We are a little behind because of the hurricane but, with help from our members we should be ready on time to open our shop. We do not go with a consignment shop since we were bearly making a profit. We do all the shopping which takes time but we do really well with it. We love seeing the kids pick out their gifts. We also do a night shop with a visit from Santa.
This December will be my school's fourth year running a Santa Shop and third year of buying gifts ourselves. We have increased our profits to $4300 last year! (Great amount considering our school is only 215 kids!) I would suggest using a company the first year just to see how the kids shop. After that you must start December 26 buying items. Gift bags are also a must. The envelope works well too. Only a few moms need to shop though, then others can help price and set up. We find EVERYTHING on clearance. 80 to 95% off! We use this as a fundraiser. Some items may sell for $10 in the store, we may buy it for $1, then sell it for $8. Everyone wins!
A great company to use is Good Time Attractions. Good Time Attractions offers a lot of the items that are in the Holiday Shop offered by the companies. We have used companies in the past and this will be our first year doing it on our own. Yes, you do take a chance of having items left over but you can use them in your student store or if you have made a profit save for the next year. Good Luck to all.
Last year we ran an unsuccessful holiday shop largely due to inexperience. It was our first year and the committee chairperson over ordered and we didn't have enough volunteers. Instead of being discouraged I learned that logistics and merchandise are critical to a good sell.
We all so sold vendor tables @ $10.00 per day for (2) days, which actually was easy money ($300.00) and we decided this year to do the same thing. It requires no upfront cost and a minumum of 3-4 volunteers. We plan to increase the price on tables by $5.00 and advertise to outside vendors.
