About That Tricky Tray.. I Just Want To Say_Chapter 9 (Closed)
Use This Post To "Speak Your Mind" About A Tricky Tray or Anything Related To A Tricky Tray. Tell us about the Grand Prize You Just Won or How You Haven't Won A Thing 10 Tricky Trays Straight. Just Click On The comment link below and start typing away.
Comments
Look like we have a few Tricky Trays in July to pull us through part of the summer. But August looks "dry". Not one posted..so if anyone hears of any, please send info to info@trickytray.com.
Back in "Chapter 8" there were 2 suggestions to me
1- An on-going calendar so you can check back on past tricky trays
2- Being able to put in zip code and get a list of events by mile radius.
All great ideas and things I have been contemplating.
I created this site because I love tricky trays..not to make a big profit from. But there is a ton of time that goes into it keeping it updated, research, correspondance.
However it would be nice if people supported the site by buying some of the shirts or clicking on the affiliates. Now I know there are a few of you out there that have & I thank you.
I get a very good commission from many of the affiliates, but to date for 2007, I have received only
$28.25. Years prior were even less.
It doesn't even cover hosting and domain registrations.
Over 3500 individual users visit the site each month multiple times.
If only 10% of those people clicked on an affiliate & made a purchase, It would be great. I do all the design work on site myself and have a pretty good knowledge many aspects, but some of these great ideas would require me hiring someone to implement with data base experience $$$$(they are above my knowledge at this time)
I don't expect people to click and buy something they do not need..but there are many affiliates to choose. Buy your Avon once or twice a year from a banner on the site rather then the "Avon Lady"...as an example.
Although the summer is a slow time for Tricky Trays, it is the busiest time for my regular career/work. So don't expect many changes anytime before October & even then I can't promise with the $$$ issue.
Don't think I am complaining, I just want people to know the reality of the situation.
Keep the suggestions and comments coming.
Enjoy the summer!
Yours Truly,
Mr. Tricky Tray
www.trickytray.com
Just a little note from me. I am running the Ramapough Nation Tricky Tray. We have alot of nice prizes and are very cheap with our sheet prices. Also we only allow 300 people tops so that everyone has a good chance of winning. Right now I have sold about 150 tickets and would like to sell atleast 75 more before the Tricky Tray. If you have any questions you can email me or call me. This is a really good one if you want a chance to win . We have Oakley sun glasses,Patio set, golf bag, hair stuff,scratch offs and lots more.
Thanks,
Andrea
I'm going to Caldwell College on Friday? I haven't been before and would love to know what to expect. From the ad it looks like they have a lot of great things. Any comments from those of you who have gone before?
Caldwell College
Tricky Tray
Is Sold Out !
Don't wait and miss out on next weeks
Ramapough
Lenape Indian Nation
&
The Friends of the
Dunellen Library
visit www.trickytray.com for details
PS. Thanks to individual that purchased at Fashion Bug affiliate.
All in all, a good Tricky Tray. I'll come again next year, especially with the new location.
It would be very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Rangle625@aol.com
A couple of suggestions: start calling earlier (the first number wasn't pulled until 8:45 because of all the thank yous, etc. - start those before the official call time), forget about the sandwiches, balloons and favors (unless they are donated) and charge a lower admission price, and call the door prizes earlier in the night (maybe between the 1st and 2nd levels).
The last tricky tray that I attended had a whoppee cushion as a prize ( I kid you not ) and the prize tickets were more expensive than Caldwell College. At this tricky tray , I saw the works of Shakespeare, a piece of Egyptian Art, scientific toys , Royal Doulton figurines in addition to other popular items. The tone of these baskets were certainly more sophisticated
The number of prizes was proportional to the number of people who attended. Everybody had a chance to win something. The decorations were beautiful and enhanced the event. For the low prize of the admission, I certainly did not expect the wraps but coming from work, they were certainly appreciated at our table.
Although they started later than expected, the event was over at a resonable time for a Friday evening. They actually topped last year in terms of prize quality and quantity. Personally, I did not notice any rowdiness at this event. If this event is held next yesr, I will certinly bring more people.
As this season pretty much closes out, I wanted to thank you for this service. There were nights when I just 'needed' to go to a TT, and I logged onto this site, and viola, my choices were there for me to see.
I wish more groups would put their events on this site, as it is a great way to attract more guests to their fundraisers. Over this past year, I have met other TT.com readers at the various events, and they are a very nice group of Tricky Tray afficionados!
Hope to see you all in the Fall. Thank you again.
****
Yes, the Tricky Tray season slows up during the summer, but you can still have fun.
My friend Maria's shore house is available for rental for The week of 4th July, second week of July & Month of August. It's in Ocean Grove, NJ and I have personally benn there. It is beutiful..only a block from Ocean
Here is the link to her recent craigslist listing or call her directly at 212-924-1241.
Tell her Kevin from TrickyTray.com sent you for a discount.
Copy/paste:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/vac/358923645.html
Enjoy The Summer Everyone!
Mr. Tricky Tray
Andrea Soha
201-887-6307
As many posters have said, if you are posting an event, give as many details as possible - prices, number and value of prizes, number of seats, etc.). That way we all know what to expect and you will meet our expectations and get positive blog comments!
Enjoy the summer! Tonight's Joey Bella - I know that one draws a big crowd!
Since they charged an admission, there should have been workers all around the outside of the tent - people could have easily just come in through one of the other openings (and I am certain some did), so they lost a few bucks there.
I wasn't a big winner, but I'll be back again next year.
Personally, I look on tt's as charitable events and I don't go if I'm not content donating my ticket $$ to that function. They choose the ticket prices and the prizes are whatever those members can afford to put on the tables. If the value is not up to your standards, than don't return next year - but don't get upset that all tt's are not the same. The Ramapough Nation put on a fantastic tt with a very affordable cost for the meal. Only an idiot would expect/demand filet mignon. What happened to donating your ticket money for a worthy cause in the hopes of winning one of the prizes?
While I wouldn't suggest any one of them was my 'fav' tt, there's nothing wrong with an organization setting them up. These events are clearly designed along the lines of what that particular congregation is interested in versus the normal tt crowd. They provide great variety to my summer when few events are scheduled. Many blog comments seem insistent that all tt's be quality events meeting their threshhold of number of prizes/value of trays et cet. Penney auctions have usually been fun events that my friends have enjoyed without badmouthing anyone that prizes were 'crap'
No admission fee (or less than $10).
First level prizes with a value of $35 -$75 with tickets priced at $5 a sheet.
Only three levels of prizes.
All quality prizes (I understand we all have gifts we have received that we want to donate, and that's fine - as long as they are new [and current - not an unused wedding gift from 1983 that's been sitting in your attic!])
Start the calling on time!
Don't read the description of every item in the basket.
No breaks (15 minutes always turns into much longer!)
Most unusual win was a ton of gravel!
Pope John in Sparta, Roxbury hs and St Theresa in Roxbury have facilities used by completely separate parishes and organizations. Like Mendham, Stanhope and Mt Olive schools also have multiple events for various classes and school organizations that vary widely in number of trays, quality of prizes and it's hard to tell from the listings.
thanks to those sharing tt fav's, and please tell us which one when the location hosts various events
Just putting my two cents in...
Organizers:
1. Please try to start the TT on time.
2. It is always better to change callers at some point. For the true, blue tt attendees, the same caller is IRRITATING! Especially if the pulling is not random. No one likes for the same person to win 7 times in a row. I buy a lot of tickets as soon as I enter the door and I am definitely in the running, but I guess what I am saying is SHAKE UP THE BUCKET, BAG, whatever.
3. Don't keep describing the item before pulling.. that is annnoying and time consuming.
4. Please give your runners pointers on speedily delivering prize, reading the ticket and LEAVING THE TICKET WITH THE PERSON. I have been in many TTS's where the runners keep the pulled ticket and the confirming ticket.
5. The entrance fees and tickets are pricey enough, limit the dinners and add more prizes. I do not attend dinners at $35-$60. I can bring my own KFC.
Just my two cents!
p.s. We need some good tt's for the summer. September-December is too long to wait!
I hate summer time with regard to Tricy Trays. I usually tt hop during the week and weekends and I haven't been to one so long my hands our itching. I want to break apart some tickets and cuss out the caller!
Got home to Sayreville by 10:40. My daughter won the Disney Hopper passes. I won nothing but it helped the lack of tricky trays in the summer.
T-Shirt or Sweatshirt to Identify the TT.comers at events. In fact...hint,hint,hint..there will be some benefits to being spotted at an event wearing your TrickyTray.com shirt this Fall Tricky Tray Season.
Don't wait till last minute to get one!
http://www.cafepress.com/trickytray
Mr. Tricky Tray
well nothing to write home about. The tickets were so much money. $10 a sheet and the prizes were not even worth 10 bucks. I think another issue was they were in denial with the rain and did not think it out so people were sitting on top of each other in a room. I got a sandwich and when I got it there was only 1/2 a sandwich with one little piece of sausage. How silly was that. I can understand needing to raise funds but this was just a rip off. Next year I will know to stay away.
I have the following especially for my fellow tricy trayers:
Flashing Hand Clappers available in assorted colors
Light up Tambourines (really cute)
Light up Maracas in Brilliant blue, gorgeous green or ruby red.
Get ready for your next auction and go in there with a vengence!
Email me at Corlette36@yahoo.com
Hopatcong: St. Jude's Rosary Altar Society. Doors open 6:30. 973-398-6377
Vernon: Highland Lakes Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Doors open 7.
Keep up the good work.
See ya next year.
Thanks for your comments,
Linda
I have been reading a lot of the comments on this website and just am not sure why people like the advance reservations better. What is people call and say they want to reserve tickets and then don't show up - then you are left with tickets you could have sold if you just had the doors open and people just line up.
last year was our first year to do reserve tickets and it became a nightmare because we did not specifiy that $10.00 got you in with 4 sets of sheets - per person - so people took advantage in a way and ordered 5 or 6 sets and we had no clue if it was 5 or 6 people comeing or just one person and so the peoblem began. Most locations have a seating capacity to comply with fire regulations. Some people lied and got very unpleasant and I do not want a repeat of that this year, because it took away from the whole evening for me.
While I realise that you simply cannot please everyone, you do try to do your best. We have very few people working on our event and trying to do what we think best.
thanks again for your comments,
Linda
Setting up a reservation system without requiring prepayment, only adds an administrative burden on running the event. People unfortunately will reserve tickets over the phone at multiple events if it doesn't cost them anything. If the tickets aren't paid for, they aren't a guaranteed admission
Admission tickets should be specific color and separately priced from additional tickets. That way you close sales when your allowed admission tickets are gone and you are in accord with Fire Code. If someone arrives late, they only get in if they already have a prepaid admission ticket.
Without worrying about this, I think we can put more of our energy in securing good prizes.
Maybe next year we will try the advance pre-paid and see how that goes !
Thanks again - Linda
Those who schedule events during the peak of tt season, should consider the enticement value of presale locking people into attending their event.
Countdown:12 more days till the September Season kicks-Off!!!!!
There are as many different ways to run a tricky tray as there are events themselves. I still stand by advance tickets. Whether you pick them up at the door or at a designated location in advance of the event, it doesn't matter. If the tickets are not picked up at the door by the attendee, they can just be added to the tickets being sold at the door. Yes, you usually make 2 lines. One for those buying tickets and one for those with advance tickets. Personally, I would rather not have to buy an admission ticket. I would prefer to put that money toward more tray tickets. But, if you have limited seating I guess that's the best way to keep track of the number of guests.
This event is only held at the hs. Be careful to ask for experience with the TriSt actors rather than just any of the hs's tricky trays.
So in clarification, this is a great summer tt considering there is no alternative to go to.
What did the contact say ticket prices were this year? and are they doing presale?
thanks for sharing all your thoughts
I also have to add that this is the first Tricky Tray that I have been to were they didn't have free refreshments, just coffee and tea. They could have at least had some cookies! They weren't even selling treats just hot dogs and soda.
I run a tricky tray every year for the Ramapough Nation in Mahwah & would like your input for next years. 1st of all Dinner or no Dinner ? I could rent a hall but it would be smaller then the hotel. Next ideas for Grand Prize or would you just like small, med, and large ??Please give me some idea of prizes you would like to see .Also would you to a tricky tray in July ?? I will be checking back then I will decide on place and date. Thanks for your help
Andrea
As far as your donors go, encourage them to get together with others to donate a larger prize, list a suggested minimum for trays, and/or give cash donations and the organizers can buy items. I'd rather have a few less baskets if the ones you have are a bit better.
Haven't organized any tricky trays, but have donated a 20 plus prizes in the $50-$75 range. I think for some of the corporate gifts, you just need to write a letter to the corporate office - Disney, Shop-Rite, Medieval Times, even your local stores.
Good luck!
If so, can you please provide me with some specifics?
Thank you very much.
re tt bingo: usually this relates to Longaberger basket fundraisers where there are way fewer prizes. You have to win the bingo game in order to get a basket. Those Longaberger baskets may be pricey but to me they are just an empty basket without any real win so I avoid those events. Think they usually have 20 bingo games during those events.
And, if you look through the previous postings, we have praised many events. So look for the positive comments and incorporate these into your event. For example, don't just sell tickets at the door - have people in the rooms with the prizes selling additional tickets, start on time, mix the tickets in a separate container with a lid, etc.
I know as much as I am working hard for an event, it won't be perfect and there will always be the negative and positive feedback.
ps - I wish organizers would think about rounding off the ticket prices specifically to make for easy buying. Is it worth charging 6 instead of 5 when you set yourself up with a nightmare of running stacks of $1's for change to each of your sellers? Set up your bundle sales for $20. Make them smaller or larger but go with $20 to minimize the change issue.
For example, I have to budget every year about $300-400 for signs. So they are up to State Regulation and see these crappy signs all over my town that look like 3 years painted and on top of this next to nicely landscaped ground that many volunteers have taken the time to make them look nice for the entire community.
Take some pride.
I'm so tired of going to local events, where the organizer don't even know the regulations. Right now you have too many people trying to organize Tricky Tray and doing a sloppy job at it that its turns off 1st time goers.
I'm going to be glad when they add more auditors to the area. Maybe then they can clean up some of these Events. Too many and very few are good ones. Quality wise.
While this is for a good cause, its also suppose to be a fun evening with quality. Key work Quality!!
1st St. Mary Prep - Denville $15 -1 sheet.
2nd Sacred Heart School Dover $10 - 1 sheet
3rd Sacred Heart School Rockaway - Don't know.
All on the same day? I don't like to be sqeezed in like sardine.
After you budget $400 for signs, do you retrieve all those signs after the event?
and, maybe the good choice between St Mary's and the 2 Sacred Heart events is finding a smaller 4th event for that night.
SHS in rockaway, is a sardine thing multiple classroom too. If I recall correctly.
SHS in Dover is in 1 room, price is reasonable and there was space between the table and the runners where able to get to you.
My thing is quality of the event, nice bigger prizes and things that don't look like they been in someone attic for years. I really like the events where the prizes and drawning and the people are in the same Hall.
Guess what? This is a legalized gambling. Which means there are state regulations that need to be followed and its certainly not fair to those who spend the extra hours making sure its gets done right, to those who just simply and careless put one together.
The best that they can do is follow regulation.
And I do think there should be less of the junkie events. There a waste of time, even if its for a good cause.
i need those plane tickets
Wow! I am Wanda Jones, one the host of the EO PAL Tricky Tray. I am very happy to see that the good folks at Tricky Tray.com was kind enouth to write blogs about our Tricky Tray. We are very pleased at how generous our families and supporters have been towards this fundraising event. I have spoken to lots and lots of people regarding this event and the few items that were mentioned above will be there and more. Please come out to enjoy and evening with us, have fun and win some fabulous upscaled prizes. Look forward to seeing you there. To: Mr. Tricky Tray, thanks for giving us the opportunity to advertise our event, we will certainly be sharing information about your website at the venue and telling our guesrs about your merchandise for sell.
Kind Regards,
East Orange PAL Family
My experience is events and tt volunteers burn out. I love to go to first time events when the volunteers are fresh and willing to solicit.
Hopefully next year they will put a bit more thought and effort into it.
They brought back the lady know for kicking it up. She has run a few good ones in the area. I think her name is Betty, Becki or Besi something like that. Very low key kinda person, but throws a very organized, nice full baskets and affordable event.
My friends kid goes to the school and there is even a trip to Disney as a prize valued at $2,000. Admission is only $10 (your get a sheet of ticket, additonal ones $5) and there are alot of good prizes including a $300 Home Depot Gift Certificate. I'm going to win this one -- Need to fix my deck.
They are selling the tickets already at the school. I would buy my tickets early.
You can't have acholic or lottery tickets in the baskets. There are very seperate and very strict regulation regarding this.
I was at one in Whippany about a year back the ladies next to me where drinking it up. the same lady got into a car accident down the street from the event. Who knows what happen there. I would hate to be that organization.
years ago because her site trickytrays.com was getting beat by trickytray.com. Her site is now defunct.
by the way, what is the event date for Sacred Heart in Dover and St Mary's in Denville and a third Catholic School tt that are supposed to be on the same day? They've been mentioned in the blog but I can't find them listed in Events. thanks
Rumor has it she sold that site. I wonder if the new owners will provide information on how to correctly organize an event. This way we have less and less of those shotty events out there, where they are a waste of time and money to go to.
Mr TT can you add a rating system to the events you have?????
Mr Tricky Tray
Rating won't help much. What I would do is put less ads, its too busy when trying to find links
Lakeland Animal Haven Tricky Tray. I enjoyed myself tremendously. The prizes were great. All new and nicely presented. I've been going to this one for over twenty years. I wouldn't miss one. Keep up the good work in helping homeless animals.
Does anyone know if the bear carver has a website? These bears often show up in Sussex county tt's. I know - I'm asking the Netcong FD contact, just betting someone here might know
$30 includes dinner and starter tickets. Ticket prices are:
$4/sheet - $25 value (100+)
$5/sheet - $50 value (80+)
$1 each or $5/6 tickets - $50 to $100 value (60+)
$2 each - $100 - $250 value (25+)
$3 each - $250 / over
Our gifts include: Jets and Giants Tickets, $100 Home Depot Gift Card, $200 Target Gift Card, $500 AMEX Gift card, $100 Lottery and $50 Lottery prize, KitchenAid Mixer, Hoover Vacuum, Food Saver System, $250 Money Tree, 27” Widescreen Flat Panel TV, 32” Flat Panel LCD HDTV, Ipod, and much, much more!
No, I didn't go because to be honest, I didn't want to be disappointed. I usually go to tricky trays in areas where I know they have their act together.
Whomever the organizers were on this TT, hats off to you - I judged incorrectly.
With all the great press here, I will be sure to attend next year's auction and make up the the year I missed.
We thank you for sharing and caring about youth.
Does anyone know the answer to this? I have seen it one or two events but was told by one organizer they can get in trouble for having it, so that why they stopped doing it.
I have been to Ann TT at and I have been very disappointed for the last 2 years. Big prizes where not that big and I ended up buying the packets and had tickets left over, because nothing drew my attention, too many prize area and the table color where too close together. Same old food pizza, hotdog, boring.........
The only reason why attend is because we belong the parish and try to support local events. I'm glad this year they have a different person run it. I'm already seeing things different in the church bulletin. My kids want that disney trip.
Looks like she gotton some help. I will have to attended the PAL event next time.
TRAY EVENT ON FRIDAY. IT WAS FOR A
VERY GOOD CAUSE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP OUR YOUTHS ACTIVE IN A POSITIVE WAY. TO Ms. WANDA JONES AND STAFF, JOB WELL DONE. LOOKING
FORWARD FOR THE NEXT EVENT.
They have 2 that I have noticed throughout the year.
One is very very good... the other not.
I remember from previous years that the really good one is in NOV.
Over 300 baskets covering 3 levels: $25 - $75, $75-$150, $150 and up. The baskets are incredible with a wide varitey of items. Last year I won $500 worth of gold coins to the Manor in Orange, NJ. Also several special prizes - laptop computer, trip, large screen TV, handmade bar, and more.
The event is very well organized and very professional. Ticket sellers and runners come to you. The event got so large that the location had to be changed!
$40 admission includes dinner and sheet of starter tickets. Well worth it!
This is a MUST for TT lovers!!!