Pat Lindemann on fri 31 aug 07
Here is a crazy list of 160 things to take to an art fair-
Some good ideas, but if I took all of this stuff, I wouldn't have any room
for pots!
160+ Things to Take to Art Shows, Festivals, Craft Shows...
Product/Packing Related:
* All merchandise clearly priced (best done, before the show)
* Any product information signs necessary
* Boxes for purchases
* Customer bags
* Extra price tags
* Hang tags & care instructions (as required)/ Price Tags
* Inventory list/prices
* String
* Tissue or newspaper for fragile items
Literature:
* Booth signs
* Brochures
* Business cards and holder
* Catalogs
* Company name sign
* Flyers
* Invitations to other shows/exhibits of your works
* Media folder (in case of interview at show)
* Portfolio
* Referral sign - where else can they find your work
* Retail order forms/price list
* Show schedule to use as a bag stuffer & handouts
* Special order forms - 2 part
* Wholesale and/or retail special order forms
* Wholesale order forms/price list
Office Supply Kit:
* Clipboard and writing pad or notebook
* Paper clips
* Paper or index cards
* Paper weight
* Pens and pencils - red one for mark downs
* Push pins & extra tacks
* Rubber bands
* Safety and/or straight pins
* Scissors
* Stapler and staples
* Tape - scotch, masking, duct, packing
Sales Related:
* 800 authorization number for credit card authorization
* Calculator
* Cash box with change, ones, fives & tens or
* Cash register & battery pack
* Cell phone
* Charge/credit slips
* Credit card equipment (if you offer it)
* Laptop
* Receipt book/sales book
* Sales tax chart
Miscellaneous:
* Clear Paper Protector to hold the following:
* Copy of your sales tax certificate of authority to hang in your
booth
* Correspondence with the promoter - directions, rules,
regulations, phone notes, copy of canceled check, etc.
* Copy of application with date sent and check number
* Any notes about the show - pros or cons
* Guest book- to develop a mailing list
* 3 Ring binder with all your show information in chronological
order - this is great for sharing with other crafters
* Rolling drawer unit to keep all office/sales/ literature
materials in; it's easily accessible and you never have to unpack
* Tablet to record sales and mileage
* Copy of this checklist
For Displays:
Tool Kit:
* Glue for repairs - Elmer's, super glue, tacky
* Hammer (to pound in spikes)
* Hot glue gun
* Knife
* Nails
* Needle nose pliers
* Pliers
* Screwdriver
* Tacks
* Tape measure
* Touch up paintbrush
* Wire cutters
* Wrench
Display Props:
* Carpeting or floor covering for size of booth
* Chairs or stool with a back on it
* Display aids
* Backdrop
* Folding screens
* Grid displays
* Pegboard and hooks
* Plate display stands
* Racks
* Risers
* Shelves
* Wall units
* Fabric draping for riser or shelf coverings
* Folding tables
* Music and tape player
* Table clothes (clean & pressed) - to ground level
* Tables
Display Hardware:
* "C" Clamps (to secure a screen to a tabletop or sheeting to tent
in case of rain
* Bungee cords if you're outdoors
* Canopy or tent & supplies
* Extra weights or spikes
* Fishing line (invisible hangers)
* Opaque sheeting or drop clothes to cover display at overnight shows
* Plastic tarps or sheeting in case of rain or overnight
* Shims for table legs
* Side-walls or tarps for overnight
* Tape gun
* Tie down ropes
* Twist ties
* Weights for holding display and tent down in the wind
* Wire
Lighting:
* 3 or 4 extension cords- different lengths
* 3-to-2 adapters
* Clip-on lights
* Duct tape to tape the cord to the floor
* Extension cord at least 50'
* Extra 40-60 watt light bulbs
* Flashlight
* Lamps
* Multi-plug outlets
* Power strip
Cleaning Supplies:
* Clean cloth rags
* Garbage bags
* Glass cleaner
* Other cleaners
* Paper towels
* Small hand vacuum
* Small trash can
Demonstrating:
* All materials/supplies for making your craft
* All tools needed
* Apron
* Candy or cookies for shoppers and children
* Free samples
Miscellaneous:
* Baggies
* Clothespins
* Dolly or cart to transport stock to your booth
For Personal Comfort:
Clothing:
* Change of clothes- anything can happen
* Change of shoes
* Extra socks
* Inner soles for shoes
Food:
* Cooler with drinks & food
* Frozen bottle of water or juice
* Gallon jugs of water can double as weights
* High energy foods and juices
* Napkins
* Paper plates
* Plastic utensils
* Simple food - like crackers or cut-up vegetables that won't be a
mess
* Thermal mug
* Thermos
* Water bottle
Weather related
* Battery operated fan
* Bug spray
* Jacket or sweater
* Neck coolers
* Pair of rainproof boots
* Sun hat and/or sunglasses
* Sun screen
Health related:
* Aspirin and/or any medicines you may require for the day
* Box of tissues
* First aid kit (prescription drugs, bandages, first aid cream,
anything needed for allergies)
* Hand lotion
* In case of emergency - phone numbers of family members
Appearance/Hygiene:
* Deodorant
* Lipstick
* Make up kit
* Toilet tissue (you never know)
* Wet wipes
* Towel, wash rag, bar of soap
* Toothbrush, toothpaste
Miscellaneous:
* Camera
* Cushion for chair
* Fix-it kit with needles
* Paper towels
* Steamer/Iron
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Messages in this topic
(4)
2b.
On 8/31/07, Jeanette Harris wrote:
>
> >>
> >
> >I agree with everything Chris advises except the cash box. Get a
> >fanny pack or something similar. Keep your cash on you not in a box.
> >It's too easy to steal. I never use a cash box. I keep change in my
> >pocket. I put large bills in a pack I had made by a leather worker
> >just for that purpose. The number of people who've had cash stolen is
> >high. Craft shows are a favorite target of thieves. They work in
> >packs with one or two distracting you while the other steals the
> >cash. Keep it on you.
> >
> >Kathi
> >
>
> I've heard of the cashbox disappearing altogether. One person I know
> drilled holes in theirs and screwed it down to a little folding table.
>
> I always keep enough change and bills in the cashbox to make change
> quickly and easily. I regularly remove excess bills and all checks
> from the box and put it in my pockets.
>
> If you use a cashbox, be sure to locate it at the back of the booth
> in an inaccessible (only to you) corner and out of sight. When you
> leave the booth for bathroom breaks or to get food, be sure to
> conceal where it is.
>
> At the end of a show, I put mine in the bottom one of the ware boxes
> or in with the wrapping stuff. (But it still only has a token amount
> of cash inside.)
>
> Also
>
> Be sure to close and lock your car at each trip out and back during
> load-out/load-in. It would be too easy for someone to lift your stuff
> during all the chaos.
> --
> http://jeanetteharrisblog.blogspot.com/
>
>
> http://www.washingtonpotters.org/members/Jeanette_Harris/wpa_jeanette_harris.htm
>
> Jeanette Harris
> Poulsbo WA
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots2@visi.com
>
Chris Campbell on fri 31 aug 07
Congratulations to Anne and to all who
will be doing their first craft show this
Holiday Season.
Here is some basic advice and hints
to make the first show easier for you.
Price everything before you get there
with removable stickers or hang tags.
Have business type cards available with
all of your contact information.
Buy a two part sales book so both you
and your customer have a record of the
sale.
Set up will take longer than you think.
So will take down.
BRING :
several pens, calculator, cash box with
about $50 change, stapler, scissors, scotch tape,
safety pins , measuring tape, wrapping material,
bags, bottled water, aspirin, easy to sneak a bite
snacks such as raisins and peanuts.
DO NOT :
Eat in your booth.
Read in your booth.
Sit down on a chair.
Talk on the phone.
Gab with neighboring artists about how
good or bad things are going.
Count your money or start to pack up
while the show is still open.
Force yourself to smile and look friendly.
Force yourself to talk about your work in
interesting, non technical ways.
Beware of accepting custom orders that
need to be ready by Christmas.
This can be crazy making!
Good Luck
Chris Campbell- in North Carolina
Chris Campbell Pottery LLC
9417 Koupela Drive
Raleigh NC 27615-2233
Designs in Colored Porcelain
1-800-652-1008
Fax : 919-676-2062
website: www.ccpottery.com
wholesale : www.wholesalecrafts.com
Doreen P. Diamond on fri 31 aug 07
Okay....not to gush here, but your work is incredible.? I've just hooked on to Clayart about a month ago and have been on several websites, but I have to say that your work by far has impressed me the most.? I just ordered my first L&L kiln which should arrive in about 2 weeks and am anxiously looking forward to getting imbursed in the ceramics/pottery world.? (I've had a pottery wheel for a while).? I've got to say that?a lot of what I've read on the posts is a complete foreign language to me, but I'm sure I'll be speaking the lingo in no time!? (I come from a marketing/business background and was recently 'grounded' due to health reasons).??Ceramics has always been a much loved hobby for me so I'm thrilled to be able to devote more time to it.? Anyway, I just had to tell you how impressed I was?with your?work.? WOW!
Doreen Diamond?
-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Campbell
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Sent: Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:46 pm
Subject: Re: Drum roll, please.../ Craft Show Primer
Congratulations to Anne and to all who?
will be doing their first craft show this?
Holiday Season.?
?
Here is some basic advice and hints?
to make the first show easier for you.?
?
Price everything before you get there?
with removable stickers or hang tags.?
?
Have business type cards available with?
all of your contact information.?
?
Buy a two part sales book so both you?
and your customer have a record of the?
sale.?
?
Set up will take longer than you think.?
So will take down.?
?
BRING :?
several pens, calculator, cash box with?
about $50 change, stapler, scissors, scotch tape,?
safety pins , measuring tape, wrapping material,?
bags, bottled water, aspirin, easy to sneak a bite?
snacks such as raisins and peanuts.?
?
DO NOT :?
Eat in your booth.?
Read in your booth.?
Sit down on a chair.?
Talk on the phone.?
Gab with neighboring artists about how?
good or bad things are going.?
Count your money or start to pack up?
while the show is still open.?
?
Force yourself to smile and look friendly.?
Force yourself to talk about your work in?
interesting, non technical ways.?
?
Beware of accepting custom orders that?
need to be ready by Christmas.?
This can be crazy making!?
?
Good Luck?
?
Chris Campbell- in North Carolina?
?
Chris Campbell Pottery LLC?
9417 Koupela Drive?
Raleigh NC 27615-2233?
?
Designs in Colored Porcelain?
?
1-800-652-1008?
Fax : 919-676-2062?
website: www.ccpottery.com?
wholesale : www.wholesalecrafts.com?
?
______________________________________________________________________________?
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org?
?
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription?
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/?
?
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots2@visi.com?
________________________________________________________________________
Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - http://mail.aol.com
KATHI LESUEUR on fri 31 aug 07
On Aug 31, 2007, at 12:46 PM, Chris Campbell wrote:
> Congratulations to Anne and to all who
> will be doing their first craft show this
> Holiday Season.
>
> Here is some basic advice and hints
> to make the first show easier for you....
>
> cash box with
> about $50 change, >>>
I agree with everything Chris advises except the cash box. Get a
fanny pack or something similar. Keep your cash on you not in a box.
It's too easy to steal. I never use a cash box. I keep change in my
pocket. I put large bills in a pack I had made by a leather worker
just for that purpose. The number of people who've had cash stolen is
high. Craft shows are a favorite target of thieves. They work in
packs with one or two distracting you while the other steals the
cash. Keep it on you.
Kathi
Jeanette Harris on fri 31 aug 07
>>
>
>I agree with everything Chris advises except the cash box. Get a
>fanny pack or something similar. Keep your cash on you not in a box.
>It's too easy to steal. I never use a cash box. I keep change in my
>pocket. I put large bills in a pack I had made by a leather worker
>just for that purpose. The number of people who've had cash stolen is
>high. Craft shows are a favorite target of thieves. They work in
>packs with one or two distracting you while the other steals the
>cash. Keep it on you.
>
>Kathi
>
I've heard of the cashbox disappearing altogether. One person I know
drilled holes in theirs and screwed it down to a little folding table.
I always keep enough change and bills in the cashbox to make change
quickly and easily. I regularly remove excess bills and all checks
from the box and put it in my pockets.
If you use a cashbox, be sure to locate it at the back of the booth
in an inaccessible (only to you) corner and out of sight. When you
leave the booth for bathroom breaks or to get food, be sure to
conceal where it is.
At the end of a show, I put mine in the bottom one of the ware boxes
or in with the wrapping stuff. (But it still only has a token amount
of cash inside.)
Also
Be sure to close and lock your car at each trip out and back during
load-out/load-in. It would be too easy for someone to lift your stuff
during all the chaos.
--
http://jeanetteharrisblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.washingtonpotters.org/members/Jeanette_Harris/wpa_jeanette_harris.htm
Jeanette Harris
Poulsbo WA
Dale Neese on sat 1 sep 07
I have a similar, smaller show inventory list that I keep in the computer
document files. Several days before a show I will print it and mark off the
items when I have them on hand and ready to go. Take the list with you and
write down anything important that you need for the next show. Back home
add items to the computer list as you would an updated purchasing customer
mailing list. Most show supplies are nicely kept in one handy plastic box.
If you are like me I have to add an extra pair of reading glasses to the
list in case you lose them which makes the list useless.
Dale Tex
"across the alley from the Alamo"
San Antonio, Texas USA
Jeanette Harris on sat 1 sep 07
>Here is a crazy list of 160 things to take to an art fair-
>Some good ideas, but if I took all of this stuff, I wouldn't have any room
>for pots!
>
>160+ Things to Take to Art Shows, Festivals, Craft Shows...
>Product/Packing Related:
Crazy as it sounds, I have a list very like this that lives on my
computer to print it off before each show.
The main reason is, of course, because I learned the hard way. I once
arrived at a show with everything but an essential set of poles that
held up the top of my canopy! But the Clay God only smote me lightly
because the show was indoors.
If you take this list and edit it to your needs, you'll find that
most of the stuff will go into a few plastic containers and if you
have storage space in your house or garage, they can stay there until
the next show. Essentially, I have 4 boxes: A personal box, a tool
box, an office box and a lighting box (just because I want my light
bar and bulbs to be moved with the least amount of homogenation).
They are the large stackable flap-top plastic storage boxes** you can
get at any hardware store. They can be placed in the booth where you
can either get to them easily or stored away until you need them, as
in the case of tools for set-up/take-down. That way you will know
exactly where to go to get whatever you need without pilfering
through all your stuff.
It will also save time and money because you won't discover that you
didn't pack your scissors/hammer/little fold-up ladder and have to
borrow from some kind neighbor or run out into foreign territory to
buy something essential. The contents of the boxes can be refreshed
and/or sorted at a more leisurely time between shows.
Each show presents it's own set of "Challenges" (Doncha' love that
euphemism) that you could not have predicted, so organizing yourself
as much as possible will cut down on the time it takes to set up and
take down and lower your stress level as well.
I made a sales & show binder with my own page design to track sales,
store that particular show information, booth lay-out design plans,
etc. and a copy of my list. I make notes on it during the show tweek
my memory after the dust has settled and I'm back home.
**I also bubble wrap & pack my pottery for the show in them. The
beauty of these boxes is that they stack inside each other after
they're empty (even with bubble wrap included) They are durable and
won't weaken with use. I bought a few on sale to start with and have
added more as time has gone by.
--
http://jeanetteharrisblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.washingtonpotters.org/members/Jeanette_Harris/wpa_jeanette_harris.htm
Jeanette Harris
Poulsbo WA
Jeanette Harris on sat 1 sep 07
I'd also add to the list some chewable over-the-counter stomach meds.
A rumbly tumbly just isn't what you want at a show, which is why I
usually steer clear of festival food and bring my own.
--
http://jeanetteharrisblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.washingtonpotters.org/members/Jeanette_Harris/wpa_jeanette_harris.htm
Jeanette Harris
Poulsbo WA
Lois Ruben Aronow on mon 3 sep 07
I have a list like this too. Here's a tip from a good friend, much more
experienced at showing than I, and it turned out to be TRUE.
Always bring tampons. I don't care if you are a man, you will need a
tampon. If you are in menopause, you will need a tampon. If your period
ended yesterday, I guarantee you will need tampons at next week's show. If
you need to level your walls, a tampon will do the trick. Not a maxi-pad:
only a tampon.
Just as an aside, my (post-menopausal) stepmother told me that, no matter
what the market is doing, she has always had money invested in Tambrands -
because everyone needs them. Always.
(Especially if you are at a craft show.)
...Lo
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of
> Jeanette Harris
> Sent: Saturday, September 01, 2007 1:31 PM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: Re: Drum roll, please.../ Craft Show Primer
>
> >Here is a crazy list of 160 things to take to an art fair- Some good
> >ideas, but if I took all of this stuff, I wouldn't have any room for
> >pots!
> >
> >160+ Things to Take to Art Shows, Festivals, Craft Shows...
> >Product/Packing Related:
>
> Crazy as it sounds, I have a list very like this that lives
> on my computer to print it off before each show.
>
> The main reason is, of course, because I learned the hard
> way. I once arrived at a show with everything but an
> essential set of poles that held up the top of my canopy! But
> the Clay God only smote me lightly because the show was indoors.
>
> If you take this list and edit it to your needs, you'll find
> that most of the stuff will go into a few plastic containers
> and if you have storage space in your house or garage, they
> can stay there until the next show. Essentially, I have 4
> boxes: A personal box, a tool box, an office box and a
> lighting box (just because I want my light bar and bulbs to
> be moved with the least amount of homogenation).
> They are the large stackable flap-top plastic storage boxes**
> you can get at any hardware store. They can be placed in the
> booth where you can either get to them easily or stored away
> until you need them, as in the case of tools for
> set-up/take-down. That way you will know exactly where to go
> to get whatever you need without pilfering through all your stuff.
>
> It will also save time and money because you won't discover
> that you didn't pack your scissors/hammer/little fold-up
> ladder and have to borrow from some kind neighbor or run out
> into foreign territory to buy something essential. The
> contents of the boxes can be refreshed and/or sorted at a
> more leisurely time between shows.
>
> Each show presents it's own set of "Challenges" (Doncha' love that
> euphemism) that you could not have predicted, so organizing
> yourself as much as possible will cut down on the time it
> takes to set up and take down and lower your stress level as well.
>
> I made a sales & show binder with my own page design to track
> sales, store that particular show information, booth lay-out
> design plans, etc. and a copy of my list. I make notes on it
> during the show tweek my memory after the dust has settled
> and I'm back home.
>
>
>
> **I also bubble wrap & pack my pottery for the show in them.
> The beauty of these boxes is that they stack inside each
> other after they're empty (even with bubble wrap included)
> They are durable and won't weaken with use. I bought a few
> on sale to start with and have added more as time has gone by.
>
>
> --
> http://jeanetteharrisblog.blogspot.com/
>
> http://www.washingtonpotters.org/members/Jeanette_Harris/wpa_j
> eanette_harris.htm
>
> Jeanette Harris
> Poulsbo WA
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your
> subscription settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots2@visi.com
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