Fundraiser prints

I was invited to a fundraiser and it was suggested I sell some of my prints. I'm not really sure how to approach this and was considering a couple of options:
1. Print out those photos that I think are great in at least 11x13 or even 16x20 posters. Advantage - when someone sees something they like and the price is right, they want to buy it. Disadvantage - those large poster prints aren't very cheap and I don't want to get stuck with a couple hundred worth of prints;
2. Print out a bunch of 4x6 and offer people to order a print and then mail it to them. Advantage - very small initial investment (those 4x6 are very cheap to print). Disadvantage - when people shop, they rarely plan into the future, mostly they do it compulsively.

Do you guys have an experience with that and what do you say would be a better approach?

Thanks a bunch.

I guess I would want to know what the fundraiser is. That would make a difference on how I approach it. If it is a church fundraiser it would be different than if it was something in the arts community where you get more high profile people.

You either market yourself as a business or you don't. Going in with the 4x6's sounds to chintzy to me. You have to take some risks in business and that means sometimes carrying an inventory of things that you want to sell. You could go sort of half way with a certain amount of large prints and then take orders for them after they are gone.

I think you are correct in your assuming that impulse buyers won't order prints. The only way to exploit these people is to have the prints there.

option 1

and what you can reasonably afford

How about both?

Have a large sample of any print you plan on selling, with the option of being able to order them for delivery (with or without frame &/or matting), and also several copies of each to sell.

It's my experience that very few people at events like fundraisers/fairs/etc will order an item for later delivery, it's more an emotional or impulse buy. You may get SOME sales for later delivery though. All depends on the marketing you do (how well do you sell?).

Also, the last hour of the event - mark down your samples about 20% for immediate sale AS IS. That way you recoup some costs and don't have to take them home.

Another idea too - sell small prints but larger available (in what sizes and prices you can display at your table) by special order.

Thank you, guys, I think I'm gonna print out some larger prints for the event.
I like the idea of marking down 20% at the end.