Have any of you ever organised a Christmas Shopping event?

[ButterpieBride]

I want to organise two or three events, with stalls from local crafts and direct sellers. Not 100% sure of the best way of doing it though.

I've set up a survey at Surveymonkey to asses what the customers want, any other tips?

I have organised Christmas Fair events previously, it is a lot of hard work and stress, but rewarding too.

Where are you in the world? Might have some contacts you could use.

North East England.

I am an Usborne Books rep, so I am doing it from that perspective, and as I would like to network with the other small business people and direct sellers in the area.

Any tips are more than welcome!

Where did you hold your events? I think my next job is to look for venues.

we held ours in school halls or local church halls. Places that had plenty of food traffic/passers by and also somewhere that was easily accesible from the school run perspective. Make sure there is plenty of parking too.

A phoenix trader always goes down well, cake stand, adult bottle tombola and lots of crafty things. Maybe some beauty therapies too. People who make christmas cakes usually sell lots too. Gosh, trying to think.

I am way down south, so dont know anyone in the north east, but you will know your area and what goes down well.

How did you work it money wise? I'm not looking to make a profit myself really (apart from obviously my book stall!) so I could donate any profit to charity.

we charged per 'stall' and sometimes a % of profits depending on the stall.

People are more willing to donate or spend if it is for a good cause, especially a local one.

a raffle is also a good idea, ask local companies to donate prizes.