying on word of mouth) with a complete andutter flop.
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Post by Mark on Aug 30, 2006 17:24:55 GMT -5
The problem is, Dabbit, that not only can most people not think 'outside the box', most of them cannot even find the box! They don't think things through from cause to effect - if you want a certain effect then work backward to see what actions will cause that effect. If only they were all as smart and you and I are... ;D
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Post by Maria on Aug 31, 2006 10:39:15 GMT -5
One of my many hats is PR. It is so easy (at least here) to advertise an event--whether it be a fancy ball or a boot fete. 1. send information to all newspapers and radio stations. This can be part of their free community service announcements. 2. Cable TV (at least in the USA) has a free community bulletin (tons of people look at it) board. 3. Little posters (homemade is great) at super market and other public places. 3. Electronics. Email your whole contact list the event information and ask them to pass it on.
To have something like that fall flat is inexcusable.
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Post by Dabbit on Sept 1, 2006 7:57:44 GMT -5
They could have done similar things here Maria but to be honest the organisation behind it this year was dreadful. It used to be a really good do and indeed we have done a 'car boot' outselves over there
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Post by Fluffy on Sept 1, 2006 10:21:07 GMT -5
Another problem with boot sales now, I find, is that a lot of the sellers are really commercial, and
it is increasingly hard to find real bargains.
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Post by Dabbit on Sept 1, 2006 10:30:24 GMT -5
It's either that Jane or they have such rubbish you'd be ashamed to throw it in the bin...I've seen on our local boot sales stuff that is not only worn dirty and old - but also smelly, but they still think they will get a good price for it! For example one stall a little while back was selling clothes that a tramp would have rejected, and was asking pounds for them! needless to say they were still there when we passed again...
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Post by Mark on Sept 1, 2006 10:57:29 GMT -5
We have here similar events which are called by several names, Yard Sales, Garage Sales, Flea Markets, etc. I have noticed several people that attend all such events picking up items after arguing down the prices and then taking them to similar events to re-sale at a mark-up. I believe that what they haven't sold in a short time finds its way onto eBay. I think some people do that sort of thing for a living.
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Post by louise90 on Sept 1, 2006 17:02:34 GMT -5
It does make you angry, doesn't it, Dave? I feel sorry for those 2 cars that did turn up!
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Post by Maria on Sept 1, 2006 19:50:01 GMT -5
I do know people that are out on trash days picking up things others have thrown out. One person has an 'antique' shop. I really think it is a junk shop. There is a person who lives a few blocks from me and at least once a month they are having a hugh yard sale. I know that person is a dealer. I also have a realtive that travels from flea market to flea market in several states selling his wares. So yes there are professionals and then those of us that are clearning out their places. I made $1,000 when I did have a yard sale about a year ago. Couldn't believe what sold.
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Post by Mark on Sept 1, 2006 22:06:47 GMT -5
Well, as they say, one person's trash is another's treasure....
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