Any parent knows how difficult it is to keep children outfitted for all seasons! This is especially difficult if you live in a climate with 4 distinct seasons. If you are raising funds for a children’s group, hosting a re-sale event is a creative fundraiser for your group. This is fairly easy to accomplish as well!
First, decide on a location and date. This is a great fundraiser for the fall, when parents are scrambling to make sure kids have snow boots, snow pants, etc… Another idea to consider is a sports themed event…just bear in mind that this could limit your participation.
Spread the word that you will be hosting this fundraising event and that you are looking for participants to sell their gently used children’s items. Take this step seriously, as it can determine the success or failure of your event. Spread the word, pass out fliers at parks where moms are, ask friends, etc… You will need to lay out any rules up front. For instance, no damaged items, they will need to be there to sell their own items, etc…
Charge a certain amount for participation. There are 2 ways to do this. You can have one central check out where each seller writes up a ticket for the amount being purchased and the buyer pays at the check out, you tally, keep track , collect 1 payment and a percentage, then disburse. Or, you can charge a certain amount for display space….$20 for a small booth area…..up to whatever you feel is fair depending on the amount of space allotted, your demographic & and the amount of event advertising.
Set up areas for people to display their sale items. Use tables, tarps, whatever you can. Some may have clothes only, and others may have cribs, strollers, bikes, etc. The wider the variety, the bigger the draw. Just make sure to have an idea of whats to be sold ahead of time for advertising purposes.
ADVERTISE….wherever you can. Consider anyplace where moms & kids frequent. Pass out flyers at parks, zoos, MOPS, church nurseries, etc… If you have a large number of baby items, consider flyers at birthing classes and health clinics.
Use your creative instincts. This is an ideas that can be easily adapted…and as simple as a garage sale where you collect donated items and use the profits for your group…or it can be as elaborate as a full fledged kids flea market!
