Guests were given the lowdown on how the Swap n Shop night would work with all the details noted on their party invite. A copy of the Invite and Template can be found at Swap N Shop Invite and Clothing Tag Template
Instructions were simple and as follows:
There is no limit on the number of fashion items you bring along, however, there is a minimum of 1 item to participate in the fun.
Items may include clothing, accessories, hats, bags, jewellery, belts, shoes......anything fashion!
Please complete a tag for each item and attach to your article. Additional tags can be dropped to you — just email or call for more.
Items can be marked
- Free to good home
- Sell (From $1 to $100). Evening wear may be priced above $100.
- Swapping may be considered an option.
- You may elect to show both Swap and Sell options.
Please make sure your dresses, evening wear and tops are on hangers. (This will make them easier to sell)
Accessories and Jewellery should be placed in clear zip-lock bags
All sales are made by cash only.
What happens on the night?
Guests arrive and add their items to the display. “The Sale” starts one hour after arrival time (sharp) so in the meantime guests may enjoy a drink, nibbles, good conversation and style tips from the “pros”! We actually allowed in this time prior to the "Sale", women to try on the clothes, then replace on the sale racks. The Sale then starts and guests are welcomed to choose any item to buy or swap. There is no limit or obligation to buy. Once guests have chosen their items to buy, they can approach the tag sellers to see if they are willing to swap items. Once this negotiation is complete, they then head for the payment counter to pay for items. At the end of the night, we simply tally up each guest's sales and hand over the cash earned for the night!
We had allocated areas of my house for "Change rooms" (lounge room), "Clothes showroom" (back veranda), "Accessories Dept" (dining room table), "Check out" (kitchen bench). Clothes were displayed on portable racks and a few make-shift racks were made from ropes strategically hung. We found it was easier to display clothes by category (dresses, tops, jeans/shorts, jackets etc.)
There were a few clothes left which were donated to the local Good Sammy.
It really was a night full of fun. Take the plunge and host a Swap n Shop night!
Remember: HAVE fun and enjoy the bargains. Your closet will love the makeover!
Remember, your fashion tragedy or impulse buy, may be someone else's fashion glory!
