Chandler market Experience

Well, we are trying not to be too disappointed, but the Chandler market stall was not as we had expected. It was definitely a learning experience though!

We made $300 which is a nice start but not nearly as much as we had hoped. We were also able to spread some information about Retts and MecP2 Duplication through flyers that where handed out.

Things didn't get off to a good start when we first arrived and found not only were we squished into a poky little spot hidden behind a massive massage marque, but the massage marque pushed into our space by half a metre, so our small 2.5 metre front became only 2m. (this was no fault of the Massage therapist), usually the spot we were crammed into is not used, but because its nearly Xmas and they have overload of stall holders, stalls were being crammed into every nook and cranny.

Determined to make the most of it, after all the effort that was put in, we set up, completely scrapping our original plans, that we had practiced at home, and setting up to suit the space we were given. We set the long tables into the space so that people could walk up the side (see images).

It was a very hot day and we had a lot of lookers, but not a lot of buyers, it seemed too that people didn't want to come into the space and only looked at the items at the very end of the table. So throughout the day we circulated what items were at the end of the table to make sure all items got a look in, and to see if any items encouraged more interest in the stall.

After talking to other marketeers, we discovered that not many other stall holders where selling much that day. It was possibly the combination of the heat and also that there was really overload on stalls crammed in everywhere. As avid shopper myself I know that you sort of start to shut down and stop buying when there are too many choices.

It had been our original plan(even though we had been offered a free space at the markets as a fundraiser) to pay for a better place, but as they are so booked out we missed out on any chance of getting a good space. We inquired about any possibility of a better space for the following week but the organisers told us we would only get the same space or similar small space at this point, as regulars get priority. Thankfully we were not charged for the space in the end.

We have contacted the organisers for the Many foreshore markets and have decided that next week we will give them a go. It sounds like a much better deal, they too are going to give us the space for free as a charity, and have said that because they can spread out as needed we can take up as much room as we require.

Looking at the photos the items look quite squashed up, which was mostly because we were given less room than we had planned for and one of our display props was broken in transit, but I think through the week we will work on how we display the items.

Thank-you to those who came and bought from our stall, your support is very much appreciated.

For our very first fundraiser I still think we did ok, and we got some lovely comments on items for sale, and the overall look of the stall(just a shame it couldn't really be seen). We have learnt a lot, and are positive and determined to keep going and make this a success. We may just run a quiz night with a raffle next time though! :)

~SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL~

Market Stall

Fundraising for Medical research for boys and girls affected by Mecp2 Duplication and Retts; rare genetic syndromes that cause developmental and intellectual delays/impairment and multiple health conditions.

WHERE:

MANLY CREATIVE MARKETS
Little Bayside Park, The Esplanade Manly

WHEN:

Sunday 22^nd of November, 2009,

8am-3pm

Local(to Brisbane and the Redlands) artists and community members have generously donated a variety of items, including art work, books, handmade jewelry (glass, beading, recycled materials etc), cards, scarf’s, pottery, children's clothes, and amazing miniature houses (decorative or suit train sets). Also for sale will be Paxmas cards and decorations, soft toys, and fashion jewelry, RSARF signature pins and angels.