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Kevbo

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A friend of mine who I recently got into collecting have been having conversations about card shows lately. It started with "why are there no card shows in our area?", and evolved into "what exactly would it take for us to start one up?"
I whined for a while that there was no shade in my backyard - but then I got trees.
problem solved.
I whined about storage space in my house, then I built an add-on.
problem solved.
So instead of whining about no card shows, I'd like put my shoulders behind the idea of putting one on.

In my area, there is sometimes a card show at a mall, but it's Thoughout the whole mall, in kiosks or tables randomly set up in available spaces Thoughout the Whole Mall.

His ideas are more along the grandiose - getting signers, vendors, 50-100 tables, etc.
Mine are a bit more grass-roots, with the idea of a 'traveling' show, having a 20 table show in this area one month, and 20 or so on the other side of town..until a comfort zone is found.

finding an area or areas to stage it in isn't a problem, as this guy has sweet connections everywhere, and a good size pocketbook to boot, but I'm looking for ideas, comments, and information on what it takes to actually put on a show.
I'm sure there's things we aren't thinking of, because if it was easy, I don't know why there isn't a regualar show around here already.
1, venue(s), 2, advertising (again, his ideas = grandiose, mine = newspaper, flyers, beckett ad) 3, finding interested parties to try out a table for a couple months, 4. ?

I know there's a good amount of people here that set up at shows, but has anyone put one together?

This idea looks like it's going to come to some kind of fruition eventually. Sooner than later. Successful or not. It's worth the try. But I figure it's always a good idea to (maybe) to see what you guys think or here what comments/suggestions/information you might have...

so?
 

tonsofcommons

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I promote a small show and usually have 1/2 dozen dealers for 20 tables.

I put it on in a mall who advertises in the local paper for the events of the mall.

Typically I would do flyers and put the up in surrounding towns. I would also take out the free ad in Beckett.

This show (that is February 21 & 22) I actually purchased an additional ad in the monthly Beckett for $150/mo for 2 months. Kinda pricey, but I hope it will be beneficial. You can see it in the Monthly. It is the only ad in there I think.

I am going to be giving out collectors kits to the first 100 people to come to the show.

I become friends with the dealers because I want them to come back.
I buy pizza on Saturday for all the dealers that set up.

To build a returning base (if you can afford it), do a voucher for a free table for every two they purchase.

And what I feel is the most important thing is to look and act professionally. I'm not saying wear a suit and tie, but don't wear sweats & a ratty t-shirt. Be in a good mood. Be excited to be there.

Depending on the size, have plenty of change so that if any of your dealers need change, you are there to help them.

This is all I can think of for right now. I will add if anything else comes to mind.
 

Kevbo

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I wrote stuff here, but instead, I'm just going to PM you :-)
 

FortyFour

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Kevbo said:
A friend of mine who I recently got into collecting have been having conversations about card shows lately. It started with "why are there no card shows in our area?", and evolved into "what exactly would it take for us to start one up?"
I whined for a while that there was no shade in my backyard - but then I got trees.
problem solved.
I whined about storage space in my house, then I built an add-on.
problem solved.
So instead of whining about no card shows, I'd like put my shoulders behind the idea of putting one on.

In my area, there is sometimes a card show at a mall, but it's Thoughout the whole mall, in kiosks or tables randomly set up in available spaces Thoughout the Whole Mall.

His ideas are more along the grandiose - getting signers, vendors, 50-100 tables, etc.
Mine are a bit more grass-roots, with the idea of a 'traveling' show, having a 20 table show in this area one month, and 20 or so on the other side of town..until a comfort zone is found.

finding an area or areas to stage it in isn't a problem, as this guy has sweet connections everywhere, and a good size pocketbook to boot, but I'm looking for ideas, comments, and information on what it takes to actually put on a show.
I'm sure there's things we aren't thinking of, because if it was easy, I don't know why there isn't a regualar show around here already.
1, venue(s), 2, advertising (again, his ideas = grandiose, mine = newspaper, flyers, beckett ad) 3, finding interested parties to try out a table for a couple months, 4. ?

I know there's a good amount of people here that set up at shows, but has anyone put one together?

This idea looks like it's going to come to some kind of fruition eventually. Sooner than later. Successful or not. It's worth the try. But I figure it's always a good idea to (maybe) to see what you guys think or here what comments/suggestions/information you might have...

so?

Just some ramblings:
You could consider advertising on craigslist and other free listing sites.

Maybe you could advertise through a local little league.. I know a few friends parents who sponsor a little league team for $200 and they get there business on a banner.

For finding vendors I would suggest hitting up your local card shops Im sure customers and the owners would be interested.

Free Admission In the beginning.

Maybe get a cheap local Athlete to sign.

Offer raffles.


Like I said just ramblings :D
 

tramers

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go to local rec's ,schools- make a contest or donate a bunch use as an invite to show . any local teams in area time after/before they play near .
for mall shows market around thier sales weekends ,ask stores to help advertise by doing that they can bring thier children .
lots of grab bags/ $1.00 team bags .
 

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