In a struggling economy, non-profit organizations are having a difficult time obtaining funds from donors - they're just tapped out. But have you thought about hosting an event that's beneficial to the donor, the community and your non-profit organization?
Let's talk about consignment sales. If you are not already familiar with the concept of seasonal consignment sales, they are usually a one week event offered twice a year, and are as varied as the people organizing them. Most seasonal consignment events involve gently used childrens items. Children outgrow their clothes and toys quicker than a bolt of lightning, which means the items are generally in great shape. So, how can hosting a childrens sale benefit your organization?
Childrens consignment sales are mutually beneficial to both the hosting organization and the consignor (seller). Your consignors provide you with all of your merchandise so there is no upfront cost or investment for what you will be selling. Consignors also hang, tag and prepare their items for sale, which means less work for you and a higher percentage for them. The commission structure (or split) is usually 70/30, meaning the consignor receives 70% and the host organization receives 30%.
Everybody wins at a seasonal sale. Your consignors get to sell their gently used merchandise and get a higher price than a garage sale would bring. Your church or school receives a portion of everything that sells, plus they attract people to their location and raise awareness of local ministries and programs. Shoppers receive great deals on gently used items for their family.
The two most challenging obstacles facing any consignment sale is clientele and location. The benefit of being either a church or a school is that you have both a built-in clientele and a built-in location to host a childrens sale. Your clientele are the families of your school or childrens' ministry who are going to want to participate. They will make money, they help your program, and they get to purchase quality merchandise for their children at a fraction of the retail price. Your location is the gymnasium or fellowship hall. Not having to face both of these obstacles will certainly put you ahead of the game.
Keep in mind that hosting a consignment sale is a challenging endeavor and should not be taken lightly. With the right guidance, however, a consignment sale can become a rewarding venture.
Instead of selling chocolate bars one month and hosting a jump-a-thon the next, focus your resources on hosting a single event that can involve and benefit everyone; Consignment sales are one of the only fundraisers that can do that successfully.
Jenifer Gifford is a seasonal consignment sale organizer and author of Consignamania - The How To Guide To Starting Your Own Seasonal Consignment Sale Business http://www.consignamania.com. Jenifer has been involved in the seasonal consignment industry for over 8 years and hosts one of the most successful kids consignment events in Nashville, TN. To preview the Table of Contents, visit the Consignamania website at http://www.consignamania.com/Consignment_Sale_Start_Up.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenifer_Gifford
