Last year was our first full year of shows. We learned SO much that it's mind boggling at times :)
A few things that we don't know how to handle yet and I'd really like your help.
1. How do you handle a 'customer' that is not really there to buy, but is actually an artist trying to find out every little detail of how you conduct business? Or how you set up your tent, or create your art, what suppliers you use... What do you say when they actually tell you that they are going to copy everything and take photos to do so?
2. How do you handle a 'customer' that brings a high-end SLR (camera) into your tent, finds the best way to avoid the glare on the photo, and proceeds to take photos of your photos?
3. How do you handle a person with a cigarette or cigar? (I have severe asthma, do you think it's rude if I politely ask them not to smoke in the tent?)
If you all could please tell me the best way to approach these folks, I'd appreciate it greatly. I can handle one or two interrogations, but when they ascend on the booth while I'm in full business mode it gets rough. I've had real customers turn and leave while some random guy was telling (and showing) me how awesome his cell phone pics were. Very frustrating.
Thanks everyone :)
Replies
Like Richard, we have no problem helping up and comers, and share information willingly. Here's the deal though: we all make this look so easy and people in general think "I can do this." Few, FEW, ever get it together, so unless you are creating something that is easily "copyable" don't sweat it. If you do get copied, you get up and run fast making even better work where they will not catch you. Your talent and determination will keep you in the lead.
Really? People think this is a cool life style and they want to be part of it? Read this series of blog posts from Nels Johnson from last year: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/profiles/blogs/the-grand-scheme-fina...
1. How do you handle a 'customer' that is not really there to buy, but is actually an artist trying to find out every little detail of how you conduct business? Or how you set up your tent, or create your art, what suppliers you use... What do you say when they actually tell you that they are going to copy everything and take photos to do so?
There are many ways we can and should help other artists because we all were new at this one time or another (if anyone out there started out as a seasoned pro please let me know) I have had a lot of help from just asking questions and find that most artists are glad to help. Obviously there are a few exceptions but overall a lot of great people.
I will gladly help someone with setting up a tent, finding out about suppliers and numerous others ways I can help. However, there are many things about our work that can only be learned with years of experience and practice. I like to think that my wood carving is unique and I cannot explain the feelings, techniques and emotions of design that took a lifetime to learn and continually refine each day. I am not insecure about what I have spent so much time learning and practicing as to let this bother me at all.
2. How do you handle a 'customer' that brings a high-end SLR (camera) into your tent, finds the best way to avoid the glare on the photo, and proceeds to take photos of your photos?
I welcome any pictures someone wants to take because no one is going to sell or purchase a photo of my work. Just don't get in the way of other people in my booth...
3. How do you handle a person with a cigarette or cigar? (I have severe asthma, do you think it's rude if I politely ask them not to smoke in the tent?)
I would just tell them to NOT smoke in my booth. No one has ever refused this request
I have no picture signs I put up in my booth & that will usually stop the honest people but the others you can only block them & be blunt.
There are some books available that actually tell you how to get people out of your booth.
I think the biggest challenge is trying to conduct yourself in a professional manner while deep down wanting to grab the camera from them & slam it to the ground & stomp on it until it's in pieces.
Good luck,
Mel
Mel, I am always interested in books about art shows, what titles are you talking about that help with advice on customers or helping escort talkers not buyers out of your tent?
Could we come up with a stick figure graphic guy smashing a foot down on a camera with little pieces flying off? I think that should be subtle enough for the obtuse :-)
LOL! I just spit tea everywhere :)
Thank you so much for your advice and kind answer!
Umbrealls: "please leave outside so I don't have to clean up water marks left on leather"
Smokers: very few of these, but a retching cough and fake asma attack sends them out. LOL.
Photographers: don't mind as most explain they want to paint a picture with accurate gear or just find what I do so unusual. Pictures of kids on saddles too. I don't mind as these are folks from Europe or back east, and how many times do they run into a saddlemaker?
General: that 10x10 is my world for the weekend and I have paid for it. What goes on there I determine, not some rude people. Seems like from comments on site that there are a lot more rude people back east than here in Colorado.
I can practice my cough!
Thank you so much :)
It's a whole different world over here from the looks of it! I have to add that there are far more nice and considerate people than there are the ummm.... well :) THOSE people. Thank goodness!
Because it's your booth, you have the right to ask people to leave.
I never allow anyone in my booth smoking, no excuses. Just like I never allow anyone in my booth with an open umbrella when it's raining.
Stand in front of people trying to photograph your work and ask them to leave. If they are talking to you to get ideas, tell them you're too busy to answer their questions.
If people are wasting my time, I turn away from them and start doing something else or start a conversation with someone else.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Awesome :)
Thank you Larry!