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Doing my first show...

Posted by steve jones on February 15, 2014 at 10:24pm in Welcome to Art Fair Insiders!

I just got my first invite, to Art Fair at Laumeier.  Now the panic sets in!!  Any advice to the following questions is greatly appreciated!

Are stakes enough to keep my tent in place on the grass?  Do I bring weights as well?  I bought a used tent and it was shipped without weights but with stakes.  What material is used to tether the tent to the stakes?

I plan on doing this show and hopefully one or two more fairs in fall.  What Insurance do I need?

If I get a square card reader do I need any other card reading back-up with me?

TAXES?

Thanks for any tips.  This site has been a tremendous help in getting my first applications together!!

Steve

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Replies

  • steve jones February 16, 2014 at 6:27pm
    Thanks Tina...do you buy insurance for the few events you do?
    • steve jones > steve jones February 16, 2014 at 9:30pm
      Me too...I teach full time and have 3 little ones. But I want to make the few shows I do as worthwhile as possible. It has been a ton of work getting this together.
      • Tina Pietsch > steve jones February 16, 2014 at 9:37pm
        It is a step at a time, I did a great show summer 2012, this year 2013 opted for a different event for two days and a total bust, locals who were not buying, plus organizers had people with resale items by me; I noted that in my review to them and definitely not returning. Hoping this website helps with show info and reviews. A lot of shows seem to be getting more expensive which is ok IF you sell enough. I personally try to stay within a close distance as to avoid hotel charges.
        I would also suggest give your booth a lot of thought as you want to attract people in. I want to move from tables to more shelves to display more product, so currently cruising the web for ideas, and hoping a friends husband will help build a few things; lets just say my husband isn't exactly handy though he did manage to create my PVC tent weights!
    • Tina Pietsch > steve jones February 16, 2014 at 8:29pm
      No I only do maybe two not more than three a year and honestly I just avoid the ones I know require a liability certificate. I sew purses and home accessories, but still work full time so it takes me a while to create a decent size inventory!
  • Tina Pietsch February 16, 2014 at 5:39pm
    We made concrete filled PVC pipes that are about two and a half feet high with large eye bolts set in the top, they work great with ratchet straps hooked into the eye, wrapped around the legs and hooked at top of my ez up. They look decent too and no one trips over them.
    I only do a few events each year and square perfectly fits my need. I find about 60 percent of my sales are on credit card. I do bring along and portable backup battery device for my iPhone and iPad just in case.
  • Robert Johnson February 16, 2014 at 8:41am

    Steve,

    In addition to what Larry & Greg have mentioned it is a good idea to have a list of things you need to bring with you so you don't forget something. I am attaching mine in pdf format as an example. Never uploaded a file before so if this does not work as I expect, PM me with your email and I will send it.

    What to take.pdf

    • steve jones > Robert Johnson February 16, 2014 at 9:18am
      That's what I was thinking...but they have wiring for a box in your ceiling...not a plug for the wall/extension cord. Can that be changed?
      • Larry Berman > steve jones February 16, 2014 at 9:22am

        Where is there wiring for a box in the ceiling? What are you talking about?

        Any show that gives you electricity provides an outlet for you to plug in your power strip.

        Larry Berman

    • steve jones > Robert Johnson February 16, 2014 at 8:56am

      That is a great list!  Thanks!  Never thought about covering the ground at night with a tarp...

      Any Lighting tips?  I have NO lights yet.

      Thanks, Steve

      • Larry Berman > steve jones February 16, 2014 at 9:16am

        Lighting is no big deal. If you have electricity, just get a half dozen small (5-1/2") clamp lights, extension cords and a power strip with a built in circuit breaker. Not the more common 8-1/2" reflectors. The 5-1/2" reflectors are smaller and easier to carry a box full in your vehicle.

        I've seen them at Lowes but here's a link showing what I'm talking about:
        http://www.actionfastenings.com/pd136871/voltec-industries-08-00177-

        Larry Berman
        http://BermanGraphics.com
        412-401-8100

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