I rented a double booth at the Great Lakes Art Fair in Novi, Michigan last weekend. This is the first time I've had a double and I only did it because the art fair offered the second booth for 1/2 price, and its an indoor show. The double cost me $600 and I loved the extra room and the panoramic display on the back wall. For this one experience, the extra investment seemed to pay off. My sales were 50% more than they were last year (but that could be accredited to other factors as well). I'm wondering what other artists think about the extra expense (and work) of doing a double. I've noticed that most photographers have double booths.
I have a Trimline booth. I'd be reluctant to buy a second one (my wife would kill me. She's not all that crazy about setting up one booth let alone two. Trimlines are hEAVY)). I'm thinking that I could set up in the middle of a 20-foot space and wing out a five foot awning on both sides. This would only work in good weather so renting a double would be a risk. But, if I can make 50% more with a double, the gamble might be worth it. What are other artists' experiences with doubles?
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It is the ideal for 2 D -- note all the double photo booths at the shows. Norm always bought a double if possible. All of the reasons above tell you why. You've already spent $500 (e.g.), for a booth, you have all those expenses you are going to have anyway for travel, lodging, food, etc., double the show fee (or in this case a real deal at 50% off) and people can stand back and look at your work. The mistake not to make is to put twice as much inventory in the booth ... This is not the case in Rich's booth above -- in his case his shoppers want as many choices as possible. Guess it depends on the media.
Incredible responses to this "double booth" question. I'm pretty well sold on trying it again next time I get the chance. I'll do it with a single 10x10 Trimline with big 4-foot canopies off to either side. Weather permitting, I can put my panels up off the canopy pipes. I'll need to upgrade with an additional 4-foot canopy and maybe another tent leg for a second doorway in the side. Should be interesting. There is no way I can talk Marcia into setting up TWO Trimlines (HA)...
For me... Absolutely, but I fall into more of the contemporary craft realm which is considerably different. My sale have always more than tripled when using a double booth. People do not like squeezing into crowded areas and I cannot blame them. Also for me it helps to have considerable room to walk into the booth where patrons are not rushed and shoved in the aisles.
I will put up a double when the show traffic warrants it, not only because it allows me to put up larger work (not necessarily more), but also because it provides a much better retail flow. Shows like Columbus or Arts, Beats& Eats with thousands of visitors each day will generally pay off with more customers and more transactions. Having two large exits is almost a must, even with a single, and hard to achieve with a single inline booth.
We do a double or a booth and a half when we can. It has proven to be a good decision. I just wanted to add that I have followed the booth size discussion (here and on other forums) for many years, and it seems to be the ONE thing artists seem to agree that it adds to the profit of a show.
I read that you have to catch a customer's eye in a matter of seconds as they pass. When you have a bigger booth space, your chances increase.
Barbara, I think the photographer with 4 spaces was possibly Steven Huyser-Honing (a member here also and an advertiser, see his banner on the home page for Grand River Giclees), who has a good Michigan following and is very good at marketing. I'd guess he knows what he is doing as he has done the show from the very beginning. As his work is pretty specific to the Great Lakes region, at least the last time I saw it, his specialization probably pays off very well in the region, but probably wouldn't in say Texas or Colorado.
This is a repeat of what others have said, but I have to chime in cause I think your booth looks fabulous. I have thought about getting a double booth from time to time, but have been insecure about paying the extra rent. I will now re-think. You have been an inspiration!
Oh! and with the double at State College, alot of people said they hardly remember my work from the last year, when I had a single.
This is a great topic. I do stained glass. If I cannot get a corner, I';m doomed. I've started getting double booths and it has really paid off. As an example, I did the State College PA show a couple of years ago with a single. It's almost impossible to get a corner there. Did so so. Last year decided to pay the high fee of 1k, and got a double. Best thing I ever did! I was able to spread my artwork out on my display racks, did not have to worry about the side walls blocking the light - it was great and paid off well in profits.
Like someone said, it does cause people to stay longer, as there is not a pile up in ur booth. I have 2 EZups so it's not so bad with having to put both up and I got a tent 'gutter' that you can find online, and attached it to the gap between each tent and had no problem with rain. And as for rain, my artwork is way more protected with a double as well.
I think I'll continue to try to afford! to get one on a regular basis. For Great Lakes, I'm not so sure. Those spaces are pretty spread out to begin with so a single, corner was fine. I did see your booth there and it was a beautiful setup! Well done.
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