...the event is just a local show.
Last year I was at a local town show that was small, roughly 20 or so vendors. There was one vendor who seemed to know everyone. Now perhaps it is her ignorance that though it is at some larger events it is written but yet allow me to say, the unwritten rule is that, you stay at or in your area. you do not venture out in front of another seller to hijack that sellers customer. As I was saying, this person had the audacity to venture away from her booth at least three times and hijack people in front of my booth only because she and they knew each other.
Now this person as I said is known because she is active within the community. Not to mention she is somewhere age wise 75-80 yo. Respected for her former employment as a college math instructor. (mind you the term Professor has never been associated with her name.)
Nevertheless, I just don't know which way to approach this scenario if she comes up an attempts to hijacks my customer('s) again. On the one side, feel that maybe have a sit down prior to the event opening and have a pardon the expression, "Come to Jesus Meeting." and explain what she is doing is wrong and hurtful to all other vendors. OR wait until she comes to my table and go off. maybe not all junk yard dog, but most certainly express my disdain of her action at a higher decibels than normal talking level.
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All in all, when the blood pressure stays where it should, and I can enjoy good Sushi dinner afterwards. Yes it was an alright show. The big seller was the Gentleman who had some awesome photographs of Albion. He walked away with well over $1500 in sales and amazingly had photo's to sell. The really Awesome thing was he was a High School Counselor though not the one who I was assigned too. None the less still awesome as we conversed as equals.
Now About the Poacher... I was moved to the upper floor as she was kept on the lower... Only time I saw her was when she was heading to the coffee pot to warm up as it was a tad chilly in the basement.
What is she "hijacking", exactly? You don't really say.
Is she leading these people back to her booth and selling things to them?
Or is she simply distracting them while they are standing outside of your booth?
Yes she is doing exactly that, sorry I didn't make that point clearer. She see a "friend" or that who she knows and leads them away from my tables right to her's.
Picture if you will a remodeled Victorian home (I think it is more Edwardian for that matter however I digress, pardon me.)
Basement that was in it's day the family's personal two lane bowling alley. So space is minimal yet 6 vendor's are place in whereas with a shoehorn might get 10. in a 8'X8' space. Yet, they, the organizers, use two floors of this house. so yes I hope I can move out of her area.
This is very tricky... small event, she knows everyone, yikes! Good luck, pull out all of your charm ...
Yeah I know, Miss Connie, your in Branch County, perhaps I can twist your arm and convince you to come up to Albion. It is the Festival of the Forks weekend. Where I will be at is located at 300 S Clinton St, the Ismon House. Tomorrow, Friday kicks it all off with a Car Show and Saturday is the full on festivities.
Art-A-Licious, happening this weekend in Adrian was on my list to attend and this sounds good too - however, I am being lured to Grand Rapids for ArtPrize. Just can't resist. I do love these small town events and it would be a pleasure to meet you and the people in Adrian also.
Ditto what Amy said, with all due deference ;)
Also, this isn't really "sales poaching" is it? She isn't taking sales away from you, she is just enjoying seeing old friends. Right? If it is then even more careful chatting needs to take place. You can do it.
A public confrontation will make you look bad too. If you can sit down with her privately I would definitely go that route.