SECURITY and More
© Barbara Massie
As you start doing craft shows, you might think, "Hey, why don't I have my own show!" - go to Crafters Newsletter Magazine and read "Plan your Own Craft Show."
SECURITY
Most show organizers provide security for the participants of a show. Unfortunately, you must watch people while at your booth. It isn't unusual to have some shoplifting. You want to trust people and for the most part you can. Any show in which you participate will not have insurance to cover any loss you have.
You must also be aware that there is always the remote possibility that if someone is injured in any way by your product, you will be liable for suit. You might find it wise to discuss this with your insurance agent.
The security you must be most interested in is at night. We are very pleased with nighttime security at shows we have done. The doors are locked and your product is usually safe. Remove high price items from the table tops and store them under the tables, or take them out of the building. Leave most of the items on the tables during the night. Take the portion of the over covers that are hanging down over the sides of the tables and bring that up and over the table/products as a cover.
If you don't have separate over-covers, bring additional sheets or even plastic covering to use as a night cover. Do not use the sheets hanging to the floors as a cover. You want these to continue to hide the boxes and products under the tables. Allow yourself enough time before opening the next day to uncover and properly arrange your products before the doors open.
DOING A SHOW ALONE
If possible, do not do a show alone. You need help with setup or breakdown, especially if your setup is very heavy or elaborate.
Another consideration should be the size of the show. If you have prior-year figures on attendance and know to expect a large crowd, you will need help with selling the merchandise. Several people can gather around your booth, making it difficult to wait on and sell to more than one at a time.
When alone, it is more difficult to watch for shoplifting and keep little children's hands from messing up the display. The surrounding vendors will be kind. If you do have to do a show alone, most are willing to watch your booth while you go to the restroom or get something to eat.
Read on MyCraftshow.com where one person treats her booth like a mini-store.
VOLUME OF BUSINESS
How do you know the volume of business you will do or how much
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