Keep It Simple: the essentials

Running a Fruit & Vege

Swap can be very simple - essentially just a time and place to meet. Once the time and place are set and the word is out, the rest unfolds by itself.

Keeping our model uncomplicated has made the West Croydon Swap sustainable in the long term.

A place

Factors we’ve found important to the location of our Swap are:

• shade

• tables

• toilets

• water

• accessibility (e.g. for wheelchairs, walking frames)

A table on which to spread out the produce is essential. Ideally it’s already at the park – the less you need to bring or supply the better. Seating is great but not essential.

Our Swap meets outdoors at a local park during the summer, eliminating the complications of hiring or sourcing venues. In winter we follow a different, ‘cosier’ format – see our website for details.

A time

In our experience, Sunday is a ‘family day’ whereas while Saturday is busy for many people, they can attend early in the day before other activities.

We advertise our swap from 10 – 10.30 am and the actual swapping takes place around 10.30. We have found that publicising a short time span (half an hour) ensures the pooling/ sharing process can take place and then those who need to, can leave. However, most participants stay around to chat for much longer.

Getting the word out

Keep it simple. In our experience, the easiest and most effective publicity is:

• posters (simple, A4 size) in local supermarkets/shopping centresalso in libraries, schools, churches, delis, etc

• flyers (A4 page cut into 4 fits easily in letterboxes) distributed within local area

• free notices in the ‘events’ section of local newspapers

There are many other ways of publicizing your event if you have the time and resources: e.g. websites (your own, or listings on related websites), Facebook, the radio, and many more. These are great, but not essential to your Swap’s success.