We Need a New Flea Market!

[Lord Nike]

Ok guys! Time for a serious discussion!

I'm thinking of organizing/planning/doing a flea market in a whole new location.

CSC now is getting jaded and unflexible.

Biggest gripes are:

1. High Rent
2. Have to book per month ($160 for 4 weeks a month)
3. Discourages casual sellers who want to try 1 or 2 weeks.
4. Same crap every week
5. Shops complaining about stall vendors selling items cheaper than shop.
6. Location (You have to admit its abit of a chore to get here)
7. Public Knowledge (90% of my friends never heard of it)

Basically i'm seeking ideas like

1. Location?
2. How much you willing to pay for rent?
3. How much space you want?

Stuff like that, anything to do with flea market so any good ideas accepted!

[[soundwave]]

Some of my opinions although I haven't ran a stall or whatsoever before.

Location and all not that important. What is important would be that collectors are aware of such a location. Advertising must be good. Any ideal flea market got to be spacious.

A usual table will do for most stalls. Personally, I feel a day about $20-$30 is good.

EDIT:
2. Have to book per month ($160 for 4 weeks a month)
4. Same crap every week

The points explain each other. :P

[Lord Nike]

Thats the problem isn't it? I mean i'm sure you had the thought of selling your stuff before but CSC readily stifles casual sellers into trying it out.

I'm aiming for casual sellers instead of those people who have permanent fixtures at CSC to keep it fresh and not have a "same crap every week" deal.

I agree advertising is very important. One thing the organizers at CSC are very lazy at. I would pay $50 a day for people to pass out flyers at orchard road and other city areas just to get it noticed.

And i intend to set the rent to below $25 for the same space allocated at CSC and there won't be a 2 week or 4 week minimum. Rent it weekly!

I'm sure with lesser restrictions you would more be inclined to set up wouldn't you?

I've scouted a few locations and sent letters to various buildings inquiring about such a activity and i'm hoping for results! @_@

Please keep those suggestions coming!

[Lord Nike]

;105459']
EDIT:
2. Have to book per month ($160 for 4 weeks a month)
4. Same crap every week

The points explain each other. :P

Most vendors lazy and don't rotate their stock. Some i know have different stuff every week.

[[soundwave]]

The only grip I guess most casual sellers have is having to worry if their stuff will sell to cover their rent. That's especially for my case. I mean I wouldn't want to pay money just to stand at the table and end up selling peanuts. So I guess a weekly low rent can really solve this problem.:yeah:

[cyc]

I've a suggestion regarding location... Rotate the venue amongst the suburb, ie. 1 week at East Point, 1 week at Jurong Point, 1 week at Causeway Point, 1 week at Lot10, etc... the purpose is to expose the heartlanders to modern toys... Aunties and Uncles walk past and see cute stuffs, he might consider buying for their (grand-)kids...

PS: I think rental would be higher than it is in CSC

[meow]

I've a suggestion regarding location... Rotate the venue amongst the suburb, ie. 1 week at East Point, 1 week at Jurong Point, 1 week at Causeway Point, 1 week at Lot10, etc... the purpose is to expose the heartlanders to modern toys... Aunties and Uncles walk past and see cute stuffs, he might consider buying for their (grand-)kids...

PS: I think rental would be higher than it is in CSC

I think as collector, you wouldnt want to run around spore every week right :D
I'll rather have a fixed location, if got nothing to buy at least can meet up with the fellow collector for a chat :D

[Leslie]

I agree with the points made about CSC, but one thing is that the majority of specialty stores are already there, so collecters may still be inclined to go down even if the flea mart is no longer what is used to be. So, having a competing (and new and unproven) flea mart in a different location may mean that the market, with limited time and energy resources, will be forced to make a choice as to which to visit - and the incumbent might well win due to the combination of established stores + (lousy) flea mart.

That said, I would be pleased if a flea market that was easily accessible in terms of cost and variety was set up.

[starscream]

The new setup needs lots of resources to get it up and running. Do we have that? Maybe location location location might help.

[y1ch]

Maybe this flea market can work something together with the art flea market at Red dot museum. I think both can help each other boost sales. And if combined there are more variety than just one type of stuff and there will be more range of customers shopping at the flea market if they know got more things. furthermore, toys are art. :supz:

[Lord Nike]

Maybe this flea market can work something together with the art flea market at Red dot museum. I think both can help each other boost sales. And if combined there are more variety than just one type of stuff and there will be more range of customers shopping at the flea market if they know got more things. furthermore, toys are art. :supz:

Can give me details on this Red Dot Museum flea market?

Sounds interesting and i might look it up.

I agree with the points made about CSC, but one thing is that the majority of specialty stores are already there, so collecters may still be inclined to go down even if the flea mart is no longer what is used to be. So, having a competing (and new and unproven) flea mart in a different location may mean that the market, with limited time and energy resources, will be forced to make a choice as to which to visit - and the incumbent might well win due to the combination of established stores + (lousy) flea mart.

That said, I would be pleased if a flea market that was easily accessible in terms of cost and variety was set up.

Simply put i'm basing it on typical Singapore behavior when it comes to shopping. Its simple math.

Variety & Cheaper Stuff > Same Stuff & Inflated Prices

Cheaper Rent + Flexible Timing = Variety & Cheaper Stuff

High Rent + Inflexible Timing = Same Stuff & Inflated Prices

The new setup needs lots of resources to get it up and running. Do we have that? Maybe location location location might help.

If i do get it rolling, any volunteers? :rock:

I've a suggestion regarding location... Rotate the venue amongst the suburb, ie. 1 week at East Point, 1 week at Jurong Point, 1 week at Causeway Point, 1 week at Lot10, etc... the purpose is to expose the heartlanders to modern toys... Aunties and Uncles walk past and see cute stuffs, he might consider buying for their (grand-)kids...

This suggestion is interesting. No doubt its impossible to do on a permanent basis.

We can do something like a "road show" to promote this hobby/flea market

Some community centers have done flea markets before so its possible.

[y1ch]

Here is the contact for Red Dot Museum

Location
red dot design museum
28 Maxwell Road
red dot Traffic
Singapore 069120

Tel
(65) 6327 8027 (museum)
(65) 6534 7194 (office)

As for the art flea market, it used to be every Sunday, but due to lack of stock for some stalls, the event has become either first or last Sunday of every month. You can call to check up because i forgot first or last :salute: paiseh. I think it's good because most guys tend to go to CSC, maybe the art flea market will attract the ladies to go more often and who knows they might spot some toys they like. :D

[kazuki]

FYI,

Red Dot, they are very particular abt the items to be shown/sold at their venue wan.

From what i know, they want something innovative and unique from each store. Something not one can just buy elsewhere. So if its selling of your toys there, it might be possible...

I been there before, they cater to quite a fair bit of local ppl who are inspired to design their own stuff like shoes, shirts, jewellery etc etc.
But one thing is, its freaking out of the way...:(

[cyc]

But one thing is, its freaking out of the way...:(

yup, even going by car, I need a guide :laugh: I dunno how to go there again, if u ask me to :thinking:

I doubt the crowd would be as spectaculor if the venue is changed from CSC to Red dot... my 2 cents

[y1ch]

FYI,

Red Dot, they are very particular abt the items to be shown/sold at their venue wan.

From what i know, they want something innovative and unique from each store. Something not one can just buy elsewhere. So if its selling of your toys there, it might be possible...

I been there before, they cater to quite a fair bit of local ppl who are inspired to design their own stuff like shoes, shirts, jewellery etc etc.
But one thing is, its freaking out of the way...:(

The idea is TOYs + Art at a new location, didnt mention moving from CSC to Red dot. Red dot museum is too small. CSC is fading. A new location really need to be considered.

[Koo]

The idea is TOYs + Art at a new location, didnt mention moving from CSC to Red dot. Red dot museum is too small. CSC is fading. A new location really need to be considered.

New location........the weekend flea market at open field Desker road:laugh: I wonder if it is still operating there or not?:thinking:

Jokes aside, the location of CSC and red dot flea market is part of a "well planned development" by "people up there". If given the choice I rather have the flea market back at Clark Quay where former crazy horse. Why, have you seen the crowd there formerly which also consist of tourist too. When things are not broken dun attempt to fix it!;)

[kazuki]

The idea is TOYs + Art at a new location, didnt mention moving from CSC to Red dot. Red dot museum is too small. CSC is fading. A new location really need to be considered.

No lah, just letting u all know that i think its pretty impossible to have toys in Red Dot, thats unless someone created or produced their own toys lah...

I rem they claim that they have a panel of ppl to decide who gets in and who doesnt...:salute:

Agree with koo. QC was the best, those were the glorious days...
Shopping at QC then go Liang Court kino and buy manga. :D

The americans recognised the power of the anime market and they have quite a few convention each year. They even invite big artistes from Japan to perform wan lor...

[Lord Nike]

Haha Actually holding a hobby convention isn't a bad idea.

We'll call it Hob-Con! Any other names you guys can think of?

Only need alot of resources and alot of volunteers.

I'm sure the convention will appeal to all sorts of comic/toy/anime/manga hobbyists

I'm sure even the Cosplayers will come (Yes even the fugly ones :pig: )

Wonder how much does it cost to rent a convention hall

[[soundwave]]

Well, I'm currently working as a directory helpdesk operator, so any need of numbers I can dig it out no problem. :yeah:

[thevers]

Haha Actually holding a hobby convention isn't a bad idea.

We'll call it Hob-Con! Any other names you guys can think of?

Only need alot of resources and alot of volunteers.

I'm sure the convention will appeal to all sorts of comic/toy/anime/manga hobbyists

I'm sure even the Cosplayers will come (Yes even the fugly ones :pig: )

Wonder how much does it cost to rent a convention hall



If you ever need some help, I'll try my best to be there :evil: :D

=D> Awesome effort by everyone. Hehe, this is much better than local music scene :cry: Pfft, oh well.

Don't mind me, I may be missing a few details but, why not just work on what we have currently? Dispite the few factors TS have raised, it is afterall a flea market right? What about trying to create more awareness on this and make it somewhat.. Bigger?

Considering that people are willing to work with or call up other owners/managers of various shopping centres etc, why not 'collaborate' with the current CSC one?

In my opinion, if accessibility is a concern (IMO), prices will be even higher if you find somewhere nearer to MRTs etc? I mean, if we put it in a way that you do not wish to walk.

Ultimately, has anyone tried doing some big publicity 'stunt' for CSC? I admit, I have never heard of it until I came to this forum.

Just my 2 cents.

Regards,
Vers

[Lord Nike]

They have done some more of advertising before. And their advert pictures contain little or no pictures of people selling toys. They don't want any outside interference as it might hinder their plot to get more money.

Instead they showcase people selling antiques and knick knacks.

Because when people see that advert they get the wrong idea and think its nothing but junk

And those old ah pek see the ads think they can sell their "old" stuff there.

Seeing how the organizer owns a antique shop, its kind of biased advertising.

Plus even with all the photos of CSC being showcased on TV & misc media, there has been no steady increase in people showing up.

Most of the time when you go CSC you spot the same faces there all the time.

Thats why when you go CSC at least 40% of stalls are selling antiques and knick knacks which is slowly encroaching onto stalls selling toys and misc hobby items.

This is why CSC is slowly dying. Its systematically alienating the hobby community with high rent and inflexible dates along with dwindling shoppers which find the lack of variety along with annoying music.

Last year i had a Christmas sale and i had to print out about a hundred flyers to let people know about CSC and my sale. I added a little map and directions still my turn out wasn't that great.

Why? No one even knows the building China Square Central even existed.

90% of my friends don't know where it is.

I bet if you ask yours at least 4 out of 5 won't know where it is.

They even tried to open it on Sat but it died as they didn't bother to do mass advertising telling everyone. So the short lived Sat CSC sale was nothing but full of cricket noises.

Now the one on the verge of death is the basement vendors. When it started it had at least 15 to 20 vendors. Due to lack of notification to shoppers, no one went downstairs and now its barely hanging by a thread with less than 5 vendors every week.

It should be the organizer's duty to properly advertise. He wants to be lazy about it and just sit back collecting $$$ every week.

Its like owning a fruit plant, collecting the fruits every week and expecting people to water the plant for you.

Its going to die one day.

[thevers]

Yes sir, I'll have to agree with you based on my observations the past few weeks.

Same faces, same goods, same 'did-not-managed-to-sell-last-week-goods'. Perhaps just one or two new items but that was about it. On occasion, I went there hoping there'll be new stalls but, it was just a usual CSC visit.

And yes, CSC is an... Unknown destination.

Anyway, I do not know of this 'owner' guy but is it even possible to negotiate with him? I guess we have to put ourselves in his shoes, assuming that he is an antique lover (vice versa for us; toy lovers/collectors w/e), he too will want some sort of advertisements for his merchandise? Say a biased 60% by nature for an antique lover, and a 10%+ for 'wanting to sell his goods factor'.

Is there really no way to talk our way round? Oh well, rather than going in circles I'll try contributing something lol.


For more central area
Tanglin Mall: Can anyone verify on this? The last time I went there, there were flea market going on during weekends, can't remember if it was Saturday or Sunday. That was quite sometime back.

Cineleisure: I recall seeing flea market once in awhile, not sure if it was on weekly basis, monthly (last weekend etc) or perhaps it can be a weekly thing if the response is good.

Toa Payoh-ish

Braddell: Braddell Heights CC, again with my powerful vague memory + some friends living in TPY area, I've been told that there are flea markets held in the CC as well. Perhaps wanna give a ring to them and check?

Good luck TS!

Best Regards,
Vers

[y1ch]

For more central area
Tanglin Mall: Can anyone verify on this? The last time I went there, there were flea market going on during weekends, can't remember if it was Saturday or Sunday. That was quite sometime back.

Cineleisure: I recall seeing flea market once in awhile, not sure if it was on weekly basis, monthly (last weekend etc) or perhaps it can be a weekly thing if the response is good.

Toa Payoh-ish

Braddell: Braddell Heights CC, again with my powerful vague memory + some friends living in TPY area, I've been told that there are flea markets held in the CC as well. Perhaps wanna give a ring to them and check?

Good luck TS!

Best Regards,
Vers

Tanglin Mall held art flea market yearly... but my friend had a stall there and he said business is not good comparing to the past years. And last month had a flea market at Fort Canning Park. And recently, a flea market at Riverside walk. So many flea markets around... and i felt that maybe shouldnt be called flea market... some people think flea market sells people's unwanted stuff...

if all flea market can be combined... then i guess it will be more concentrated. imagine Singapore's version of chatuchak :D

[cyc]

Now the one on the verge of death is the basement vendors. When it started it had at least 15 to 20 vendors. Due to lack of notification to shoppers, no one went downstairs and now its barely hanging by a thread with less than 5 vendors every week.

CSC got basement meh? :laugh:
now, I see ur pt :D

PS: wht r they selling har? toys?

[des_yeo03]

CSC got basement meh? :laugh:
now, I see ur pt :D

PS: wht r they selling har? toys?

No toys...I know one stall selling posters...Thats all i can rem....:laugh:

[y1ch]

I think the selling poster is also gone... even the restaurant Vilage is closed at the basement... disappointed :beatup:

[[soundwave]]

I think the selling poster is also gone... even the restaurant Vilage is closed at the basement... disappointed :beatup:

It's still there. Des helped me get something last sun. Thanks. :D

[MSth08]

i knew there is a basement in csc but didn't know there are some stall vendors there since i last went to csc.

i am wondering why the csc flea market management wanna set up the stalls at the basement even though the traffic is few there on sunday.

[Lord Nike]

i knew there is a basement in csc but didn't know there are some stall vendors there since i last went to csc.

i am wondering why the csc flea market management wanna set up the stalls at the basement even though the traffic is few there on sunday.

More tables = more rent $$ = maximum profits without caring if vendors made profits or not.

[y1ch]

I went last sunday, some tables at the 2nd floor are empty... can really see business is not good there~ and the worst thing is that some sellers place their toys EXACTLY the same place every week.... :beatup: same old boring things~

[thevers]

Tanglin Mall held art flea market yearly... but my friend had a stall there and he said business is not good comparing to the past years. And last month had a flea market at Fort Canning Park. And recently, a flea market at Riverside walk. So many flea markets around... and i felt that maybe shouldnt be called flea market... some people think flea market sells people's unwanted stuff...

if all flea market can be combined... then i guess it will be more concentrated. imagine Singapore's version of chatuchak :D

I guess the issue here is publicity?

Anyway, just found out the Cineleisure Flea Market is held every fornightly. Cheers.

[Koo]

Cineleisure Flea Market is better choice for those like take on new play field. But a lot of preparations is needed as it is different from CSC.

1) Attention: how to catch the youth crowd attention?

2) What type of toys appeal and for how long?

3) Transport: Definitely better but more expensive if you park your vehicle there.

4) Manpower: Definitely you cannot have only 1 person here.

5) Sales/profit: How much sales is needed to break even or better make the targeted profit margin.

[flayn80]

Lots of factors are needed for a place to succeed. Accessibility, low rental, publicity etc. Clark quay was successful due to good location and the TV station had done a program on it, raising public awareness.

Most imptly, Kino bookstore is nearby at Liang court. Singaporeans are kiasu plus lazy, we like to shop, eat and sleep parhaps at the same location. CSC pales in comparision to Clark Quay.

I personally felt that the new flea market should at Orchard area, easy to access, got a Kino nearby and most imptly, can organize cosplay event there, raise awareness among tourists too.:D

[Lord Nike]

Is the flea market at Cineleisure outdoor or indoor? Anyone got details on it?

I might ask the management to book multiple spots for a "hobby" flea market event there and see how it goes.

Might be a good place to "test" water. If its successful who knows we might become the next Clark Quay!

can organize cosplay event there, raise awareness among tourists too.

Flea Market / Cosplay Event? Sounds interesting.. What else can we incorporate into such a event? I'm thinking of like a festival like event.

I think Fortnightly is a good idea in the sense that as a (casual) seller you don't have to burn your weekends and as a buyer you don't have to make trips every sunday to the same place.

[y1ch]

I know beside cineleisure at the grass patch there once awhile have flea market. But i dunno if that is tie in together with cineleisure or a seperate thing.

[thevers]

Is the flea market at Cineleisure outdoor or indoor? Anyone got details on it?

It is held every fortnightly. Outdoor. Friend said that there'll be shelter in the case of a rain. (Again, sources from my friend's friend.)

Suggestions:

1) I'll second the cosplay, at youth park maybe? Considering that the flea markets are just across the street; right below cine (or beside, depending on the position you're facing). [Hot babes!] :supz: :supz: :supz:

2) Get bands? (I can help with this if you get the youth park as a venue) Will PM if you need more details. Of course, it'll be free gig, no need to pay the bands. (But renting of youth park is another case)

Bands should play all sorts of genres and not just restricting to animation/j rock etc. In my opinion, flea market should attract collectors/hobbyist, but at the same time, the public. Rather than targeting at a particular group of people; aka the collectors, I'll also be interested to earn the public money as well. (Music like jrock/animation music will only attract certain groups of people as well)

Considering the hi-see-like-buy cases, it may generate even more revenue than just targeting on collectors, especially when they know their prices/stuff, or know their sources.

3) Mini-Food Fair. Something like asking people to fill up empty tables to sell snacks, junk food, small delights etc. For people to have bites when they're walking around the flea market. (Cine ain't got snack/delight shops, best I can think of is Long John. :laugh: ) (not exactly your 'flea market' but just wondering if it can be made into a hybrid one.

4) Lucky draw contest? People will have to spend a certain amount for the day (assuming this is gonna be big, receipts will be issued out etc), and considering you have a stage (performances etc), you can voice it over the mike system and have certain goodies/items related to the flea market? Something like this won't burn the organiser alive etc, if each stall can contribute 1 dollar I suppose we CAN buy something decent yes? :sing: :evil: Or even stalls contribute 1 toy/goodie each. Flea market duh :laugh: :yeah:

Regards,
Vers

[y1ch]

IMO,

I am not sure about cosplay to work with flea markets. Cosplay is an event that cosplayers spend $$$ and time to prepare themselves twice a year. People tend to anticipate something each year although we all know will see some fugly ones. If it becomes an usual thing, then i feel it's not fun and exciting to attend to.

For food and snacks, I think it will attract more people. But we need more variety. Cant always be the Taiwan Sausage, burger, or otah... cant be the same food, different venue idea. :beg:

Lucky draw contests is a good idea. :hello:

[thevers]

Oh yes, good point on the cosplay one I guess, not an expert in this area so not familiarised with the frequency of such events.

Good point too =D>

[flayn80]

Lucky draw a great idea too!:supz: Plus we can hook up with toy or comic shops for some product or comic title launching at the flea mart. This way, shops get free publicity and we get to know new products. Win win situation! Come on, more ideas! HH bros! We need to inject some new life into flea marts!

[Urahara_Store]

Btw, the fleamarket at Cineleisure, is it the one by Lime Magazine? If yes, i can just flip mine and type out the details if you all need.

[thevers]

Hey Uhara,

Mind typing out what Lime Magazine advertised about it? Will be cool if there are contacts then we'll see if something can be worked out.

Never knew Lime Magazine had something to do with it, can definitely create more awareness and bring this flea market to a different level IMO.

Vers

[WinterMonkey]

Eh... Just stumbled upon this thread, forgive me, I don't have any ideas to contribute, but would like to know if there's any update. :D

[Lord Nike]

I'm still working on it! :bang:

[WinterMonkey]

Jia you~ Jia you~

[y1ch]

I'm still working on it! :bang:

If you need help, drop us a message, i will help as much as possible.

[thevers]

If you need help, drop us a message, i will help as much as possible.

Sama sama. Gonna be hols for me real soon, can commit! :supz:

Cheers!