slycats Posted November 12, 2006 Share Posted November 12, 2006 Hello! New here and first off I want to say how much I've enjoyed reading everyones messages. I've gotten alot of great ideas. Thanks! Now on to my question-- I started making soap back in September 'just for fun', I enjoyed it so much I started filling up my DR and spare Bdrm. Realizing that I was going broke giving it away to family and friends, I just signed up for my 1st craft show next Saturday. After getting all my soap arranged in neat wooden trays (which weighs a ton), making signs, making some 'gift boxes' to sell, making a big raffle gift basket (requirement from craft show people), bags, business cards, tablecloth and boxes for displaying, etc. and numerous other stuff I might need... my pile is huge!! And both my hubby and daughter have to work in the morning so they won't be any help. How does everyone manage it? Is there a secret? I couldn't possibly invest one more cent in this or my hubby will leave me, so please don't tell me to buy a cart or something. Help.... Any suggestions? Thanks and I hope to be a 'regular'. Stacy (in Michigan) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
country creek Posted November 12, 2006 Share Posted November 12, 2006 I actually use my son's old stroller to carry boxes into my show. Since it is one of those really bulky graco strollers, it holds alot and works really well.Other than conning some friend to go with you to help, I am all out of ideas....:wave: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crowded House Posted November 12, 2006 Share Posted November 12, 2006 I couldn't possibly invest one more cent in this or my hubby will leave me, so please don't tell me to buy a cart or something.I just had my first show with virtually no help yesterday. If I can't find a dolly in my price range before the next show in a few weeks I'll go to the thrift store and buy a kid's wagon or something. No way am I lugging all of those boxes by myself again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaVida Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 my mother and I are renting a Uhaul Van.. there's no way we'd be able to bring everything in her little car.... I just hope I won't be coming home with everything... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherl Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 I rented a UHaul for 2 years, outgrew the vehicle on the second show. Saved and got my trailer last week.. this weekend was first time I could haul home and go inside without unloading!! WooHoo!! Dollies are real nice.. might see if a neighbor has one you could use, or check out the UHaul place to rent one. How expensive could they be, maybe $20 and they'd make your life a whole lot easier. Should be able to check that out online. Other crafters often are very nice. When I'm alone I've often had another crafter suggest I use their bigger dollie or cart, and even helped to load a few things for me. A childs wagon might also be used to move stuff if you got one. Good luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lbtddr Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 a kid's wagon sounds like it would work great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beloved Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 Hey slycat, where i Mich. are you at. I am in Mich. too. Where is your craft show going to be? I am in Lansing and have not done craft shows doing soap but i use to paint on sweat shirts and take them to craft shows. It is hard only to set up and to take down. But can be lots of fun. Some times the craft show has a something you can use to get your stuff to your spot. Not most of the times. Let us know how you do. Good luck to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slycats Posted November 13, 2006 Author Share Posted November 13, 2006 Hey slycat, where i Mich. are you at. I am in Mich. too. Where is your craft show going to be? I am in Lansing and have not done craft shows doing soap but i use to paint on sweat shirts and take them to craft shows. It is hard only to set up and to take down. But can be lots of fun. Some times the craft show has a something you can use to get your stuff to your spot. Not most of the times. Let us know how you do. Good luck to you.Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I tried looking to see if any neighbors' kids had a wagon I could borrow, but I don't think they're very popular anymore. I'm going to try a second hand shop next.I'm in SE Michigan, near Romeo? Rochester? around there. I'm starting out small with a local church's craft show to see how it goes, although they have over 75 crafters signed up so far. I'm alittle nervous but excited too. Do most of you arrange your soaps by shape or scent? I was planning on shapes, but my 'peanut gallery' (DH & DD)think scents. Just wondering. Stacy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charmiesonline Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 I know you said you didn't want to spend any more money, but my dolly is the best$70 I ever spent! I got it from Home Depot. it converts into 2 different types of dollies. The normal, hand truck kind, and another one that resembles a wagon. The dolly was the best investment b/c I can use it for other things too. I don't know how much stuff you but I am using lugging in a lot between candles, jewelry and gift baskets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trae Posted November 13, 2006 Share Posted November 13, 2006 I just bought a fold-up flat bed cart from Harbor Freight for $30. Holds up to 350 lbs. Makes for less trips back and forth from the car!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alajane Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 I have one of the fold-up flat-bed carts also and love it! Unfortunately, the only show I've done since I got it, the entrance doors were up a hill (not paved, of course) from the parking lot so I wasn't able to use it for that one, but it was helpful just getting the cases from the back room of my house to the door to load the truck. I think it was $30 well spent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Di_in_AZ Posted November 14, 2006 Share Posted November 14, 2006 Home Depot has a dolly for $23--the Uhaul ones rent for $5 a day and for that you may as well buy one for $23! Three more uses and you would be there anyway, plus you don't have to worry about getting it and returning it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taylorfiremedic Posted November 15, 2006 Share Posted November 15, 2006 Harbor Freight in Sterling Height or Madison Heights. Sorry my DH is a FF downriver so he always shops at the Harbor Freight in Southgate. He just bought a dolly for $14.95.Lorna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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