Jackie has suggest this. What do people think, and cc’ @events
Dear Lovely Jubblies
Wouldn’t it be a good idea to have a table at POP Brixton’s Xmas Market for MakerSpace?
Both for people who would like to sell things and for promoting MakerSpace. POP want Christmassy things but everyone loves to find something else entirely as a present, so I think it can be varied.
@Anthony has been making chalkboard wood stars that kids can chalk messages on, the stars can be put on doors/xmas trees/hooks and will last forever. Brilliant idea. I want 5 for my nephews.
It’s not expensive for a table, £30 per day for a ‘wallpaper’ sized table in POP Box, their large indoor space.
I can secure a space for us quicker than usual but we need to be quick too!
https://www.popbrixton.org/events/brixton-christmas-markets/
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Sounds like a great idea! In so many ways.
I think this is a great idea,and I’m sure it’ll be interesting to see what else is available there (I will be shamelessly stealing ideas if I see anything I like). 
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Yes to this idea.
I’m about to make this a normal Discourse thread and add the events role. (Edit: done, this was originally made as a private message to all members)
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I think of this what I thought about Lambeth County Show, which is that it’s as good marketing as we could ever get. While this doesn’t have the reach that does, it is indoors which counts for a lot!
I’d support this: would be great if top post had dates/times etc.
Main things to think about:
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it needs a committed team to own this and enough people available on the day(s)
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do members have enough to sell? Market stalls are a very tricky business in my experience, and making a bunch of stuff for an event like this is a recipe for it ending up in the snug. But if members have their own items, or want to sell personalised stuff that could be made later, then it could work very well.
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how much is it about selling, how much about giving a taste of Makerspace?
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I think this could work really well as a joint stall for any members who want to sell stuff. Makerspace pays for the table in exchange for putting flyers on it, and members with things to sell set it up and staff it. It could be a great risk-free way of trialling having a market stall for anyone considering it.
I think promoting the space would happen organically off the back of that but should not be the primary purpose. We had a stall aimed at promoting the space at the Herne hill Christmas market last year but it’s actually not much fun to be on a stand like that - you spend most of the time hanging around like a dufus - and I think it would be a struggle to get people to organise and staff a purely promotional stand and come up with things to make it look good, on top of organising the Christmas party.
But for members who have made some things and would like to see if people will buy them without having to pay for and fill a whole stand by themselves, it could be perfect.
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thanks Toby, I was wondering why it didn’t work so well!
I hold Kids Kreate art group at POP which is why Sarah (general manager) has confirmed she will prioritise a table for MakerSpace. It’s hard to get hold of her but here’s the basics which include answers to all above:
- It’s a small table at a good price, £30 for the day.
- I think at least 4 makers could share the table. Easy to have breaks too.
- Makerspace promotion comes as a natural part, flyers and info can be given out.
- The table is inside their POP Box so won’t be too cold.
- I’ve no idea of the footfall but I guess the closer to Christmas, the more people will visit.
- POP Brixton is absolutely full of people at the weekends so I do think it will be successful.
- DATES/TIMES: 1 month from Sat 26 Nov - 24 Dec, everyday from 11-6.
- I guess most sellers will want tables for the 2 weeks before xmas?Meaning it would be good to secure table soonish.
- Unless we want a table within the first 2 weeks.
- Totally agree with Dermot - ‘Do members have enough to sell’? Or can they make enough things before end Nov?
- I will be the organiser.
Lets know what you think and any other questions 
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All sounds great. So all this needs now in order to go ahead is around 4 members who want to do it who can agree on a date with @jackiekeane. It would be brilliant to see a stall full of stuff made by Makerspace members and I would come visit the market that day for sure. 
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Sounds great but not sure I’ll have anything to sell that I made in makerspace, could do a Saturday though
Im not sure there should be a requirement that the things were made in Makerspace? What do others think? I’m imagining it more as a member perk to support the fledgling entrepreneurs amongst us so I don’t see that it matters where the things are made.
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Yes. Doesn’t have to be made in Makerspace. Pop Brixton might have some rules over what’s sold, of course.
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Cool I’m up for it then!
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Would we be looking at booking everyday available?
I had a look at the link and the website lists this as the days it opens
Market Trading Days
Nov 26th - 11am - 6pm
Nov 27th - 11am - 6pm
Dec 3rd - No Market
Dec 4th - 11am - 6pm
Dec 10th - No Market
Dec 11th - 11am - 6pm
Dec 17th - 11am - 6pm
Dec 18th - 11am - 6pm
Dec 19th - 11am - 6pm
Dec 20th - 11am - 6pm
Dec 21st - 11am - 6pm
Dec 22nd - 6pm - 11pm
Dec 23rd - 11am - 6pm
Dec 24th - 11am - 6pm
I did think it was every day, but that would be a nightmare to staff.
Not too sure I would have anything to sell but would be happy to help out for a couple of shifts
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Happy to lend a hand for a day. Definitely not going to have anything to sell myself this year though.
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Really good idea.
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Great, that’s a good response so far!
Thanks to those who’ve offered to help out, that’s a huge and important boost to this idea. From experience setting up/packing down is always a stress amongst the other obvious things.
I proposed one day, didn’t think of more, good idea Mark to do more than 1 but everyday, no way! Crikey, you are already at next xmas when we have been creating n making for a year! You’re planning ahead 
Like your style.
(I hadn’t thought about the fact that seeing how it actually is to ‘do a fair’ can be a way to learn about the best way to do it. This is great experience for those of us who want to sell and promote their work and skills. For me, this proposal is teaching me lots already, so all input/thoughts/comments are truly welcome. MakerSpace is all things makeative (new word I just made up, love it) and there are many of us who are or would like to set up businesses big or small. Mmmmm, this should really be another post entirely - what can MakerSpace members gain together to help set up our enterprises?)
So, how about 2 tables? 1 in the first two weeks and 1 in the last two weeks. That could work?
I totally agree that the things made don’t necessarily have to be made at MakerSpace, they represent the person and what they do and going forward because MakerSpace is a Youngling, those making skills will be strengthened and grow well.
(I think this is another really important point, we are just beginning to find out what our strengths/weaknesses/skills are and how these combine and are helped by being part of Maker Space. Love it!)
I am just going to book a table, I’m the organiser 
It’s not so expensive to bust the bank.
So, send me the best Saturday dates for you from the dates above - both for sharing a table and helping out. Whichever Sat has the most votes, I will book.
I suggest this Thursday 10th at 5pm ish as the point for responses, so that I can let Sarah at POP Brixton know first thing Friday morning that we have secured it.
Make it Happen.com
If anybody can come up with a Maker-thing that could produce personalised sommats on the spot, they win the @marketing prize. Like, if we could bring the laser cutter and engrave glasses on demand… but without the laser cutter. Vacuum forming phone cases à la Mayku is the closest I can think of.
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