Calling for experience in car boot or flea market sales

We had tried car boot sales but we failed because the venue was not approved. We also like to try flea market sales or push cart sales.

The idea is to give some SilverHairsClub members the opportunity to try ways and means to make some income and keep themselves active. I suspect and believe there are opportunities as a group. It can be organised during weekends, a festive period or even monthly basis.

Now, I am going to try again. Don’t give up. Mati Mati. Must succeed. As a group, we can succeed.

Do you have any experience organising or participating in car boot or flea market sales? If you have, plse raise your hand, and I shall contact you.

If you have a private condo, that will allow car boot sales or a garage sale or bazaar, plse raise your hands too. Let’s try it. It will cost some monies, but it can work.

Any ideas, most welcome. Let’s stay active, for fun, for the money or for the friendship.

Terence Seah

Author: Terence Seah

Founder

140 thoughts on “Calling for experience in car boot or flea market sales”

  1. Hi Terence,

    Sound interesting! The only flea market I hnow is the Sungei Road area and those in HDB void decks.

    Not sure how the void decks work, I think we have to make inquiries from HDB.

    I am for car boot sales. Certainly look forward to more to come forward and brainstorm!

  2. Sungei Road is the only successful long term flea market. Unlike the transient, gypsy-like HDB void deck events, its been on the map variously as a weekend and night market since our childhood days. It is a long throw from the day when it made its mark as as a Thieves Market and as a market for second-hand, military throw-offs.

    We can find a good location near enough to Sungei Road’s flea market to take a cut of its history and spillover from its reputation for this type of venue. Nearby Bali which is even better located being more central and close to MRT from Bugis.

    (a) Small size – For openers, we can start small. We can organize a small event (say 5 to 10 stalls or push carts) just behind the bus stop). The advantage is that we can obtain office/logistic support, payment gateways, electricity, IT & broadband, F&B and toilet from the friendly shophouses behind. Everything that a professionally run event would require. (Note: no modern street event anywhere in the world runs without being effectively “wired” to the shops behind.)

    (b) Medium size – Bali Lane is a cul-de-sac. We can help to apply to use the lane for booty sales. It can be converted to something like the Boon Tat Street end of Lau Pa Sat opposite to where we used to have our monthly meetings in Robinson Road. Evenings and weekends they are closed to traffic for al-fresco dining. After 5 pm on weekdays, it is free to park.

    (c) Large Size – If successful, we can graduate to a huge tentage event in the open fields opposite Bali Lane. There is two pieces of land. The one immediately opposite Bali Lane is a prime land bought by CDL for redevelopment. It should be available for now. It’s not about the rental. The developers would also love to have the PR and the activities to put the property on the map at little or no effort from them. I think we can drive a good deal.

    The main issue, before and now, for any such application is the nature of the applicant. No owner and developer will allow an individual or non-professional organisation to host such an event on their property. Same with car-parks. Even if SHC is not registered, we don’t have this problem now. We can leverage off friendly companies who are tenants in the area.

    So we can proceed as we wish.

  3. Hi KT Wong,

    I am having a small breakfast before I catch my flight to Kota Kinabalu. And, I just saw your suggestion on car boot/Flea mart. Can’t resist, but I just have to say I am impressed with your wide assessment of business ideas.

    For SilverHairs who are keen on a business out of car boots or flea marts, please feel free to discuss on this forum. This is where we, as SilverHairsClub, can collectively make ideas happen. The more crazy the idea, the better. There is no such thing as a bad idea.

    KT, I am back this Thurs, and I am keen to pursue the cul-de-sac.

    Terence Seah

  4. There’s a boulder btwn our legs and smooth it may be but still is sickening as it follows us all the time, every step, everywhere………….yes, the key issue is’ “where”?

    With a place found we can then consider the scale…………………

  5. Besides Sungei Rd, void decks n shpg malls, there are oso other popular locations like the back lane ard Club St, Heart of Chinatown, Holland Ave (the open field diagonally across HV Cold Storage besides main road), Clarke Quay, Tanglin Mall n China Sq.

    4 a start interested members can try out by taking up some stalls at the regular flea mkts at Holland Ave. The organising committee charges $20 4 a table space 4 the dy.

    With factors of low rental, gd human traffic flow, central location (nr 2 expat communities) n wide varieties of wares, its worth a try.

  6. To hold it as an activity organised by SHC, we can expect the owners of the venue , for their assurance & comfort, to ask for a copy of our status certificate i.e. Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Registration as a Society.

    So it can be back to that chicken & egg dilemma…….

  7. YK @ #5

    Very useful info for comparison.

    I am lousy at SMS speakeasy. Can you confirm that you said that Holland Avenue the rental is $204 per table per day.

    Can you give us more details. Is there a minimum rental period or obligation. What are the operating hours. Is there any restriction to the type of business. Is utilities eg electricity, water, storage available. What are the additional costs eg utilities, storage etc. Is there a shelter overhead eg tent, 5 foot way etc.

    If possible, can you get us a contact representative, application form, weblink and brochure.

    If there’s time and interest, we’ll broach the subject after the SHCIC Investment Club meeting on Thurs 7 pm at Scorebot, 18 Bali Lane. Terence has indicated he’ll be present. Since this is a potential site in itself for the SHCFM (flea market), we can benchmark our thoughts much better on the subject.

    Thanks.

  8. Tim @ #6

    Exactly. Nail on the head.

    At Bali Lane, we can get our SHC friendly shop operators to submit the formal application as organisers.End of problem.

    It’s a Oyako Donburi (famous chicken and egg dish).

    We’ll eat it all, chicken and egg.

  9. At birth, we’re given a name and with the name we’re given a certificate – our first in life without sweating for it – which says we exist.

    So with that certificate, we can each rent a table, a space.

    With many folks doing so, we call it a SHC flea mart.

    Smart ?

    No. I’ll be throwing eggs…………..If you too like to throw smthg, think of a chicken to throw?

  11. I have participated in Flea Mart 3 times – between 1996 and 2005 and all at Clarke Quay. In 1996, the rental was $20 for a floor space but business was good because we were selling a lot of brand new Balinese artefacts and ornaments.

    In December 2005, the rental was $60 for a floor space but the sales was very bad. We had a lot of good and expensive 2nd hand clothes to sell but had to give a lot of them away to some poor people in Indonesia or sell them at $10/- for 4 pcs. because the people were not interested in buying. I noticed 2 young ladies doing brisk sales because they were selling brand new T-shirt from Hong Kong at $5 a-piece.

    If I’m not mistaken, there is a Flea Mart every Saturday outside China Square. There seems to be a lot of onlookers but I’m not sure whether the sales are brisk.

    Having a Flea Mart or Car Boot Sale is a good idea if the cost of rental is not high. The members must be prepared to just have some fun doing it and get back a bit of what they’ve spent on their items but not expect to earn an income.

  12. Hi SHCians with an interest in a SHC Flea mart or car boot sales,

    I think if we can have a purely SHC Flea mart, this would be really wonderful. Sellers would be SHC members, while buyers would come mainly from the public.

    I guess we need to be practical too, especially if the numbers are small.

    Can we have a show of hands? If the rental space is SGD 20 per table space, would you participate ONCE a month, on a weekend?

    Terence Seah

  13. Flea mart and car boot sales are very enjoyable and a good source of income too if you know what is in demand. I have done flea mart at Clarke Quay and Tanglin Mall for 8 years selling 1950’s goods like records, slide rulers, lamps, lighters, flask, bread toasters from Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

    SHCians can start this venture easily and book a few spaces at the flea mart on the last Saturday of each month at Pasir Ris – RC centre near Shop & Save – a good location with lots of human traffic. The rental is $8 from 5-10pm. Contact Herald, the chairman from RC centre at 9824 1323. No selling of pirated DVDs or food. Start with selling those unwanted things from your home or start a collection bin for unwanted goods from neighbours and friends – sure to make some money. Newbies like stationery, library bags & nick-nacks for kids will sell well. Good luck!

    Mary Lee (from Perth)

  14. Hi Mary (Perth) and Angela,

    Am very happy to hear positive feedback and experience from you. And, we will go ahead to run a SHC Flea mart/ or car boot sales event, as soon as we identify the venue and the logistics.

    Angela, we have not heard from you for many many moons. Glad the clouds have gone past, and we can now see you. Can you share with us what you see needs to be done to take up 4-5 table space, at a good location. What about deposits, application forms, and restrictions? I am asking these questions, also for the benefit of SHC members who have plans to participate together, for the fun, friendship and the dollar.

    Mary, you are in Australia (Perth). How come you still know so much about Singapore and Flea marts?

    Terence Seah

  15. Hi Terence,

    I am here in Perth but my relatives/ friends are in Singapore. Some friends have asked me to source cheap handmade products in Perth to sell at the fleamart in Singapore.

    I am happy that SHC is ‘baking a bigger pie’ to create more opportunities for members.

    Mary Lee (from Perth)

  16. Mary (Perth),

    I believe that SilverHairsClub can be pretty unique. We should try to organise events which give SilverHairs the opportunities to meet, to have fun and yet meaningful.

    We can pursue a SHC Flea mart or car boot sales. If it is no secret, can I ask you what is it that Singaporeans can bring in from Perth, that can sell in Singapore.

    Jokes aside, I see Singaporeans coming back from Perth, would bring back abalones, peaches, seafood products, cosmetics and DIY house products.

    Some tips from you can set the SHC Flea mart working.

    Terence Seah

  17. I am lazy so will find it lache to go sourcing for the goods to sell.

    Nonetheless, will support with at least 1 purchase of at least $20.00, fair?

  18. Hi Terence,

    I have personally put up Garage/moving out sales in the US and car boot sales in UK. One thing not conducive in S’pore is the weather unless the sale area is in a well shaded place.

    To start, I think Mary’s {Perth} idea of binning our unwanted good/new items for sale first plus maybe a few unusual artifacts. This will give those involved an idea of how lucrative it is……or maybe just how much fun it can be.

    Let me know if I can be of help………….Jie

  19. Hi Tim

    So you want to purchase something for $20 at ‘our’ flea market? Will you consider this huge, heavy, old book if I put it up at the fl. mart?;

    The New Lexicon WEBSTER’S ENCYCLOPEDIC DICTIONARY Of The English Language (Deluxe Edition)

    The three edges of the pages are gilded! (but may be with yellow paint!)

    JassmineT

  21. Hi Jie,

    I am always very happy when someone raises his/her hand.

    Let’s work together to review the diffferent ideas, set some simple guidelines and review the possible venues for the SHC Flea mart/car boot sales.

    We give ourselves until 15 February to see if there is anybody else who has experience and would like to join the organising team.

    Terence Seah

  22. Hi Terence,

    I’m sorry that I will not be able to get the relevant information for you or join the organising team as I am working fulltime.

    Jie, thanks for coming to my rescue. The one thing I have learnt from past experience is that “Flea Mart Sale” is no longer a sale where you sell your used but still good items. Nowadays, 90% of the items sold are new and cheap, so fellow SHCians taking part in the Flea Mart have got to be prepared to sell their once treasured items at ridiculously low prices. It should be a lot of fun and we’ll probably end up buying each other’s “antiques”.

    Cheers!
    Angela.

  24. Hi Ternce,

    Where venues are concerned, I am at a loss as I am still a “tourist” in Singapore. All I know is that there must be heavy pedestrian in traffic to make it viable, or somehow draw people to your site.

    When I had my garage/moving out sale, I had the added chore of putting up signs at every neighbouring street corner and junction. I was at first quite surprised at the good response.

    But like what Angela said, I think S’poreans are snootier where second hand goods are concerned. Those who are well travelled and open minded are more easy going……….Jie

  25. Heeeee, Jass, are you saying it in jest?

    “Consider” is, at best, a preparation to act after much though is put in, yes I can consider if you allow my consideration to include a bargain.

    Hahaha, you cute leh, if I wanted gold, I buy gold, not gold paimnt lah (but nice of you to come clean)

    Deluxe? Me buy it to use as a pillow meh? Heehee, sure, if we share it for 20 nites………….

  26. Terence #16

    If you shop in Perth after Christmas, you can get new items like stationery, children library bags & nick-nacks, hand-made crafts, etc from 1 cent to less than $2. I source for horse shoes, stainless steel soap, garden ornaments and emu oil for frends to fleamart.

    For a start, gather at least 60-70 unwanted small items (including potted plants like pandan leaves – $8), put a price sticker on each item or any group of 3 items (eg. crockery) for $10. If you sell half of your goods, you can earn $100 – enough to buy 5 big bags of rice? You can add on specials like ice-cream bells ($20-$70), tops (gasing – $10), cigarette tins ($14-$25), alarm clocks ($20-$50). These specials can be sourced from Sungel Road or old shops in JB, Pontian, Muar.

    It is cooler to fleamart at Pasir Ris or Tanglin Mall and people love to take a walk & shop after dinner.

    Mary (from Perth)

  28. Comment #7. Will gv more info later. Most likely aft CNY. Glad tis topic is taking off furiously wif so many members keen 2 participate.

    If U guys r keen 2 take a tour of Sg Rd, I can b ur guide. I m there on most Sun at tis favourite haunt not selling but browsing n buying stuf.

  29. Hi Yew Kwong,

    It’s the CNY festival at this time. To explore, would you be available on Sun, 17 Feb 2008 to show us around Sungei Road? If you are, let us know the meeting place and time.

    Some of us would like to join you touring Sungei Road SHC members welcome. For those coming and if the famous chendol stall is still there, I would buy the drink. BTW, the last time I saw the stall was 20 years ago.

    Great, let’s kick off the idea of a SHC Flea mart.

    Terence Seah

  30. Hi Terence

    It’s my pleasure. Sure I wld love 2. The best time 2 visit is from 4 pm onwards where most or almost all sellers will be there. If we intend 2 try out selling sth there then we shd go ard 2 pm. All U nid is a piece of double fold newspaper 2 lay out ur wares.

    At e same time, we can savour e original & famous Sg Rd laksa which is still a steal at $2. Cheap n still delicious.

    We can meet at entrance of Seiyu Dept, abv Bugis mrt stn. U cant be lost.

  32. Terence,
    I hope you are not rushing to get started for cny participation…a bit too late, friend. Flea marts are usually busy near festive seasons. Will be good to take this opportunity to look around and see what is popular and how the successful ones run the business. I agree with Angela and Jie – sporeans are wary of secondhand goods.
    I like Mary’s suggestion of selling potted plants. The cost of the plant is very neglible but we can sell the plant at a much higher price if it comes with very nice and unusual colourful pots. Didn’t we have some experts in pottery? I believe bangkok can be another source to get cheap and good ones. Just my wild ideas for the start of the day. If there is anything that you need to source from hk, feel free to let me know.

  33. Hi Yew Kwong,

    After you have been buying up Sungei Rd., are we to expect those buys at our own Flea Mart. It would be most interesting to see the vendors there eying goods they previously had.

    Yes, I am certainly game for your tour of Sungei Rd or any other flea mart…..to browse tho….not too buy, and get a feel of what we are in for.

    Let me know the details………Tks..Jie

  34. Jass, my minimal $20 purchase is firm, and it becomes a “maybe” if I consider yr deluxe edition more suitable for not a cash exchange but a barter trade, say for my pair of bermudas……………..

  35. Though your $20 purchase is firm, you didn’t specify your purchase and I can’t assume that it’s for my gilded encyclopedia, right?

    I rather like your barter trade idea. Besides your bermudas, do you have other things to offer, like music books?

    Do give an unambiguous, direct response – wait I misunderstand, how?

  36. Tim

    Bermudas come in many versions, commonly I or we know, inner n outer. Which version is yours leh? Fresh or U nid 2 wear it overnite b4 handing it ovr 2 complete deal. LoL.

  37. Heeee, Jass must be jesting again to say that I wasnt being specific………well, for yr deluxe edition of the encyclo, it’s strictly barter with te pair that I’ll be wearing there, and yes, Yew Kwong was spot on, the version that has got 3 openings – 2 for the legs and 1 for convenience………..like that, it’s worth more than $20 and so how can you resist?

    (As I type, the hp is roinging…….hmmmmm, can it be Jass calling since there’s deal is better than robinson’s worth waiting for deal?)

    Other than my high-power specs but if you take that you hv to walk me everywhere henceforth.

    (Heeeee, Roland has been a very good teacher, a disciplinary master but after he mixed with tim, he begins to realise how deprived he was & is saving to tattoo a big orange dragon on his tummy and the word “zing zhong bao guo” in red on his back………….now, you scare or not?)

  38. Comments #31 n 33

    Cecil, tks 4 e alert. M awared it was changed but I still know e plc as Seiyu rather. I believe e oth do. Rite?

    Jie, I m choosy n selective abt my buys fr Sg Rd. Most times, I will resell them on e internet thereafter n those which I need I will keep or give away as gifts.

    Ovr e yrs, Sg Rd flea mkt has gone upmkt selling not onli e common throwaway stuf but oso xpensive items like cellular phones n lappies. Vendors become knowledgeable besides e normal bullshit stuff they cultivated. Bargains can be hard but ultimately e winner is e one who can tolerate bragging.

    I hv indicate e timings so lets Terence decide which time suits him better. I m fine wif any argmt even if it takes e whole dy 2 stay put there.

  39. Hi Jie,

    For the moment, let’s meet at 4pm on Sun 17 Feb 2008 at SeiYu. All others are welcome to join. And we will have laksa after the tour.

    Terence Seah

  40. It’s a case of mai4 hua1 shuo1 hua1 xiang1.
    I’m patronizing Robinson next week.

    “xing1 zhong1 bao1 guo3”? It’s it an obscene phrase? No, right?
    Big, orange dragon – it this mythical animal obscene? No, right? So how to get scared? I’ll stared instead at the intricate artwork!

    I’ll take your answer to my original question “will you consider…” as ‘we’ll see’.

    Jassmine

  43. Yes, Yew Kwong,

    Good advice. In this case, we meet at 4pm and head straight for laksa. still go a lot of time, before sunset. ok?

    Terence Seah

  44. Terence

    Yes. If not enuf we shall go 4 e chendol. Plenty of gd fd ard e area especially e turtle soup at Jalan Bersih hawker ctre. Maybe we hv tis 4 dinner. Then follow by another tour of Little India. We can then hv roti prata or mutabak 4 supper.

  45. Mary @ #13

    What’s your experience with retail and flea markets in Oz? I had a distant relative who migrated to Adelaide and setup a $1 bargain shop. Unfortunately, he passed away recently.

    Whether it has anything to do with his change of lifestyle and workstyle, I do not know. If it did, it would be rather sad and ironical.

  46. Last evening, at Bali Lane, we look at a suggested venue by KT to hold the SHC Flea Mart at a space (approx 50 sq metres) behind the bus stop, and Bali Lane for a car boot sales, able to hold 15 cars. Free Sunday parking, a cul-de-sac, likely comfortable on a Sunday. Not sure of Sunday crowds. We keep this in mind.

    Cecilia Lim’s daughter had experienced selling her stuffs at the sidewalk, outside Tanglin mall. Not too sure, but roughly $60 per space. Crowds are after-dnner strollers.

    SHCians, please share your experience. And dont forget Yew Kwong’s invitation to bring us on a tour around Sungei Road, 4pm Sunday 17 Feb, meeting point at SeiYu bldg.

    Terence Seah

  47. Ivy @ #32 and Mary @ #26

    Your comments above are particularly constructive.

    To start you have to decide on what you like to sell. Notwithstanding the space constraints, one also need to specialize to succeed and to create a repeat crowd. If you want to sell several item, it is better to open different tables each with a fuller range of the same thing. Don’t bring in a 7-11 or a second hand stall that looks like your kitchen or study.

    The choice of items is also important. It should be unconventional, harder to find and rather esoteric. Arty, hard-to-find paraphernalias or collection items are particularly good.

    Examples of a good combination of ideas are
    – You own a small collection of biscuit tins. Your first priority would be to cut your biscuits and go on a diet to save your life. So now you have a lot of biscuit tins that you can sell. Learn how to spray paint (external not internal) and “art-up” your cans.

    – Dennis the Har has a wooden clog fetish. This is a range popularize by Scholls but they do not sell them anymore. Which is a pity because they have strong therepeutic advantages especially for spine and legs. It is like the difference between hard and soft mattress and, being heavier, it strengthens your legs with a thorough workout. Not so comfortable? Much better than having to replace your knee later. Anyway, his fashion value-add is to create interchangeable uppers eith a sculptured wooden platform.

    – We note that Tim slipped out for a short smoky while at the height of last evening’s SHCIC meeting. Here’s a very lucrative idea ideal for him. Sell shisha / hookah water pipes and paraphernalias. As art collectibles, they are very popular with toruists. They replace opium pipes which are illegal in many places. Bali Lane area is the hub of shisha bars. Save on smokes by changing to a shisha. It gives off as much carbon monoxide as 15 to 52 cigarettes and as much tar as 27 to 102 cigarettes. And you can be honest and tell your insurer that you don’t smoke cigarettes. I don’t smoke but I am prepared to invest in something like this which has the high potential to make serious money.

    Let your ideas flow. Those with no idea can then join those with good ideas. Preferably you should have partners so that work can be divided up. It is not different in complexity from any other retail business except for the scale and low rental.

  49. Yew Kwong,

    If I have nothing on that day, I will join you guys for the makan spree cum reccee Sungei Road.

    Wei wei Suzhang, turtle soup at Jalan Berseh hawker ctre, yummy yummy…your favourite, ai mai? come leh, Lina, you want to try the turtle soup, the soup is very “sedap” you know.

    Ah Nee

  50. Wei Susan

    Wats tis “chikungunya” thing? Scare, I m only afraid of standing under e light. Strange enuf, Little India is a plc tat is always dark 2 me. Ha, U guess y lor.

    Besides food, U can c “AQ” n shop nonstop 4 24 hr at Mustafa which offers gd bargains. Suggestive buys – Hindi n Indian musical n song DVD n CD (I oredi got a few), sports pheriperals, electrical items n clothings, etc.

  51. Hi guys!

    My, this discussion is getting interesting: with all the talk about eating, and shopping….

    Yes, Jalan Bersih food centre is the place to eat, and eat, and eat! Try the Chinese mutton soup with rice and yam, the fish soup both at either ends of the second floor. There is a Teochew che char on the lower level which serves songhe (fish head soup) and all the other delicacies.

    For south Indian, try aircond IniAvan on Chander Road where a banana leaf set goes for around $5.80.

    Wander around the many shops in Little India: Campbell Lane, Dunlop Street; many of the shops have upper levels where more goods are displayed. And don’t forget the Sheng Siong supermarket and food court where you can have your tea and desserts!

  52. Hi Yew Kwong #44, Susan #48, Ah Nee #49,

    From 4p.m. onwards want to eat chendol, turtle soup and roti prata. So this is SHC’s eating spree on Sunday. Yew Kwong can afford to eat, cos running 4 days a week. And can get sexier legs. If we follow him, sure cannot get into our D&D wear.

    After that, want to alter dress or body?

  54. Ha Yew Kwong,

    Are you already practising on a couple of Indian songs for this year’s talentime.????
    Your Hati Jantung was a success at the last one. Looking forward to your tongue twisting Indian song.

    Terence & Yew Kwong
    I have already marked my calender for 17 Feb.
    Looking forward to it. ….Jie

  55. Jass @ #40, yr “mai hua shuo hua xiang” suggests that you’ll be selling flowers at our first Flea Mart, and will be telling all that yr flowers are smelly. For the novelty and yr courage, I am touched. No need to barter. Cash purchase from me.

    Is “xing zhong bao1 guo? an obscene phrase? You used the phrase so you’ll hv to tell me.

    (Mine was “zing”, not “xing” and my phrase means “maximise/exhaust your loyalty to repay your country”)

    Hahaha, you seem to hv a weighted obsession for obscenity, with that big orange draon coming next.

    No, a big, orange dragon is what it is : a big orange dragon (unless you think its nakedness is obscene, as obscene as the stray cats loitering nakedly in void decks. Poor cats, do you hv a choice? Or wd they be happy to wear hot pants)

    Yes, ‘we’ll see’ – and together stare at – Roland’s tummy till he blushes and asks the dragon to spew fire (heee, nothing obscene hor, the dragon spews while he controls his bladder)

    Well, KT @ #47, Tim stepped out, not slipped out, for a smoky not at the height but at the trough of last evening’s SHCIC meeting. See, one shdnt hv come with a vested interest and start using the occasion to sell one’s products. It was improper and out of order. Glad that he took his seat and continued seated thereafter.

    Nay, yr idea wont do for smokers. Join me in my next puff and you’ll be addicted to the fun of flicking the ashes all over and blowing out big orange naked dragons…….

  56. Hi Tim

    1. If I’m selling marigolds, yes I’ll say they’re smelly. Finally I get your $20! To sweeten the deal, I’ll give you a free gift.(Don’t ask what).

    2.Can you provide the chinese characters and their tones for your ‘Zing Zhong….’?

    3. Wrong conclusion. No obsession, just a healthy interest.

    4. “Poor cats, do you hv a choice? ” Why are you talking to cats? It’s not a bad idea to put shorts on prowling Tom cats. A good way to control cat population.

    5. The dragon won’t obey him because it’s only a tattoo. *lol*

    Jassmine

  57. Jass,

    My replies as follows :-

    1. Marigold isnt as smelly as MaryGoh, my neighbour. It’s not a barter but take her away & I’ll give you a piece of butter.

    2. I cant write Chinese on my kid’s computer; however “zing” as in “zing liang” (to do one’s utmost), “zhi zing” (to commit suicide), “ren zing, yi zing” (hv exhausted brotherhood & loyalty)

    3. Precisely, we’re all over 45, what hv we not seen to be profaned?

    4. Nay, nah……..female cats shd wear the chastity belt. Heard of “jiau choon mau” (calling spring cat) – they’re all cha bo hor.

    5. Yes, why wd the dragon obey him when I was the drawer? He only provides the platform for my dragon to launch.

  58. Suzhang @ #48

    You don’t normally consider F&B in flea markets. They require separate legal licensing and there are many restrictions.

    Read between the lines. Think messages must be coded in flea to protect intellectual property.

    Imagine seling decorated turtle shells. And what about selling custume accessories for Indian song and dance. What about creating Indian fusion fashion.

    But how Mustafa fits the picture beats me. Are they a supplier or are we taking a concession from them?

  59. A flea market usually has busking (street performances) to entertain the crowds.

    Ron can busk his “kung fu” moves and Gib his magic accupressure. Tim will sell out with his 4D and football predictiions. This adds a meaning to Talentime and D&D. The finals to song and dance contest can be the centre stage highlight of the SHC flea market.

    Opportunity and reward is here for the right talent. Train hard. Today flea, tomorrow Hollywood…

    Hee hee

  60. KT @ #45

    Recycling is very Oz culture so flea-markets and garage sales are plentiful and popular here.

    You can collect FREE items advertised in Sunday Times or just pick up free items from curb-side collection. I monopolize on curry leaf, laksa leaf, galangal or items like key-chains collected around the globe, specs screw-drivers, Indian cooking pots… Information cards (history of plants, plant-care & recipes) can be displayed to attract sales. UK made crockery can be bought from garage sale for 10cents. I collect kitchenware in one colour eg red and then set up a ‘red’ stall. If emu oil products, then a ‘blue’ stall with lavender pots. Display is important with nice table-cloth, colourful price tag… It’s really fun to fleamart and meet heaps of people.

    Retail may be tougher as rental is the killer. So sorry to hear about your relative who passed away recently. You are right – huge change of lifestyle/workstyle when we settle here. We adapted to the seasons & embraced culture/language difference. When we were young, it was work-work-work & do-do-do now with big gardens, oceans and hills we unwind & relax-relax-relax.

    Mary Lee (from Perth)

  61. Hey KT Wong, Apa macam ?? Why me?
    I did not enquire anything on what you’ve mentioned @ 58. I am puzzled and don’t know what you are trying to say. Guess too chim for me. Maybe you meant it for Terence.

    #59 – you hv good suggestions, guess Terence won’t hv a headache to find a EO for the flea & flies. LOL.

  63. Hi ladies and guys,

    I loves this twist. Originally, we started the idea of looking for possible SHC Flea mart venues and ideas. Yew Kwong then offers to show us Sungei Road and little India; and now we have a tour plus food tasting, eating Laksa, turtle soup, South Indian food, etc, exotic.

    I won’t win, and I know I can’t win; so Yew Kwong lead the tour, Venue: SeiYu bldg, Time: Sun 17 Feb, 4pm. Everybody welcome. In search of ideas for a SHC Flea mart, while enjoying Sungei Road, Little India, Laksa, Chendol, etc …

    Terence Seah

  64. Hi All

    I wld like 2 make it even more exciting. Each of us bring along an item which U wld want 2 sell (4 fun sake). We shall take a space, maybe at a corner. layout a piece centrespread newspaper n sell our wares there.

  65. Treasures at Sg Rd. There is one particular stuf which we all like. Guess wat its? Music/song CDs n they are original ones. How much they cost? U will nvr believe. $1 each but U got ruffle thru e piles of CDs. There is one quickest way 2 find. Will show U the trick on the spot. How 2 tell if they are originals? By looking at the label printed on the CD surface? No. Will oso show U the trick.

  66. Tim @#57

    1. The correct spelling for “zing” in “zing liang” is “jin4”. What about the meaning of “zhong”?

    2. Are you sure all ‘calling spring cats’ are tabbies? What’s stopping the toms from calling?
    If there’s one tom and three tabbies in the vicinity, it’s economically cheaper to control the cat population through Tom.

    JassmineT

  67. Suzhang @ #61

    Ini macam.

    You pointed out that the working committee seems to be missing the point by focussing the thread on food. I concur with some elaboration on my part.

    In seriosuly setting up a physical SHC flea market, the key is to have members with products that they can sell. The attendant issues are how to help members to mount their products and set up a profitable small business around the flea m,arket initiative. Hopefully, the premise is that members can now afford to retire well into a lifestyle of choice with support from this stream of passive income.

    If it is just exchanging 2nd hand and throw-aways between members then a simple forum exchange or ebay type of on-line auction will do fine.

    Of-course, the subject of flea market can just be one dinner conversation topic. That’s another thing altogether.

  68. Mary @ #60

    Thanks. That’s really very good and pertinent advice. I’ve seen much in business. I seldom see something that surprises me today. I guess that’s the cost of getting old. But today I stand corrected. I learned something new.

    I never thought of laksa and curry leaves. What do you do with them? Cook or varnish. I must start prepare a exclusive distribution agreement with my indian neighbour for his dinner table left-overs. The same one that started my maharaja yoghurt strain. Hee-hee.

    You have put in many thoughtful and professional retail touches to flea marketing. I am impressed. When are you coming back. We need you to be our consulting. Free of course. Terence say one…….

    Although rental is high, it is not a problem now. At Bali Lane, we can negotiate for a no-fixed cost, rent-only deal. It is a great way to start for budding flea entrepreneurs. We need only to find amongst members products, talent and ideas. With our heat, flea markets are anyway better in the evenings. This is why traditionally we have “pasar malam” and not day-markets. It is different from elsewhere in cold countries where open flea markets are popular in the day. Here day shopping is done in malls which can afford air-con in enclosed rented spaces. The advantage is that Bali Lane is already a evening happening place with a strong foreign / tourist crowd.

    The irony of wealth and age. When we are younger, we dream of migrating to the West to chase blondes but can’t afford it. Now we can afford it and we can still chase blondes. But at our age, we can’t keep them happy.

  69. #68

    Why can sign in and still no edit on comment!

    Correction.
    ” At Bali Lane, we can negotiate for a no-fixed cost, PROFIT SHARING -only deal.

  70. Hi guys!

    Sungei Road Thieves Market may look like a free-for-all… but I don’t think you can just plonk some newspapers and start selling your wares.

    There seems to be some hidden system and someone controlling the whole show.

    Also don’t make the mistake of taking some old Ah Pek’s choice spot, or you’ll be in for a hell of a show!

    Just for info: there’s also a smaller scale Thieve’s Market at Pickering/South Bridge Road area.

  71. Ken @ # 70

    It’s OK.

    We’ll get Gibson in a black funeral suit and Matrix glasses to negotiate the deal. He looks like Chow Yuen Fatt in his Shanghai Bund heyday BF (Before Fat)

    Couple him with an unshaven Beng in a trenchcoat speaking Thai. Like those who will kill for 200 bahts. They’ll look like a lethal pair.

    We may end up getting paid by them instead.

    Hee hee

  72. Comment #70. Kenneth is rite abt e “unwritten law”. Anyway U can do it onli on Sat n Sun. Preferably on Sun, a dy where e amateurs join in 2 hawk their wares. U can just lay ur papers on any spot out of e drawn boundaries but should e regulars arrive U just move 2 another spot. Best is on e dy where e road is sealed off 2 holding mini celebrations 4 e Indian comrades usually every alternate Sun.

  73. Comment #70 Cont’d

    E lanes behind Club Street, actual location is junction of Cross Street/South Bridge rd used 2 b a favourite haunt few yrs ago until urbanisation took plc. There U can get antique items like death certificate, old identity cards (likely owners r oredi dead) n old altar decorative items like candle holders. Sounds eerie isnt it. If U r lucky (or unlucky) these items come wif “ree gifts – buy one get one or many” (make a guess lor).

  74. KT #68

    Asians use laksa and curry leaves for curries whereas the locals put it in their tea or blend with olive oil as varnish for roast meat. I toss the leaves into my steam-boat or make salad with drops of pure emu oil.

    Rent at fleamart here is $5 to $8 per carpark space. Country markets are cheaper $8 for space of 10 tables.

    I plan to be back in April during my grandson’s school holidays and I look forward to meet you…not consultation but sharing lah.

    Talk about old pasar malam, I really miss ice-balls & bird-nest drinks.

    Yeh, the blondes here are very beautiful and capable. They drive interstate road-trains & forklifts, build houses, raise their children. My 21 year-old lady friend bought land & built her house. Heaps to learn over here leh.

    Mary Lee (from Perth)

  75. Mary @ #74

    Lucky guess. But when I said “varnish” I was thinking more of art eg dried flowers.

    Tell your house building blond friend to come here. I’ll find her a dirt patch at Sentosa Cove. We’ll label it “handbuilt in traditional Ozzie style”. Remember to dig a longkang into the living room and call it lap pool. Sell it for $20 million.

    I like the way you colour theme your flea tables. It is a really good idea to add a touch of class and differentiation.

    I would like to seek your opinion on another matter of specialisation for SHC flea market. Garang guni has transformed into big business. With frequent up/down gradings and en-bloc, you find household of goods being disposed at a time.

    One popular organisation called cash converter actually started in Perth.
    http://www.cashconverters-asia.com/
    They first sell selected lines to businesses specialising in recycling, refurbishing and export of refurbished goods eg fridges, air-con etc. The balance odds and ends they sell at huge garage sales.

    I think one trick is to focus on value added conversions of the less popular odds and ends. Cashconverters today may dispose these items for free as a favour but will not pay you anything for it. Eg if one specializes on dressed-up biscuit tins an arrangement can be made with the converter for systematic collection. Pay a nominal sum, say, 30 cents per biscuit tin and you’ll likely to corner the supply for biscuit tins. Spray on some dash of colour and sell it as useable art for $3 to $50 per tin. Depends on how good an artist you are.

    The best ROI is obviously from selling and not purchasing. Collection is a high cost centre and best outsourced. In Singapore, we also lack the skills for creative conversion eg junk into art. This is something which Ozzies have through their culture of flea and country markets. How do we put them into a melting pot?

    As a club, how do we introduce ideas and innovations to members to start them on the track to a lucrative flea business. I don’t even know what is out there to tap eg instructors, literature, collaborations etc.

    Can you comment and help.

  76. YK @ #72 & #73

    Curiosity kills the cat. So I checked out Sungei Road’s flea market.

    It no longer holds the allure of the Thieve’s Market of old. Very old stuff (mostly broken junk, don’t expect quality antique/arty finds). None of the gadgets look like they work. It’s pretty depressing as it’s way too big a contrast with the normal quality flea markets and even pasar malams in Singapore.

    You have to makeshift everything from shelter to ground mats. There is no support whatsoever. You either provide your own electricity, peddle in the dark or sit through the hot sun. If it rains you will most probably be wet. If you park legally, it is by the hour (they are very on-the-ball at Sim Lim). And it has a really rough, tough and foreign looking crowd.

    I didn’t stay long enough but I was told that you can get pirated and porn too. Lucky we have Tim. He can help to bail us out in case we are accidentally swept up by Vice or Intellectual Property squads.

    This is effectively Little India’s territory. I was told, the controlling “organisers” are home boys. Helps in the negotiations if you can speak a few words of Tamil.

    Do you know the Lao Ta or have some inside track to this deal? If we are on our own, it will not be easy. Ken is correct. Even if it is “free”, is it worth it. Can you imagine SHC members spending quality leisure social time clubbing together at Sungei Road over the weekend?

    What is Plan B. Come to think of it, what is Plan A in the first place.

    Anyone with an idea?

  77. A picture tells a thousand words. Here’s three.

    Picture 1
    The competition. The Chairman sitting on his laurels
    http://www.ndroo.com/portfolio/gallery/content/Life%20In%20Singapore%20Series/Sungei%20Rd%20flea%20market/Sungei%20Rd%2001.jpg

    Picture 2
    Customer and technical support
    http://www.ndroo.com/portfolio/gallery/content/Life%20In%20Singapore%20Series/Sungei%20Rd%20flea%20market/Sungei%20Rd%2003.jpg

    Picture 3
    Not to worry if not so original …. Where are you, Tim? You are suppose to be on standby.
    http://www.ndroo.com/portfolio/gallery/content/Life%20In%20Singapore%20Series/Sungei%20Rd%20flea%20market/Sungei%20Rd%2006.jpg

    Hee hee. It’ll be fun.

  78. My Sundays are usually in Bangkok. But if the date is set, and if I were in Singapore for our SHC Flea mart, also including a car boot sales, I would definitely be very excited.

    SHCians meeting together and setting up their table booths. Those with cars would open up their backs. Plenty of yellow flags and balloons around the designated area.

    Every seller knows every other person because they are all SilverHairsClub members. Those in cars, maybe with a little hot flask of tea or coffee and inviting other friends to come over and chat. We can sell something we don’t want, handicrafts we make, plants from our backyard, ideas you pick up on this forum.

    I would think we should get the venue to provide tables. Never like the idea of chairs. We bring our own floor sheets.

    Not sure about the law, but I guess if the music comes from the venue, then we can have “San Franscisco”, or songs by the Jackson family or the Carpenters.

    I am always in favour of our singers, playing for the rest of us, but guess got to be practical. We can do so a few months down the road, we we get more successful.

    And, we would invite the public to our SHC Flea mart. Ideally, a steady flow of families, young couples, and foreigners wanting to enjoy a vibrant afternoon.

    I envisage we would have a successful Flea mart. We have not decided on the place, date and time yet, but we will do so very soon.

    If you are participating, think about what you would sell. Do you need partners to share the same table or car. Be prepared to share costs. Even if you share transport or boot space, be prepared to split equal share.

    SHC Flea mart is strictly an SHC event. Only members of the public are invited to particpate to visit and buy from the Flea mart.

    Maybe this is still a dream. But, we do have a target date to get it running ie mid March 2008.

    Plse share your wild ideas with everybody on this forum. And those who would like to help make this event succeed, please raise your hand. Jie and all those who have suggested ideas on this forum, I have your hand.

    Terence Seah

  79. Hi Terence/interested parties.

    Hi Mary [Perth],

    Thank you for the many tips in enhancing the many possibilities of running a successful flea market. Looking forward to meeting you for more.

    In the hill country of Wimberley TX, honey and home made jams, one of a kind cottage handicrft etc., besides their flea bitten wares, are put out for sale. So much so, people nationwide would come to these once a month fleamart.

    I think I am getting ahead of myself, let’s just get a venue and work from there. The Bali Lane venue sounds good if we can get the public there. Since we are going to build it up from scratch, {we can be proud that it is an SHC endeavour} it will be slow going at first. But it can be surprising if each member pitch in with what they have, unwanted good items, those who produce, jewellery, homemade handicrafts or even bottles of achar if they are so inclined. Or even Sophie with her cookbook or James siew with his joke book. Whatever??!!
    It can be a very win-win situation if we come together.
    Just my thoughts………….Jie

  80. Hi Terence,

    After the flea market takes off for SHC, how about an offline flea market on ebay?

    It seems there are lots of people running successful ebay businesses from their homes around the world, buying & selling stuff etc…

    Anybody who has done so or is willing to hold a seminar to teach SHCians?

    Jon

  81. Hi Joanathan, Jie and everybody,

    If we visit a foreign country, and if it happens to be a weekend, it is quite common to find a Sunday Flea Mart.

    Imagine with the vast number of tourists coming to enjoy our integrated resorts and casinos, would it not be nice to have our own Sunday Flea Mart, known and opened to Singaporeans and foreigners?

    To kick-start what I would ask everybody to start thinking, I am thinking of selling cute colourful mugs. If anybody else sells the same thing, Kenneth and Yew Kwong, I am going to call for the “Lao Ta” or very own bouncer Tim.

    Ha ha ha. Your ideas?

    Terence Seah

  82. Here’s an inspiring story of a rag & bone to riches story.

    Self-made millionaire Poon Buck Seng had only $50 to start his business 20 years ago. Today he lives in a million-dollar two-storey terrace house at Saint Michael’s Road.

    http://www.sgclub.com/singapore/grows_fortune_discarded_24738.html

    If he can, you can too !! Now I know what I should have wanted to be when I grew up. Hee hee.

    Seriously, Poon runs a traditional karung guni business. He collects all kind of discards, sort and sell them. It is recycling without processing and without much discrimination. This is quite different from the flea market model that Margaret and others may have in mind.

    The best flea markets in the world combine open air market with pageantry, art, music and busking in an carnival-like atmosphere. An excellent example is shown in the following video of San Telmo Market – Buenos Aires, Argentina

    http://www.truveo.com/San-Telmo-Flea-Market-Buenos-Aires-Argentina/id/3092715155

    Note that the flea market takes place in front of shop houses. There must be a good interdependent working relationship between the two. It has to be. Otherwise if the legal tenant complains, the street vendor will have to move. The legal tenant must enjoy the traffic that the flea market brings. On the other hand, the street vendor can enjoy at least some form of support from the legal tenant. This is exactly like the kind of support that is available only at Bali Lane. At Sungei Road it is only open ground with no support. The nearest facility is at a distance in the old Sim Lim complex.

    You can decide what you want out of the SHC flea market.

  83. Jie @ #79 / Terence @ #78

    Absolutely right. The journey of 1000 miles start with a single step.

    Let’s meet and get the plan into action. Take stock of where we are going and how to get there. As you have pointed out we have to sort out who is doing what.

    We can can determine the budget for the operation once we specify the minimum number of sellers. The planning team can meet at Scorebot first and decide on the final location later. It is easier to plan first with a fixed location in mind.

    At the very least, Bali Lane has the advantage of infrastructure and logistic support together with a flexible and scalable model.

    However, we can always change this if another location offers improved terms and is deem better by the working group.

  84. Jon @ #80

    Where have you been?

    There has been a great legacy effort by SHC called 2GreenDot sponsored by our MM (Mentor Member)
    http://www.2greendots.com/cgi-bin/shoppingmall/shoppingmall.pl?category=brandnew&item=1213930475
    This is a listing service. You can read about it in this thread
    http://silverhairsclub.com/2greendots/

    But you are right. An on-line flea market (not off-line!!) requires an auction mechanism. The essence of flea markets is bargaining and it will not feel the same without.

    The other contribution in this area is by YK who conducted a popular e-auction course. I have not attended his course but I understand that it is really for complete newbies. The emphasis is therefore naturally on the buying side or simple exchange.

    What we really need is a industrial strength e-bay vendor program if we want to mount a on-line flea market. Then both on-line and physical SHC flea market can complement and synergise with each other.

    Any interest from members to conduct or attend such a training program with the objective of setting up a on-line flea market?

  85. KT @ #74

    SHC flea market…

    (1) Identify places to pick up disposed goods eg. void deck or shops. Source unwanted goods from office, neighbours. A regular customer at Tanglin gave me heaps of old records to sell – I sold record covers to a pub owner.

    (2) Sort out :

    (a) Bigger items to garang guni (GG) for quick sale. GG pick up directly & pay cash for monitors, type-writers, white goods. I have a couple of garang guni contacts.

    (b) Items to fleamart. Sort, price and pack them in labelled see-through containers, eg books.

    (c) Items to recreate – require $, effort to increase value eg. recently we painted aboriginal art complete with varnish on $1 wooden tool box & fleamart at $50. You can take folkart course in Spore – paint T-shirts & create home decor items. SINGAPOREANS ARE CREATIVE just no opportunity – I am sure some SHCians can paint, sew, recreate – get ideas from library or internet. You can make small wooden stools from discarded wood, natural lacquer & fleamart at $10.

    (d) Leftovers – Give these items (eg.parts of a fan) to aged vendors at Sungel Rd.

    3. Before FLEAMART – Prepare items, small change, plastic bags, drinks, packed meal, floormat, foldable stool.

    4. FLEAMART – be early, set up stall starting with items right behind and end with attractive or must-sell items in the front row. Display 1 or 2 of the same item to show it is rare. SMILE, GREET. If someone shows interest, say something interesting about item (like how old, its usage). Even if he/she does not buy it, say thank you…chances they will come back. Shift items around occasionally so stall looks ‘fresh’ for people who browse 2nd time.

    When more experienced, SHCian FLEAs (i.e those doing fleamart)can be organised into groups to tackle 2(a)-(d):

    FLEAS-a those working as co-workers are regular source of free supply.

    FLEAS-b those who know market well eg. KT

    FLEAS-c those who love to work with their hands

    FLEAS-d those who can rapport with vendors.

    For a start, no need to be so structured, just collect, price, sell and simply be noisy and enjoy lah.

    Remembered my 1st fleamart at Clarke Quay, went alone, so sotong, so malu – displayed kitchenware items on the floor. Brought an ice-cream bell to attract attention. Minus rent, got $320 – so happy.

    Good luck and hope to fleamart with you all when I go back to Singapore

    Mary Lee (from Perth)

  86. Margaret @ #85

    Thank-you very much. It’s a 101 primer. “All you ever wanted to know about flea markets but never dared to ask your mother.”

    Heeding your advice, this means we are hoping that you come back with more invaluable advice for us.

    Work on the rest of your alphabets. Terence expects many volunteers. We should be able to work through from (e) to (z).

    Is this the same Singapore we are talking about? When was the last time you’re back? My contemporaries with post graduate engineering and physics degree still call in the plumber to clear a toilet choke. I hope that I am wrong. We’ll know soon enough when we call the flea market meeting.

    Terence has “chop” (reserve) painted mugs for his flea debut. The oddsmaker is making 10:2 against him painting his own cups.

    Hee hee. Don’t tell you how my money is running….

  87. Very good Mary.

    You gave very good ideas what steps to bare in mind for a start. But basically to work as a team and have fun. I like the way you say FLEAS……is a pun intended…..FLEECE.

    lOOKING FORWARD TO MORE TIPS FROM YOU…..JIE

  88. Thanks, Jie, hope you have fleasful of fun.

    KT @ #86

    Ooi, who is Margaret?

    I was in Singapore 3 months ago.

    SHCians will discover their hidden talents as they progress. My 65-year old brother made his own kitchen cabinet, my niece designed & made artistic wrought iron gates for her flat, my daughter-in-law fixed bookshelves and made earrings, my friends painted their own homes.

    Mary Lee (from Perth)

  90. Dennis @ #89

    Easy. You only need to find a product to start making long term passive income for your retirement.

    Everybody who has a product only need to focus on production. It could be clogs, painted cups or Maharaja’s Yoghurt Stud Line. (hee hee. I “chop” the last one; the advantage of having electricity and refrigeration on tap)

    SHC flea market will do the rest. You need only a small investment to assemble a product line to sell. If customers like it you can turnover your stock and quickly make money.

    The advantage of Bali Lane is that even in your absence your product can still be available for sale OTC (over the counter) or off catalog from the SHC friendly shops. You may only be required to be present on, say, the weekend when you are expected to be pitching your own product.

    If the complimentary on-line flea market comes on-stream then you can also be selling on-line.

  91. Wah!..this thread from flea market to makan2 rendezvous ah?…not bad biz eh..got side order!..haha

    Ah Nee…u dont ‘bedek’ wanna recky Sungai Rd hor..u more like wanna peep for Terence’s Laksa,YK’s murtabak lah..chendol & turtle soup etc rite?…hhhmmm
    now got Sue,Lina,Lily semua keen to sight seeing
    & shopping!

    Yew Kwong @50…u be careful ah..bring our gang to ‘chikungunya’ area..
    btw its mosquito-borne, dengue-like thingi lah..
    started from Little India tau?

  92. Mary @ #88

    Oops. Slippery keyboard after all that typing. Sorry.

    Mary is right.

    Members. Don’t despair even if you are still trying hard to find that special talent. You don’t have to start by recreating or reworking your product before selling. You can still find many good potential products out there. If not SHC can help.

    KGs (Karung Guni is the most acceptable spelling) like Poon, the million$ KG man, have made it with some hard work, a lot of passion and without much of a formal education.

    Members have the added benefit of long years of experience, education. exposure and expertise behind them. And you are not alone. SHC is behind you. On form alone, you should be capable of achieving much more, much easier.

  93. Dear KT

    So with all the 101/301 primer from our seasoned SHCian from Perth and your can-do abilities plus so many skilled hands, sure can make this project meaningful, fun and profitable.

    I have several books to contribute for your Flea business. takers?

    Cheers, Andrew

  94. So far, a few venues have been mentioned on this forum. The places are:

    1. Back lane behind Club Street, Heart of Chinatown. Junction of Cross Street & South Bridge Road.

    2. Holland Avenue (the open field diagonally across Cold Storage besides the main road).

    3. Bali Lane, behind the bus stop and cul-de-sac carpark area.

    4. Clarke Quay.

    5. Tanglin Mall.

    6. China Square.

    7. Pasir Ris, RC centre near Shop & Save, $8 from 5-10pm. Herald, 9824 1323.

    We should start to get more details within the next two weeks. If you do know, please let us know a contact name and tel number.

    As for now, we have Jie who has volunteered to help. If you like to help with the organising, I would be most pleased to have your assistance.

    Terence Seah

  95. Hi Terence

    Where in this Pasir Ris RC Centre?

    Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC has about 80,000 residential/business units, and more than 300,000 people.

    The most popular areas are PR Central(Ave 6) and MRT station vicinities.

    Cheers, Andrew

  97. Hi Mary

    Yes, another busy place in PR-East. The two locations I mentioned are where the CCCs tendered out for pasir malam

    Do you live in PR-East?

    Cheers, Andrew

  98. Hi Andrew Kuan,
    Yes I’ve been in PR East for about 6 months already and have been familiarising myself with the area.
    It’s a nice place. I especially like the parks, ‘nature reserves'(can we call them that I wonder?) and the walkways along Sungei Api Api and the mangrove areas.
    That area mentioned by Terence is considered to be more ‘central’ than the one at the mrt station, I gathered, as the first apartments started from there.

  99. Terence, having lost almost 10 kg I am more a pole than a bouncy bouncer but you can still use me horizontally to fend off the evil, like sumoking did with his ruyi pang (that magnificient pole of his).

    Hahaha, since when did KT adopt a mother in Mary whom he mistook as Margaret (calling the wrong lass yr mother can invite trouble).

    Taking up the idea of sourcing for foc goods & discards, and with MaryC & AndrewK knowing Pasir Ris at their finger tips, they can start looking thru the void decks, sunger api api and return with a report of what they can find in a day. Pls end the search by 6 p.m. (it can get dangerous when it gets dark) and pls pls, no holding hands yet hor.

    Seriously, with the rich getting richer and understandably becoming mnore brand conscious, they like to be seen carrying/using the most branded so I cant see any of these novou riche picking up our bin finds.

    If at ll, the customer base will likely come fr the poor, and they’ll bargain like hell for obvious reasons. And do we hv the heart to say no to them, knowing how much a difference it makes in their lives for landing a bargain?

    But all is not lost cos we’ll be pleased that we hv done a good deed, some kind of charity and all in the nameof SHC……………….

    When a day is organised to go scavenging, do pls count me in. I am game.

  100. Hi Tim

    You missed my post at #66.

    Is this the phrase you meant: jin4 zhong1 bao4 guo2

    Don’t use the word ‘scavenging” leh. Use instead ‘treasure hunting’

    JassmineT

  101. Hi Tim

    Served as PR East (then PR Central) CCC Treasurer and PR-Punggol GRC Town Councillor & Finance Chairman for five terms though I live near Tanah Merah MRT station.

    Familiar with PR-P GRC due to walking the grounds and met many residents for 9 plus years.

    Flea mart business can be fun and profitable.

  102. Hi Andrew,

    Do you still have a contact at PR East? I would love to have a name and tel, so that we can do some preliminary work on the SHC Flea Mart.

    Terence Seah

  103. Jass, as kids, we faced & took dfficulties head-on so there wasnt a need then to learn humyu pengang, or what the wogs called hanyu pinyin………

    So, my pengang can only be as good as I try.

    Yes, Mdm, not “scavenging” but “treasure hunting” but then hor how come we find tissue papers soiled with pee sai in the treasure chests……….those are treausre huh?

  104. Hi Terence,

    Pasir Ris or any end point in the island of Singapore is fine, for a one-off activity like pot-luck.

    If the plan for the flea mart is long term – maybe once a month – it is best if we find a more central venue for the convergence of the public and especially the SHCians, who I am sure would like to support and participate an SHC endeavour like this….as vendors or buyers, or even browsers……After all the majority of members do not have cars and travelling eg….from the west to the East takes approx. 2hours …i.e. one way.

    I hope you will take this into consideration.
    Tks & rgds……….Jie

  106. Andrew,

    As this would be preliminary study, we will start with the contact available first. If the place is suitable, I shall get in touch with you. Thank you.

    Terence Seah

  107. Jie,

    You make a good point on the location; and I too agree the location should be central. I am not familiar with Pasir Ris, but as Pasir Ris, RC centre near Shop & Save, has been suggested as a possible location, we could have a look.

    Would you know if it is near a MRT station or major bus interchange?

    Anybody got any comments on the use of Pasir Ris RC centre, as a venue for the SHC Flea Mart?

    Terence Seah

  108. Hi KT,

    As SHC is not corporatised as a business/company or as a registered club/society, would ScoreBot be keen to undertake to organise the cul-de-sac carpark and the area behind the bus stop as a venue for the SHC Flea mart?

    Scorebot would provide the venue on a rental basis, provide the tables, the cordone area, cleaning up and liaising with the shops around/authorities and utilities.

    SilverHairsClub members would rent the place for a fee. We need to look at the logistics and costs comparison, to have a viable start.

    Terence Seah

  109. Tim

    Leave the tissue alone. Take what you deem potential ‘treasure’. If you make a mistake, never mind. It’s a learning experience. You ‘lei3ji4 the experience and eventually become a skillful ‘treasure hunter’.

  111. Terence @ #108

    No problem. All SHC Flea Marketrepreneurs need to focus is on organising their product line. All we have to do is to turn up with our products and start selling. There is no constraint on products. We can even sell F&B products through special arrangment.

    Sellers will enjoy the lowest cost for similar facilities. We’ll can hopefully get a match for the best offer in the market. Or we can request for a part/full profit sharing scheme with Scorebot. This is to enable anyone with an idea to start straight from “GO”. No start-up business can be easier in the world.

    In Bali Lane, there is a very strong night weekend party crowd. Besides being a well known night-spot and pub area, this area is famous as the only hub in Singapore for shisha / hookah water pipe entertainment. This niche attracts both wealthy Middle East customers and foreigners. Besides hotels, there is also a good spread of residential housing from old HDB to service apartments. This gives you a wide range of customers both heartlanders and foreigners to test your products.

    The best time to host the flea market is Fri to Sun evenings. (It is also possible to continue selling OTC, online and delivery basis through the rest of the week.) This is the only place which we can control layout and ensure that SHC Flea Market has the run of the place. It will be really an SHC community project.

    SHC Flea Market can start as small as we want. Even a few tables will do. SHC can also be as large as we can take it. We can host an entire carnival on the empty land opposite Bali Lane.

    Scorebot is also member of the regional Ozone network which has the largest business barter community in Singapore. Ozone’s MD Terry Thng met and gave a talk to SHC Investment Club recently. If we can accept Ozone barter credit, we can tap on the huge community of business owners who can’t wait to spend their huge credit balances on corporate gifts and decor items.
    http://www.ozonebarter.com.sg/

    Check through the barter website. We can start a product or service line without cash if we buy on barter. You can buy huge stocklots very cheap. Truly the potential for a real no money down business model. Ideal for incubation and test of concept for any budding entrepreneurs.

    It is just not only about junk, discards and flower arrangements. Take our imagination to the limit. Eg Gibson or Ronald can think of combining lucrative OSIM products at $3 to 5 K per pop, together with their acu-pressure or life prolonging exercises. Or the song and dance groups can sell hi-fi equipment. OSIM and many lifestyle manufacturers are Ozone members. Get the idea?!

  112. Hi Terence and KT

    Scorebot is centrally located with “ready” crowds of sorts during the cool weekends evenings within the lush of bohemian ambience too.

    Worth considering and start a small beginning within the lunar new year session.

    : )) Andrew

  113. Thanks, Jass, so cd you be my first benefactor in my hunt for treasure?

    Simple, just let me hv the 4 digits in hanyu pinyin for Gong Xi Fa Cai……..a number I’ll buy.

    Can?

    Pls?

  115. Great 1312, and thanks Jass………..

    Jonathan reading, jest jest with Jass only lah, this is not the Alternative Investment for which you seek an answer cos the hanyin pinyin leaves out 5 to 0.

  116. Jasss, yr 13 $ 12 inspired me and true enough, yesterday’s Toto numbers had 12 & 13………………….but you shd hv given me the other 5 numbers.

  119. Alas, the Chinese phonics has only 4 tones, unlike Urdu or the musical notes……..

    What abt “dui dui zheng suang”? Or “tien luo yu jing tien yi lao”? Or better still. “gun chai liet huo”?

    (JonathanO reading, this is a chance for you to be inspired and find the numbers in Jass-tim exchange, but pls pls hor, dont read too much into it otherwise inspiration can turn perspiration b4 consternation).

  120. Tim

    I was expecting auspicious greetings for the CNY. How come you thought of Valentine’s day – “dui4 dui4 chen2 shuang1 (4421)? A suggestion: you can buy the sum of the digits i.e. 11

    The other two phrases -help. Can you provide the literal meaning and I’ll try to figure out what they are eg the 3rd one- ‘gun chai liet huo’ = ‘boiling/surging luck strong fire’?

    How about ‘hua1 kai1 fu4 gui4; shi4 shi4 ru2 yi4 (11444424)…you can buy 24 (sum of the 8 digits).

    Caveat emptor!

    JassmineT

  121. Jas @ #120

    Quiet now. I hear a voice… what’s it telling me from beyond. Yes. “What’s a flea market without the gypsy”.

    Great idea Jas. 4D nuimbers for sale. Profit sharing with sure-win guarantee.

    Get a set of tarots, crystal ball and chicken innards for dramatic effect.

    Smoke and seance effects options are also available.

    Caveat non-emptor. Just make sure that they pay before entering.

    Hee-hee

  122. Jasmine,

    Market is now below the magic STI 3000 support.

    Try “Market sucks” and give me the view from beyond with 4 numbers. I’ll short the SIMSCI to the underworld world on Monday.

    Golden goose and gander sharing of course.

  124. Andrew @ # 123

    Crisis makes and breaks fortunes. One person’s good news is another’s bad.

    If you are not comfortable going short then take a rest, possibly, until summer.

    If die,die also must long, then long flea market. The timing is probably just nice. The flea market will be self-running by May/June just in time for the bulls to get back into the market.

  125. Tim L @119,
    Tks for the inspiration. Hope to huat this weekend, then go for KT’s auto-FX trader.

    My Motto for “Alternative Investment” … No venture sure no gain, small venture maybe big gain!

    Huat huat ah!!!

  126. KT @ 124

    Regarding FTSTI outlook, looks like support will only be around 2600 level…then time to load up!

    Btw, when is the next FX autotrader ah?

  127. KT@120,
    I remember fish being reared that showed 4D numbers as they grew larger, canned plants that showed 4D numbers on their leaves etc.
    4D is a uniquely Singaporean trait.

  129. Hi KT

    @121

    Gypsies, tramps and thieves, Punch and Judy, jugglers, merry-go-round …Big Top ….eventually: Vanity Fair (Thackeray)! Fantastic!

    @ 122

    If you are asking for a 4-D no.from this cai2 shen2 wannabe, you’ll have to provide the Chinese characters of the phrase or use Hanyu pinyin. Caveat emptor!

    Jassmine

  130. Terence,

    #113 to #130 + is the subject of an interesting and consuming subject. But its not topic for here.

    Can we move it to another thread. I can volunteer to moderate it under, say, “Forecasting sure-win numbers”

  131. Jas @ #129

    The four numbers @#122 is the next target support for STI index.

    You do the translation. The best Hanyu Pinyin I muster in “Market Sucks” is “sh?ng ch?ng chuò”.

    Or ask Andrew’s “Lust, Caution” team for help.

  132. KT

    We can go back to the basics : FRS and fundamentals

    Framework : mind, emotions and skills; Risks – understanding rules of game and managing; Systems and disciplines, and the mindset of master investors.

    You yourself are a seasoned investor and expert, lah!

    Short notice: Will be sharing/lecturing Intro FA (2nd run) after CNY on 16 Feb(half day-am), Intermediate FA on 23 Feb (full day). Check out with Scorebot.

  133. Hi Andrew,

    I see you are such a busy person and you still find time to participate in origami, cycling, poker, tennis, kelong and Mandarin lessons. I met you at scorebot sometime ago and you were busy trading and teaching.

    Just wondered why you did not join SHC earlier on when you have a keen interest in so many things. Not quite 45?

  134. Dear Lina

    Thank you. My eldest child is 25.This year we are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. Married at relatively young among my RI classmates.

    Yes, still have full head of black hair…… probably a blessed result, being young at heart and stay useful to society and our dear Singapore.

    I am fortunate that I can have balanced family life with meaningful focussed activities through life-long learning attitudes and culture. Yes, granted a young healthy body, mind and soul/spirit by grace.

    This way will keep ennui (freedom from boredom/weariness of mind) away.

    After A levels before NS, I moved around and discovered that one can study and gain highly recognised globe chartered accountancy qualifications through several ways. That was how I started self education and discipline, and qualified almost half way, during NS, through self study. So I was a young manager when most of my classmates were still at U. Managed to qualify in Finance, Systems Analysis and Marketing.

    To ensure I retain and improve knowledge and understanding constantly, I shared and lectured at NPB(now called Spring), SIM and at three universities. I continue my journey of serendipity with love, joy, peace, patience,…..kindness, gentleness and self control. I forgive myself and others constantly. So I am always young, energetic and fresh at heart, in mind and in spirit.

    You just inspired me, thinking of writing two books: one on Essence in Finance and second, on essence of fruit of the spirit. So, am looking for partners on this project.

    I knew of SHC in early Dec 2007 when I was invited by Scorebot owners and traders to share about Fundamental Analysis in Value Investing and with some others about Financial/Business Management.

    Thank you for your kind compliments, Lina.

    Let me buy you a cup of coffee when we meet. Forgive me, if I missed you then at Scorebot.

  135. Hi KT

    @#131

    Lost in translation. Shang1 chang3 chuo4 does not have the same meaning as your ‘Market…’ phrase.

    Perhaps lao3shi1 AndrewK can help.

    JassmineT

  136. First, apologies all round that i cd not reply any earlier than a weekday cos I hv no internet acces on wkends, nvm that this is the cyber age.

    Jass, “tien luo yu jing tien yi lao” literally means “if sky can love sky also becomes old” and “gun chai liet huo” is “dry wood, furious fire”. (But if you want what they really mean, pls let me know).

    (Obviously, mine werent hanyu pinyin (and frankly, I dont see the need to when to me, if i use Chinese, it has to be Chinese, not romanised or africanised)

    Hee, the cantonese hv smthg better than ‘hua1 kai1 fu4 gui4; we hv “hum ka fu kwai”

    Btw, the 4-D top prize for yesterday wasnt 4421 but 4291, pretty close but still, a miss is a mile.

    KT, you wanna set up shop at scorebot so close to middle road where the pasrt-time chai kongs ply their trade? With 1 swoop of their tattered fans, yr scorebot can become scorched cardboard.

    I dunno what “Shang chang chuo” is but “Shang chuo chuang” tells you that you hv boarded the wrong boat, taking you away from heaven, probably to hades.

    Well, Jonathan, Alternative Investment is for people with no alternatives…….see, Aston villa leading by 1 goal with less than 30 minutes left but still lost 1-2 to Fulham, a team occupying cellar but 1 position.

    Answer is simple : AV didnt seem to want to win and like many, I worked free for charity again.

    (Picking up my gal now, brb)

  137. Hi Tim

    Romanised chinese (Hanyu pinyin) is like a life buoy to learners who find Chinese difficult to learn. It also enables people with rusty Chinese to self-learn the language. One can also read and speak Mandarin without knowing a Chinese character. Hanyu Pinyin has therefore made the Chinese language accessible to more people.

    JassmineT

  138. Indeed Jass.

    And I was truly lucky to be born in a family steeped in the Chinese culture of parents themselves sadly had missed education which gave them that more impetus to make sure that their children wd walk a different path.

    At 3, I was put on a table to recite the 3-character scripture (3 chi ching) and I went thru the pain & ordeal, knowing not what it was. But it stands me in good stead when I began to understand what was in the rattle.

    I am all for those who want to learn Chinese. Where there’s a possibility to help out, I will.

    Last year, Terence & I did mull on making this forum a bilingual one as many SHCians will be more comfortable writing & expressing themselves in Chinese. I believe this thought is shelved for now (probably until we source a Chinese-write software?).

Leave a Reply