Let’s see if this idea makes cents.
Last Sunday, I was in Perth, and while looking around the city, I saw a group of SilverHairs, under some large trees. They were having a car boot sales. Various items eg unusused home items, small plants, Malaysian coffee, old pictures and books and clothes were placed at the back of the car or on small tables. The items sell for a few cents to a few tens of dollars. There were no commercial items. No open air or cooking. Maybe, some tightly closed bottles of curry gravy or home made chilli sauces.
Well, I was wondering if these SilverHairs really make any pocket money, selling their used wares. In fact, they were having fun, and were chatting with one another, sharing their coffee which they had brought along in hot flasks and enjoying the morning sun. They had become good friends.
The SilverHairsClub hopes to organise the 1st car boot sales, in a private car park or at a relaxing spot, under some coconut trees. This could be a Sunday, say from 4 – 6pm. Every SilverHairsClub member, with a car or pickup, can put items for sale at the the back of the car or lay them on a table. All proceeds go directly to the individual SilverHairs. Budget $3 for the use of the space and a classified ad in the Straits Times.. We need to look for a space.
Tentatively, Sunday, 22 July 2007, 1600 – 1800 hrs. I guess we need to work the details. But, if you are interested, please put your name here.
I am also looking for an Event Organiser for the Car Boot Sales. Please put your hands up. The idea is to make this car boot sales a regular SilverHairsClub activity.
Participation:
-
Lily Ho
-
Dolly Lim
-
Caroline Gee
-
Yew Kwong
-
Suzhang
-
Charles Wee
-
Joyce Kwik
-
Veron Lee
-
June Lim
-
Joyce Kwik
-
Ivy Low
-
KT Wong
-
Joy Chuang
-
Chee
-
Lee Ah Nee
-
Strictly for SilverHairsClub members.
This carboot sales planned for 22 July 2007 is OFF for the moment, due to no approval for the use of the carpark space. We will get back with other ideas, raised in this Post.
Terence Seah
Wah pian oiy !!
You never stop do you.!? Keep coming up with ideas, get some one else to do it, then disappear – just like guerrilla war fare!!
Well – I guess, this is the kind of stuff bosses are made of huh??
Hi Lily,
Ya, ya, agreed…. everytime he see something which he think SHC can… he sure to list down here and then his eyes will be like radar looking for event organiser liao… lol…
Lily Ho Willocq Says: Wah pian oiy !!
For a moment I thought it was from Dolly until I saw the name.
So now we can have a “Wah Pian” group.
Wah Pian Oiy
yk
Hahaha, poor Terence, so far his idea invited only grouses since he is 1 year younger than my 1,000 year brother, I’ll borrow my daughter’s computer 2 nite and write something hopefully substantive.
Till then, it’s still kickers’ time.
Really, do you think the car boot sales will work?
I think that if it can be done on a regularly basis, say once in two months, it can help more SilverHairs to get to know one another better. I think it will be fun too. Hopefully, can make some pocket money too.
Let’s keep working on it.
Terence Seah
Halo YK
I’m Singaporean ok! I do spaik Singlis just that I don’t do it as a norm.
Guerrilla warfare – you agree?? Come in, bomb out, then run for cover. Dolly hor?
Ya Terence,
Picture me and Dolly – hanging a waist pouch around our belly – shouting : “laylong laylong”
Wah Pian!!
Yes, Terence. I believe its something we can do. I have been to the flea markets in Australia or the weekend markets – they call them whatever name they fancy. They sell mostly used stuff. One man’s trash may be another man’s treasure. They also have home made jams and cookies, fruits from their orchards, vegetables and plants from their gardens. I always make sure I go these markets whenever I visit my sister in Canberra. Sometimes we squat to look at things they lay on the floor, makes me feel of my younger days when we go to the thieves’ market on Sungie Road. Thanks for the good idea where there is an avenue where we can get together, drink kopi and enjoy ourselves and at the same time lehlong our wares. Cheers!
Caroline Gee
Wah lau Terence,
You suka suka just put our names in huh.!?
Ok, must crack my head to think of the French flea/weekend market. But I’m more incline to think of the British ‘Oxfam’ type website like ebay kind – no need to look for physical space/place. May be Yew Kwong can come up with something.
Lily is rite. I have ideas but they may or may not work. Much depends on your preference and comfort.
Some times ago, maybe abt 2 years, Car-Boot sales were held in Bishan. I had been to 2 of them. Quite interesting but never that attractive because of space constraint. U hv to display your stuff on, in and around your vehicle. Its difficult to have an one-eye-see-all view compare to flea markets where the stuff are display prominently.
Besides, U also need to obtain approvals and permits from different agencies on top of the filling in of forms and enquiries.
Perhaps these suggestions here may be of interest to you.
1) Sell them on ebay or yahoo. U need to know something of taking photo and wording your description. Others are simple
2) Sell them at flea market. Holland Village holds flea market twice a mth at $20 for rental of a table. Good location and heavy human traffic.
3) Consign to shops. Be paid when your stuff is sold.
Anyway I m for the car-boot sales. Anything new to SHC is a good start with more to come.
Hahaha, Lily, I think hor… not oli that le… more like this…
“lai ha lai hai… come come n see see, good buy, best buy, cheap buy and must buy if not sit pun lor”
How abt our waist pouch compliment with SHC T-shirt with 3-qtr black pant….
Wow Terence, bo fair leh.. y only Lily and my name in whereby both Yew Kwong and Tim also got talk talk mah… Their names should be listed also leh… rite… Lily…
Anyway, not sure if this will work out but nevertheless, everything is worth a try but perhaps not car boot, maybe flea market, I saw the 1 was at China Square on Sunday. Kinda of attract a handful of patrons looking around but not sure abt their business intake lor.. Nothing venture nothing gain lor…
Hi Terence
Seems to me like an interesting idea for those who wish to try out small. No capital. Just used or unused items that we don’t want. Like what Caroline said : one man’s trash is another treasure. LOL.
Good start for retirees. Earning some pocket monies every other month – for makan or outings. :)p
Who knows maybe we will become rich “gana-kuni man” after that.
Any for SilverHairs, we will do. This will be a go-ahead. I think it will work for ages 45 – 75. Meeting at cafes is a great idea. Meeting at Car Boot Sales can be fun too.
Save a small table that you can put in your car boot. And think of something exciting eg your unused chicken rice bowls, old dancing shoes, little chilli plants, books which you bought, read and not-going to read anymore and your 1972 watch.
There are alot of stuff that we have accummulated and would love to throw them out in exchange for a few buck. But unlike overseas, we have to deal with so many government agencies and restrictions. Also, the weather here is not condusive for outdoor activities. 4-6 can still be quite hot without shelter.
Even so, I’ve got some ideas :
1) Its free parking at HDB estate on Sunday. If we just set up a car booth sales
between 4-6pm each time at a different carpark, we can play a cat & mouse game with the authority. By the time the police arrived, we would have driven off.
2) Get all the necessary permits/licences for setting up car booth sales at HDB carpark, advertise this via the ENN website @ FOC because it is newsworthy to the neighbourhood. (I’m sure Terence have no problem doing this. Afterall, that’s how SHC got popularised.)
3) Set up car booth sales in private estate such as condos. Only need to get permission from management office by one of the residents. However, it has to be deemed beneficial to the residents by allowing the resident themselve to do the same. But – if that’s the case, why would they need outsiders like us!?
Can apply no. (3) to country clubs too.
JUst thinking out loud … sigh!
Sorry folks, missed my gal’s computer last nite and missed you all till now. But here comes what may be construed as a damper.
Logistically, car boot sales shd entail selling from off the car boots. So the supply of cars has to be there (and we then have to count amongst us, the car ownership size and their willingness to be involved).
Culturally, we are a very rushed people, working long hours, working hard and always looking out for the best deal.
In ozland, they work shorter hours, are more relaxed as a people and probably enjoy the fellowship and togertherness more than in churning any sales.
Most of us here are obsessed with $ and then stretch our $ to its maximum use. So ladies nites are always crowded witj ladies, it makes sense & save cents.
So while the ides, if it takes off, will be a novelty here, it’s unlikely there will be good sales. In fact, very likely that those coming to look see will glue their eyes at Lily & Dolly, at their waist pouchs and then their waist and then…….and soon, they may be busy exchanging tel nos.
Trust me, they wont come with a bigger pouch the next but slimmer waists.
I like it Lily, playing hide and seek. But, I am not sure if possible.
The country club and private condo idea sounds good. I shall explore this too.
The idea of a high point seems interesting. or Maybe somewhere at the new Marina site or IR site. Keep the ideas coming everybody, and if you can ask around, we would move faster.
Terence Seah
Car boot sales good idea.
I have three items to offer. A portable back & foot massager (hardly used), a pair of exercise weights 3.5kg for the arms.,and a complete dinner set from Italy, painted floral design, porcelin plates & bowls.
Hi everybody,
Once we have identified a place, we will launch the Car Boot Sales. I see this is a great way to meet other SilverHairs.
Charles
I’d like to see you fit all that stuff into your car boot.
Hi Charles
I won’t be surprised, eventually, your items being grabbed by members themselves… :)p
Good idea…advertise your items first, sure got buyer ! Let me see what I hv that can put up. I hv tupperwares, dinner plates, one scanner, a printer, some CDs, clothes, etc. Got to dig for more.
Molly, you want to put up your items for sales ?
ha..ha..
I have lots of junk stuff in my boot but are not saleable. Yet to search for suitable items to lelong away in order to participate in this event. Plenty of outdated fashion clothes in a few wardrobes but who can fit into those small and tight fitting ones.
Anyway, Charles, are your pair of exercise weight actually dumb-bells? If yes, I’m interested. How much $ huh?
veronl
Veron, dont throw your junk away. Someone else may need what you have, even a cassette case or an old twist type clock.
Be patient. I am not giving up. I have been told we need permits to hold car boot sales, in a public carpark.
There are plenty of quiet places, on a Sunday afternoon, near MRTs too. Saw some nice places around Dover MRT.
Terence Seah
I love flea markets. Hope Terence make this happen :-)It wld be so exciting to be part of this, I think :-). But it would be more exciting if the car boot sales are held in places where there are lots of potential buyers or heavy human traffic. Fun to hve people come browse through our stuff, rummage a little, bargain a little, buy a little.
And yes everytime I do into the SHC website I see Lily, Dolly, Tim, Lily, Dolly, Tim,Lily, Dolly, Tim ZZZzzzzzz :-)))))
Someone tells me there are 3000 odd members. Hello, where are u :-)))
Count me in.
Last Sunday, I was at Christchurch’s popular Sunday/farmers market by the Art Centre. Lots of visitors both local and foreign and very interesting products on offer. Hustings add to the festivities. Great atmosphere and it is a pleasure to be chatting over hot coffee on a chilly autumn afternoon.
Our home grown own version is the pasar malam. Sungei Rd “thieves” market is still around every Sunday just behind ye ole Sim Lim car park. Other regular well organised fleas are Zuok, Maad and Lime.
(see http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/singapore/expat_guide/544/zouk_fashionable_shopping.php)
Many malls like Tanglin Mall have come and gone out on the concept. We tried international husting festival by Spore river few years ago. No more.
As for the classic booty sales model, weather and permits will be the dampeners. Our humidity and heat doesn’t make open air a pleasurable event. When it rain, it pours, Al fresco – ing here is a “xiao amor” activity. Pasar without malam would be a stretch.
Virtual fleas was e-bay and vice versa. No human contact. No need to organize. Just do it.
Suggestion. No need to reinvent. To start, SHC can organize shared tables at an existing local flea. We take shifts playing seller. The other shareholders sit around and generate crowd. See if we have the wares to succeed and activities to sustain a fuller mobilisation later.
Yes… I’m interested. Have always wanted to do something like this.
I agree with terence that Veron Lee shdnmt throw anythg away. She asked “who can fit into those small and tight fitting ones” and immediately I hv steven chan in mind but trouble is he bargains like hell……50 cents mcdonald ice cream he wanted it for 5 cents.
June, pls hurry up, do catch up on us now that you hv risen from yr ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz. make it June June June…………..with CNY, Thaipusam, Hari Raya, Xmas all in June and so none will ever need to escape winter.
Hahaha, so Kong Thean has joined tim to throw damp squids at the idea? But of cos the idea behind the idea is really a “hi dear”, meaning it’ll be yet another opportunity for silverhairs to meet and endear themselves to each other & to try make this novelty a happening, with ah peks like ah tim & ah umms like ah sok acting cute to pitch for sales.
Tim!
Your advice is very familiar, you sounded like my mum leh. So, I shall address you as “Timmum” as a form of respect hor. Is a pity, mum’s day is over.
Those small and tight fitting tops are very small as I used to be skinner than I am now. If Steven wants, he has to shrink 50% in order to fit in. I think your little girl can fit well.
Hi Terence, pls include me. Since I’m still new and not very familiar with many shcians, this will be a good opportunity for me to get to know more silverhairs and have better interaction with them.
veronl
Yesterday, I went around the Marina South to scout for place to host the Car Boot Sales. Hmm, some nice place. I shall follow up to see if the authorities will allow.
What ideas do you have? KT Wong’s idea is good too.
Terence Seah
I tend to agree with Wong KT’s view on the booty sales and his suggestion on shared table at the local flea markets. This is the cheapest way for the start. But, be prepared for the hardship cos you have to be cooped up under the hot tents. Some of these flea markets are organised by RCs. To apply for a table space, you only need to be a resident of the zone and it costs about $10 per table space. Need to look out on such opportunities. I know Tampinese has very good crowds and the community there is generally younger and more acceptable to this idea of second hand stuff. No point displaying the stuff at a place with low human traffic. You will be probably very disappointed to carry on with the second round.
For the time being, please count me in.
I agree with Ivy and Wong KT to rent a stall at a flea mart. The one at Tanglin Mall is quite hip and happening and has a good crowd. I suppose the primary objective for this event is to sell our stuff. So the most important thing is human traffic.
By the time this event happens, people would have bought more than enough stuff from the Great Singapore Sale. Not sure if they want to bring home some more second hand stuff…
See simple. Talk no more. Just do it.
We need three organising sub-committees.
Location
——–
Suggest get a scheduled venues of different type of market types (eg RC, pasar malam, schools, bazaars, car parks etc) for the next three/six months. Test and see what works.
Product
——-
Secure the product mix. Include our DIY homecraft (eg porcelain, photography, refurbished PC); performance arts husting (eg guitar, singing, stand up comedians, mime, dance). For the rest of us who have no talent or second-hand inventory, suggest sourcing using our international experts. Yes, this is where our Thai connection (Terence – hee hee, you think you can just talk the walk… , Ken), Viet, China will come in handy. We have a few procurement experts. They can volunteer leadership for this sub-com.
Admin, Finance & Marketing
————————–
Responsible for organising and managing the finances of the project ie everything else not listed hereinbefore. Their primary role is that of a main tenant. Once sources are identified, interested members can sub-group to fund and manage the sales of specific trading opportunities. They sub-let their shared space/table from the main project group and run their own P&L. Members with financial and general management skill set can volunteer their leadership here.
Kong Thean, your ideas sound workable, pragmatic & organised but that maybe yr own undoing………..heeee, Terence come catch you liao, now you run also no where to run. So whether you talk the walk, walk the talk, talk & walk you still hv to work & slog on the idea you hv volunteered.
No worry, I’ll polish the car for you.
Cheers, folks unlikely to see tim 2morow……….on leave, watching junior perform as narrator in a kiddy drama. Free, ai mai?
my mind is set on finding a place. KT has some ideas, and a good starting point too.
Give me an idea of a place, and I shall work hard on it to get the approval.
Think, think and think.
Terence Seah
Think already.
I suggest a strategic location at Vivo City. If it works one way or another, we can become a big feature in tomorrow’s Sentosa IR and bag the tourist and cruise trade as well. (Think out of the box. There’s nothing to say that we cannot also flea on cruise. Liven up an otherwise boring shopping experience on board to a captive market. And have a great time ourselves taking shifts between the buffett table and selling collectables on international waters globally.)
If you want to start with a open carpark, there are two. The obvious is the one next to the hawker centre at the overhead bridge to Harbourfront centre. Otherwise, target the large open carpark by Seah Im Road opposite the Harbourfront Bus Interchange.
Mall space is a no-brainer but may be expensive. But talk to the management. They may see us as an interesting PR event and price us accordingly.
If you want open space, I suggest the beautiful rooftop space next to the popular Food Republic at Vivo City. More open space? Take your pick on Sentosa and move around.
Whatever it is, I “chop” Shirley’s hotdog pushcart. Ala Vegas style, we can bill this as Singapore’s longest sausage. And give the successful Superdog a dog’s run for their money….
Great ideas, KT.
I like all the places. Sentosa sounds great too. Will check them out, week of June 12.
Terence
KT, your ideas sound good.. Maybe you can be the event organizer for this. What say you har? Terence, you agreed??
Wow! so many ideas, I am interested in whatever that is finalised. Be it Car boot Sales, Flea Market, Pasar Malam, Whatever! I have some items like brand new vacumm cleaner, organiser, backpack cum laptop bag, playing cards (collector item),some costume jewellery still unsold at e-bay.Please put me in for this “lay long…lay long” gathering.
Ah Nee.
I can help. But I am already too heavily involved in rushing out the Blue Helmet project to lead this one. There is a link. The flea market is a net MICE employer. So it is important too.
So spread the load especially those who are currently not committed to other projects. By comparison, this project is less serious, more fun and simply requires a lot of happy people participating.
Go for it.
Yes KT,
I am discussing with potential Car Boot Sales Event organiser. As the plan is to have this on a regular basis, timing is important.
Please continue with the Blue Helmet, we should bring in those whom you have in mind. Cheers.
Terence
I am lost for words bcos after 40 postings, we’re no nearer to the day or place, and not even seeing what shape it really will take……..car boot sale? Flea mart? Mall sale?
Nonetheless, I’ll do my part to support and will start saving (meaning to win at soccer bets) and will buy whatever I dont need including Veron’s small & tight Gs & Ts as souvenirs.
Wah! I’m so happy, B4 the car boot sale starts I already got instant buyer buying my clothes that sure cannot fit in as souvenirs??. Tim, u must win the bets else I have to push very hard to empty my wardrobes. I have a few outdated handbags, do u want to buy as souvenirs also? Pls send me your PO and I will get the stock ready for you on that day when it happens.
Hmm, I have been told, we need a Temporary occupation licence. http://www.sla.gov.sg/doc/faq/to%20apply%20TOL.pdf
We will fill up the TOL. Currently, the plan is to have the Car Boot Sales, very near to a MRT station. Now, we are looking for a shady place, so that non of us get burnt from the rays of the sun.
The Car Boot Sales will be strictly opened to registered SilverHairs only. So, if you have a car, and plan to participate put some nice and old goodies in your boot, please drop your name here. However, the event will be opened to the buying public.
I guess we are not sure how successful this event will be. But, we shall give it a go.
For info.
those who have things to sell can try the fleamart at holland village.Its on every lst and 3rd sunday of every month.Each table space is $20. Sms george 98488265 that u want a table on which date.Go there on that date between 11-8pm and take any unoccupied table which have been layed out.Happy selling.Good crowd there though a bit hot if sunny day,bring hats or umbrella as its an open space.If rainy its cancelled
Good idea, Chee. Imagine all the fun for just $5 pax.
Try to get a square table, shared by four. Sell hotdogs and drinks. End of day finish the food, clear the table and play mah-jong.
Hee-hee. Just joke.
Seriously, still a good idea. Go4it.
Here’s the reply from HDB:
HDB carparks are provided primarily for the residents’ parking needs. If the parking situation permits, HDB is parpared to consider requests for our proposed car boot sales.
The information they would require:
location of carpark
date of use
time and duration of use.
Look around, and if you think there is a suitable HDB carpark, please let me know. The place should be cool in the afternoon, preferably close to public transport and human traffic.
Terence Seah
???????? If We hold on Together
Don’t lose our ways…
We’ve come so far…
Live believing, dreams are for weaving
Wonders are waiting to start
Live your story, Faith hope and glory
Hold to the truth in your heart
If we hold on together
I know our dreams will never die
Dreams see us through to forever
Where clouds roll by, for me and all
This evening, 13 June, I was at the Toa Payoh Central Bus Terminal. Together with Ronald Lee, we looked at the Toa Payoh map. If the place for holding the car boot sales is too busy on a Sunday afternoon, likely we will not get approval to use that car park. However, I do notice a nice place at Kim Keat Avenue. Go into streetdirectory.com, and search Kim Keat Avenue. Got to see if there is enough shade in the afternoon, or else we have to bring our own airconditioners.
We are targetting a place for 20 – 30 cars. What do you think of the place? Please share your views about the place. The plan is to begin the application process next week. Meantime, if you are planning to participate, please put your names here. The first car boot sales will be limited to 30 cars. We shall let you know the outcome of the application.
And, if you don’t have a car, do team up with another SilverHairsClub member who has. If the first is successful, we will have more car boot sales. Great way to meet one another.
This activity is strictly for SHC members only. SHC Car Boot Sales, a great opportunity to meet new and fellow SilverHairs.
Terence Seah
Dear Terence,
Thank you, I am glad that this project could take off! Please count me in, I will think of something to cast off!!
Hope that the atmosphere could be like the sunday arts mart below the bridge down by the Yarra River in good old Melbourne.
Regards,
Edwin Chen
Dear Terence
I am interested in the car boot sale. Please keep me informed; yellowbark@hotmail.com
Cheers
Dont think selling food is allowed in fleamart for health n hygiene purposes,those selling food in RC bazaar might hv to apply licence etc.
l ever attend car boot sales in east coast park,quite interesting
Tanglin mall too expensive,it cost $70 to hv a floor space,bring yr own mat no tables.
Far east sq china sq hv fleamart on sundays
With so many flea marts all over spore, i dont think these operators are able to pack in all the fleas at the end of the biz day. So there’re a lot of fleas around, with new supply in carloads.
So if you’re bitten by a flea in a car, make no mistake who owns the flea. Heeee. he also breeds crawlies.
HDB has informed that they are looking into our proposal and will get back to in due course. Let’s be patient.
Terence Seah
Well, I dun mind if I’m free on that day. I game for it. Got plenty of nick nacks to sell for garage sale!
Hope day and venue convenient.
Hear from good news soon!
Catherine Ho ho……
Hey! It’s me HO S C & Catherine Ho same person!
Game 4 SCH pasar sale! When & where confirmed?
Not 2 far from central? Bedok town centre or any place heartlanders love 2 go will be good.
We had tried working with HDB carpark for a space. Unfortunately, becasue there are commercial shops at the place we had intended to hold the carboot sales, the application was not accepted.
We shall hold off this car boot sales for a while, and shall go over some of the suggestions, earlier raised by members.
Sorry about this. But, we wont give up.
Terence Seah