Swap Party: Expanding the Guest List

UrbanWife250

This year is the 3rd annual "girls only" swap party I've hostessed with my female friends.  We do it each June in my urban apartment and have a group of about 8 of us who can't wait to do it again the next year.

Though the group is small, we always seem to be able to make the clothing exchanged work and get a variety of housewares, read books, viewed DVD's, jewelry and handbags.  Anything that's left-over, I donate to the local charity, so everyone goes home feeling like the've been shopping for free and done some good at the same time.

This year, however, I was hoping to really expand the participation enough that we could move the party to our building's community room and ramp up the participation, selection and donations.  I'm working to add spa treatments from some of the women-owned beauty businesses in our area as a means to add some more fun and give these women a chance to promote their services.

I have a poster up in the common area of our building, inviting women in our building, but, after a week, haven't had any bites.  Any ideas on how to reach more women?

pombride

I have to confess, when I first saw your post, the kind of "swap" that came to mind, was more of the swinging variety.  I guess that's why I get accused of being Porn-bride

If you haven't done, send an e-mail out to the gals in your contact list and then ask them to forward on to anyone in their contact lists.   Pals of pals, are your best resource for uping your attendance I would think.

leahkate

Go to vistaprint.com and make some cute postcards. You can get 100 free with only the cost of shipping if you sign up for the emails. They are always sending promos.

6fsn

Have your friends invite their friends.  It will naturally grow over time.  Honestly, I'd never respond to a flyer for a swap party.  I'd need someone to vouch that it's a good time and worth it.

katarczyna

By inviting friends of friends, you can also control the quality of people and what they bring. Sounds like it could be a disaster with all the new people having completely different expectations and items to swap.

UrbanWife250

Thanks for responding and offering the idea of "user testimony." Great idea! 

UrbanWife250

Thanks!  This is good to know for developing the guest list for this party and for other things I'm working on.  Appreciate your sharing this source.