Good morning!
I recently did a very prestigious show in NY. There were many beautiful items and creative artists. I make leather bags and leather and fiber handbags. Directly across from me was another leather handbag artist, 2 booths down was another and 3 other crafters in my row had "art" handbags.
I paid for a corner booth and found that I had a 10 foot space between my booth and the next person, that was my "corner".
One of the handbag artists in my row and I went to the pormoter and complained about our proximity and she was moved to a corner spot that was in a great location, but because I had set up my tent, I was left in my spot with the other artist across from me. Needless to say, she was upset and I was upset.
This show receives a percentage of your GROSS in addition to the hefty booth fee, I found that after I paid them, there was not much left for me.
So, here are my questions and challenges:
1. How often does this happen to other artists? I would assume that it is more common with jewelers.
2. Shouldn't the promoter be more aware of booth placements to maximize everyone's sales?
3. Has anyone else paid for a "corner" that was really just a gap and how did you handle it?
I have encountered extremely rude promoters and I overlook it because of the pressure that they have of paying for the venue, organizing the venue and knowing that they deal with artists and crafts people constantly and it can be tiresome. This however directly affected my bottom line.
I welcome your feedback, sorry if I rambled a bit.
Carol
Comments
I do many craft fairs here in my area, and have run into these same issues- except for the percentage of your gross. I refuse to do those shows. They are already getting my booth space fees, they are not getting a percentage of my sales- EVER. Rude promoters are a whole different kettle of fish. No deal. I finish the show and take my self off into the twilight...never to darken their door again. The other issues are pretty standard, between craft and art shows. That being said- I would mark this show as a learning experience, and never do it again.
I make jewellery too so often find another jeweller across the way, next to me, one booth down etc. Not ideal, I much prefer when the jewellery is spaced out a bit more, but hopefully my display and my jewellery stand out from the others.
A recent show had me on a corner that like you was about a booth space wide - it enabled people to walk through if they wanted (even though it wasn't a main thoroughfare) and enabled me to open on more than one side. I thought it a bit narrow, but the occasional person used it.
It seems unfair that someone who wasn't in a great location complained and got a great spot, but that happens too - squeaky wheel syndrome.
Hope the next show has layout and flow that is more favourable for you.
I must admi, even though I do sing and have a 3 octave range, this is the first time I've been called a diva... I suppose the kids I coached in soccer or my Girl Scouts would be surprised to hear that discription. This is about money and should a surcharge of over $150.00 be reasonable, since this is the first blog I have ever written, I will carefully phrase my questions and thoughts the next time I write.
I dont know... complaining about a 10 foot space not being enough to constitute a corner is rather diva-ish. I had a 3 foot "gap" last weekend, but I could use my side, so that was all that mattered and I was happy with it. Getting downtrodden about someone else being nearby or wanting a bigger "gap" will just bring down your spirits and keep you from selling well. I find that positive energy goes a looooong way.
I hope for a little kinder treatment from my peers than from the promoters or general public. Tough love I'm sure we can all deal with, but nothing wrong with getting your message across in a nicer way, is there? She doesn't sound like a diva to me, just someone in need of some advice and encouragment.
Flexibility is the key to success. Learning to roll with the punches is an important skill to have when setting up, tearing down, and dealing with cantankerous customers and unruly promoters. Sure, you can walk away from a show, AFTER you do it. But when you're there, you work with what you have. You learn to deal with it. Part of your success stems from problem-solving. In your work, in your daily dealing with your customers, in your booth space. Deal with it.
I'm with you Ruth. I didn't read is as being harsh at all. Just a simple fact. We arent divas and we can't act like we are either. Sometimes we have to "just deal with it".
What is wrong with "deal with it"? Jim was being realistic, not harsh.
If that comment bothers you that much, you might want to think twice about showing in art fairs, your skin might not be thick enough to deal with all the comments we hear at shows.
I agree with Jeanne, the gentleman was using "deal with it" in a kind of harsh way, almost implying that Carol's concerns were somehow frivolous and only her problem. I think if you are trying to help someone, you might phrase things in a helpful way.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next