Should I be flattered or disappointed? As a "newbie" to the art fair circuit, I guess that I should be pleased that I have been accepted to most shows that I have applied for and I have been wait listed for a couple of really reputable shows...My question is.... does anyone know the percentage of artists that get wait listed for a show and what are the real possibilities of getting accepted once on that list?
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Wait! Wait! I thought I was the Wait List Queen! Where did I put my crown? A few weeks ago I was waitlisted for South Miami Rotary and since I was going to be down there anyway, with my stuff I contacted the show and was aggressive about saying I would be, well waiting. Doreen Reitnauer, artist coordinator, was very good about answering my email. Even when none was needed. She said she had 6 no-shows last year and told me if I wanted to be there set up day I would be the no 1 wait lister. Well of course for the FIRST YEAR EVER everyone showed up. Doreen felt very bad. I told her it wasn't her fault and thanked her. She even offered to find me a place on the edge or a sidewalk but it was 10 am by then, the show had started, and I had lost the umph to do the show. Contacting the show to say you are ready to go does make a big difference. I have used this technique many times.
You are not the only "Queen" of wait list.. We had that problem last year and it has continued into 2012!! We email, call etc. to see where we stand. There are a lot of new people out there trying to get into shows that some of us have done for years. I make all of your reservations ahead of time just in case we do get in. If we don't get in, all I have to do is cancel. All sites can fill up quick and sometimes they don't raise the price of motels etc. until the last minute.. We are wait listed for Bele Chere, N.C. .. another call will go in tomorrow to the person in charge. Good luck!!
Thank you everone for your insight and advice!
And some shows treat you like an idiot if you're on the wait list.
The last time I applied to Sunfest in West Palm Beach, I was put on the waiting list. When I called, I was told to be there the first day of the show to see if there are any open spaces. My question was whether they only took local artists because I had a 1200 mile each way trip from Pittsburgh to stand around waiting for a no show space. And the same with Tempe. They wanted me to drive 3000 miles each way to see if someone failed to show up.
But my favorite is State College where I've never failed to get in if I've been on the waiting list because there is a lot of movement between State College and Madison and artists tend to choose the show closer to where they live.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Some years I feel like I am "Queen of the Waitlists" and it does make you feel like you are in limbo for a show. Some shows I know that it really means "no", but I have been called off the waitlist for many shows. As mentioned above it really depends on the show. Some shows people show up in the morning and wait to see if a spot opens. If it is a show close to home and one that you really want to get into that may be an option. I agree with the others that there is no harm in sending a message to find out your # on the list, chances of getting in, and a little reminder to them that you are available if something opens. I think knowing where you are on the list and your chances to get in a show are reasonable requests. It is important to know since we also need to make business decisions regarding our schedule. I would rather know that my chances are slim to none vs. hopefully "waiting" to get off the list.
I've been placed in a show from a waitlist on many occassions, several times as late as a few days prior to the show.
Thanks Larry! It was probably those outstanding photos that allowed me the opportunities!
Glad to hear you're having a decent run.
I've always recommended calling to let them know you're still interested. Even if they say don't call.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100