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Archive for the ‘economics of resale’ Category

Ideas grow when you take a look at similar businessesOne thing about the Internet…you can tap into some of the most brilliant minds in the world from the comfort of your keyboard. And it’s especially rewarding when you

look at a business which has some traits in common with yours, but is a few degrees different,

because you get to become a consumer again, and look at the concept through fresh eyes.

Take this one for example: it’s a “seasonal sale” of sorts. But not a kidswear consignment sale full of clothes and gear, not even one of the many growing adult resale events, no, this is a sale of previously-enjoyed….event props. It’s called The ReEvent. (Update: site now kaput. You’ll have to imagine it.)

First, the web site itself. What can we learn?

  • The clean appeal of the uncluttered home page. The crisp white background and the collage of elements all in green is as far from “musty dusty” as possible.
  • A single line that motivates, and sums up the event: Feel good being GREEN while saving some GREEN.
  • Mailing list sign-up which is so much more: It’s an invitation; it’s an “RSVP” as they call it, which predisposes you to mark the event on your personal calendar; it’s the first page you come to on the menu; and it’s got a poll right there that is customer research and motivational at the same time (brilliant!) which, since it seems to be part of the sign-up process, is less likely to be skipped.

Next, the event and how it’s presented to their prospective consignors, shoppers, and vendors.

  • Cute names for 2 consecutive evening demos: All Things Green ~ All Things Bling
  • Contest: First, they enter online. Then everyone votes online. THEN the finalists are voted on at the event. Not sure how all of this works, but the whole contest is angled to get attention and audience participation and bodies to the event itself.

But…if you’ve been following me through the web site: just what is this event? A seasonal consignment sale for everything from wedding attire to cameras and chafing dishes, seashells and bolts of ribbon? A vendor event aimed at presenting event planners and suppliers to the public? A bridal fair?

Could be all of the above…wouldn’t you love to see how it all turns out?

(and BTW, if you’re near Overland Park KS, could be a great place to pick up some display props!)

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NHow social media can be used by the consignment, resale, thrift store industryARTS recently asked me: “What social media do you use?” It’s the first in a series of questions they are posing to the workshop presenters for Conference 2011, to introduce the speakers to association members. That’s an easy question to answer. But the bigger question I’d like to ponder is:

How do you, as a resaler, use the social media you spend so much time on?

So, (more…)

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Have your sway...err, say...about consignment, resale, thrift topics

Have your sway...err, say...about consignment, resale, thrift topics

Audience participation time! Have your say…

A poll!

We love these.

And having a say in what is going on, why that’s entrepreneurial heaven for resale, thrift, consignment shopkeepers!

So tell us what (more…)

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Nothin’ says lovin’ like something….

from the oven? Nah. Nothing says loving, in the retail world, like a little something extra. This is an area where consignment, buy-outright, and even thrift shops can outshine their “real store” competitors.

A little gift. A present. An unexpected bonus. A little lagniappe.

Consignor wants to (more…)

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It’s Spring Break time in my part of the world, and visitors with money to spend and time to shop are flooding in.

Why doesn't every business have a photo op area?

Consignment shopkeepers Becky and her sister, Kate Buck, make a photo op out of their mid-morning cupcake treat.

Maybe your area doesn’t get Spring Break action, but it probably does get an influx of out-of-towners some time during the year. A local festival, leaf-peeping, seasonal activities?

The best thing about visitors is that they are in a good mood and that they spend money.

The worst thing is (more…)

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