Putting together the booth.
- Did the organizer allow enough time for set up? There is nothing worse than feeling "rushed"
- Was there a good mix of craft and distance between same/like style craft? I have often seen a full row of jewelery and then a show with only two potters and they are right beside each other.
- Was there a standard for professional presentations in the booth. Junky looking booths turn customers off and the best shows also jury for booth presentation as well as your artisan skill.
- If it is a first time show there is no previous one to compare with so my expectation would be that my booth fee would be 10% of my total sales(minimum)
- If I have done the show before, how does it compare to previous years?
- One thing I don't do is compare my sales to any other vendor at the show. Food is recession proof and people always have money for jewelery.
- Were my customers at the show? Did they have an interest in textile(weaving, knitting, spinning) This is crucial as I love filling down time at the show with yarn conversations.
- What was their demographic? (young - old - women - single - families)
- Are they professional in their presentation and demeanor? Show etiquette has certain expectations. If you are in the same/similar category you do not go into a booth of similar craft. (I have seen people removed from shows for this breach).
- Are you at your booth? If my neighbour is always away from their booth, I feel an obligation to keep an eye on their inventory which takes me away from my customers.
- If you are a vendor that smokes, please don't leave your booth and smoke in front of my booth. My lungs and my finished goods do not appreciate your smoke.
- Most vendors are congenial, helpful and truly good neighbours and I return the favour.
- If you are a vendor visiting my booth and customers are looking/trying to purchase, please let me deal with my customers and then I will get back to you. I am not being rude, but I am here for them first and you should know that without me having to tell you.
- Are the bathrooms close?
- Is there access to water/food?
- Is the music appropriate to the venue?
- Is it appropriate for a craft show?
- Signage, decor?
- Is there an entrance fee, is it reasonable?
- Did I meet interesting people?
- Did I have fun?
Based on this criteria, I would have to say that indeed Calgary was a good show. I attribute much of this to Pearl who kept me fed, watered, sane and made me laugh more than I could have hoped for (and this)....
Yes, it was a good show.
