Running an Info Stall

Information stalls are probably the easiest way to raise the profile of your group, since you can run one yourself without any other volunteers (provided you don't need frequent toilet breaks, which can be tricky in cold weather).

Infrastructure

Although not as complicated as running a Give and Take stall, your information stall will be more successful with a bit of planning. This spreadsheet [1] covers all sorts of events, and is worth using where relevant for your stall.

As a minimum, you're likely to want a table, a chair, a banner and a stack of flyers to give away. One or two large posters (A0 size is good) explaining what Freegle is and how it works - perhaps using the same wording as your flyers - is also handy, since posters grab the attention of people who might not otherwise stop at a small stall. Banners can be made professionally, ideally from a recyclable, woven, waterproof material that folds up small and is light.

If you can lay out a bag or two of Freegle goodies (collected from your own group) on the table, with a notice saying they're free to any takers, that can make a real difference to how many people come over and grab a flyer or ask about the group. Or display items to demonstrate the variety of goods on offer, and explain they'll be freegled the next day - so why not join the group to get them and other things like them? Don't be surprised if quite a few visitors struggle with the idea of good stuff simply being given away - it's a common reaction.

Location

Your choice of spot varies depending on where you live. In a large town or city, the entrances to shopping centres on a Saturday morning or afternoon can be great, since you'll get lots of people going in and out. You'll need permission before you set up - call your local council, as they should know the process.

In smaller towns or villages, you might do better at a church hall or outside the Post Office (if you're still lucky enough to have one) - basically, anywhere with a decent flow of people.

If there's a local school, church or town fair or fete, try booking a stall slot there, as you'll be pretty much guaranteed visitors. If you explain to the organisers that Freegle is run by volunteers and that everything on the group is free, they'll often give you a free pitch on the day. If not, consider how you might cover the cost of the pitch.

Insurance

If you want (or your location requires) cover against claims, Freegle may be able to help - see Insurance for what's required.

Note: Freegle Ltd isn't responsible for, and has no liability for, events held in the name of, or using the name, Freegle.

Timing

Weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to be good for running a stall, since that's when most people are out and about shopping. Avoid days when major sporting events are on though - try it on the day of a World Cup final and you'll be pretty much the only person outside.

You could spend a good few hours handing out flyers if you're up for it - 11am to 4pm wouldn't be unreasonable, though not everyone will want one, and you'll need to get used to some rejection from passers-by who aren't interested. Even a couple of hours is likely to be time well spent, and you may well give out 200+ flyers if you set up in a busy area.

Publicity

For more on publicity materials, see the PR Materials and Publicity sections of this wiki.

How to give out flyers

Not everyone will want a flyer from a group they've never heard of, so don't force them on people. On the other hand, if you stand mutely behind your table all day, you won't hand out as many as you would with a more active approach.

Probably the most effective way to distribute leaflets is to catch the eye of someone walking past (especially if they've already seen your banner or posters) and say something like "Free stuff, get your free stuff." That gets most people's attention, or you could try a different phrase like "Local green group, help the environment and have a clear-out" - whatever sensible alternative works best for you.

You might feel a bit self-conscious or uneasy giving out flyers like this at first, but it's a perfectly reasonable way of doing it, and you'll get used to it quickly. It can feel daunting the first time you run your own info stall, but it's a good way to take the first step towards a fully-fledged event with volunteers and lots of stuff to give away (such as a Give and Take event).

See also

• Events
• Publicity