andrealh1975

Yes, I have a space at my own shows and believe me, they have not been the best AND I also have people there to man my table for me so I can be available for my vendors. Not only do I patrol the aisles constantly and check on each and every vendor several times during the show. I've also watched the booths so they can take potty breaks and the list goes on and on. And that's how my professionally run show works and has run smoothly each and every time. Thankfully, I've continued to work with excellent vendors and excellent locations and any issues that may occur are minimal. I know anything can happen, but that's where making sure you're on top of everything and having helpers can come in handy.

I agree... I was just wondering if this "give me a space I'll send my money later" stuff was starting to become the norm. I'm not having it though. I've told the couple of people who've done it that they must pay first. The only company that's guaranteed a spot is mine!!!!

Has anyone ever entered a show and you were able to e-mail/contact the promoter and ask them to "hold your space" without sending in a payment? I've had a lot of people contact me and almost demand that I "hold" a space for them. Or they'll just send the form saying it's to hold a space. I have on the application that no space is guaranteed until I receive the payment and form.

Take everything that can fit in your vehicle!!

Congrats!!! Enjoy all the added business you'll get!

Very nice, good job!

Ok...I think folks are misunderstanding what I'm saying...I never said that I've been "working 24/7" or that I have no time at all to hang out. I do know how to work BOTH my full time job AND run my candle business and still have time for family/friends. Any business owner who wants to be the least bit successful must make some sacrafices. And if that means going a few weeks without "hanging out" or going a few days without sitting and chit chatting on the phone, then that's what must be done. I totally agree that friends/family is one of the great ways to market a business. But, it's unfortunate that some people don't understand that when you own a business you have to work your butt off to get to where you want to be.

Thanks Juliette, there will still be vendors on the 2nd floor, in addition to the food, etc. And it will be in a location where shoppers have to walk past vendors to get to food.

Actually, if I do a second floor and the show goes bad I won't look greedy, as I'm not charging out the nose for booths and it will show that I've done everything possible to make it a successful show, just like with the others I've hosted. As for making the second floor a success, I repeat, that's why I'm here asking for opinions and using the opinions I've already received from past shows. Quote: Originally Posted by andrealh1975 I plan on having food on the lower level, not sure about the punch card idea though, since it's so many vendors. I'll try to come up with something else. There are stairs and elevators, so I'm hoping that'll help. That's why I said having the stairs and elevators will "help".

I like this idea too...I might do a card where they have to get maybe 10 or so punches from each level. Thanks!

No, she's not a friend but rather an associate. In regards to the e-mail, I used the tactic of killing her with kindness. BUT, I also let her know that I wasn't going to stand for her "attacking" me every time I was busy doing something to benefit MY business. You think it's tacky that I had something to say back to her that wasn't so nice. I think it's tacky that someone who "acts" like they're happy you're doing well and always wishes you the best in your business suddenly is upset when you're busy because you're doing well.

You are absolutely right Sockmonkey...I came here to get opinions so that I could make this a better situation for the vendors. Not only have I asked here, but I have feedback from past and present people who've worked with me. If it were about money, believe me, I'd be charging MUCH more. I'm not in this to make a living off of anyone, I'm providing an opportunity for people to participate in a great show and get exposure and some extra money in their pockets. In addition to having food and games on the lower level, I'm working on having a local (popular) radio station come and do some give aways, and they'll be downstairs. There will definitely be a good mix of old and new vendors. The vendors who weren't able to/didn't participate in the 2006 show will get the first change to sign up for 2007 at a discounted rate for a certain time. Also, what I did not mention, the vendors will be choosing their own spaces (upper or lower), so hopefully that will help to cut down on "issues".

I plan on having food on the lower level, not sure about the punch card idea though, since it's so many vendors. I'll try to come up with something else. There are stairs and elevators, so I'm hoping that'll help.

I'm working on the logistics for my show next year and plan on having 2 levels and 150 vendors. For those of you who've done shows of this size and may have been on a different floor (other than the main floor), how did this work out for you? Did your customers complain? There will be signage and also door attendants who will direct the customers to go downstairs. Also, there will be games, entertainment, etc on that level to draw them down.

Have any of you run into the problem of folks being jealous and "acting funny" because you don't have the time you used to because of your business? I'm dealing w/ someone like that now. I don't have time to sit and talk on the phone or hang out like I did before and instead of being happy for me because business is growing, she always has a smart ass comment. Well, yesterday was the last straw, I just sent her a nice/nasty e-mail letting her know how I felt about her. Guess she'll be leaving me alone now!!

Just remelt and add the FO...Most of us have had it happen a time or two. When it happened to me it was caught at a show. A lady was saying that she couldn't smell anything when she opened this one jar. I thought she was crazy and smelled it and sure enough there was NADA....I quickly pulled it and the others of the same fragrance off the table. Then I went through and smelled everything!!! LOL

You mentioned that you don't want any credit cards to help re-establish your credit, but how about this...Get a secured loan through your bank or credit union for like $1000 or something, that'll help a little with the credit thing. Also, how often do you shop at places like Target or clothing stores. You may need to bite the bullet and get a card for one of those stores. I did this and would have the cash, but would use my card instead. And the next day I would mail in some money. You can get a store card and set your limit to something farily small like $250, especially the clothing store cards.

I've switched to these jars and I'm using a round label on the top.

www.studiobeckdesigns.com

I just got some of this from CandleScience and I am SO in love!!!! I haven't poured any yet, but I plan to this weekend. Anyone have any good experiences w/ this?

I usually will only take about $20 bucks w/ me and will leave the checkbook and credit cards at home. They'll get you in trouble every time. I do collect tons of business cards though!

ooohhh ok, I read that wrong! It helps to go to shows to see what the "competition" is doing! Also, it helps you to see how shows are being run, etc. Have fun!!

Why do you say you're not close enought to participate, but you go and look? Are these shows where they want you to live in the area or something?

Try www.craftlister.com

I think they'll be getting business from me too!!! Your stuff is awesome!!