One of the biggest complaints I see on ConsignmentMommies is that "the lines were too long." And, one of the most effective tools that any seasoned sale organizer / owner uses is the pre-sale. It provides certain groups with an opportunity to shop early and it helps stagger the rush. Pre-sales are typically provided for volunteers & consignors, but here are some clever ideas that I have seen to increase "pre-sale" opportunities for additional groups. This is such a great way to get moms hooked early! Make sure to allow a "Bring a Friend" option for this. A lot of folks can be intimidated by the world of consignment and having a buddy helps ease that anxiety. Plus, moms tend to spend more when encouraged by a friend / grandma. I don't see a lot of these, but it is a GREAT way to bring in older generations who get the thrifty spending approach! It's probably best NOT to allow guests to this one... grandmas only! The challenge: Age / grandma verification gets tricky!! A lot of sales will provide multiple tiers for volunteer pre-sales. This rewards your power volunteers and encourages VALUABLE / LOYAL workers to sign up for more shifts. The more they work, the earlier they shop! This is a common practice at many sales and the premise is simple. Bring $5 for this pre-sale opportunity or wait until tomorrow when entry is free. Charity pre-sales can be either a pay to enter scenario (with proceeds going to the charity) or can be managed exclusively by the charity (where they send out invites). If you live near a base, this is a great way to help those that serve our country! This is an especially powerful tool if you are trying to boost inventory (and you have the space). Offer a special pre-sale for consignors who refer a friend to consign with you. You may want to confirm that the friend follows through and drops off items at the sale to prevent signups with no follow through. Or, if you charge a consignor fee, you may be covered! If you already offer incentives for referrals (increased percentages, etc); consider offering tiers and adding a pre-sale as an option. Then, you also reward folks for MORE than one referral. Some people offer contests throughout the year on FB, through email or at local events to raffle off pre-sale passes. Make the contest a true event with food / drinks and lots of shopping - you'll create an even bigger buzz. Contest ideas could include FB referral contests, refer a friend contests, email sign up drives, etc. If you have a need for shoppers, offer a "next season" pre-sale pass to the top 25 "sale ambassadors." Simply provide mamas with postcards that they can print their name on (make it download on your website). They distribute to their friends, who bring them back to the sale and drop them "in the bucket." The top 25 names / referrers get into the special pre-sale next season. It could be as little as a 30 minute "early shopping pass," but the effort those referrers make to help market you will be really valuable! New Moms Pre-Sale
Grandma Sale
Super-Volunteers
Pay to Enter
Charity Event
Military Pre-Sale
Consignor Referrals
Contest Winners
Viral Shopping Pass Program
Comments: by 1 "Old Mommies" and
*** What is going on there?!?! We changed our comment format to Facebook only but are keeping the "old comments" for now!
pass4sure 642-681 Keep reading to get the complete picture. Use various social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter to generate some extra buzz about your upcoming event.
pass4sure 642-731 This method will cut costs that print advertising might rack up, and it also provides an environmentally-friendly option that doesn't waste resources like posting flyers might.
pass4sure 642-736 Social media outlets also tend to reach large amounts of people fairly easily, especially since readers can quickly share the important details with friends and family by simply sending
them a link. If you are hosting a large event,
pass4sure 642-741 start a blog to keep potential customers in the loop about how the planning and execution is progressing.