Probably a basic question

[LaughingFoxShop]

So this is probably a very basic question, but I've only ever done one day shows before. So to those of you who have done multiple day shows, what do you do with your inventory overnight? Do you leave it there, or back everything up and unload again in the morning?

[wayfaringgoods]

Most people leave their items in their booth overnight at the shows I do but I always pack mine up as my items aren't that big and fit into two large totes fairly easy. I do that because 1) I don't trust overnight security and 2) my items are made from leather and paper and if a crazy thunderstorm comes through I'm basically doomed.

[khmetalwork]

I take my jewelry and cashbox(!), leave everything else. Close up the walls & lower the top.

[weekendjewelry1]

That's what I've always done. Even with security, I'm not 100% comfortable - so I leave all the setup stuff but take my jewelry, it's pretty easy to pack that part up and re-display it the next day.

[Former_Member]

I pack mine away and tuck the bins under the tables and tarp everything inside the tent and bring the sidewalls down. Its not really theft but if weather kicks up the pots are safer in bins. And tarping everything cause inside a tent can have lots of condensation overnight.

[wavejewelry]

Same here. I make sterling silver jewelry so it's easy to pack up. Other artisans who make ceramics or other bulky crafts will leave their inventory but I would't be able to sleep that night if I left my jewelry.

[SilverRiverDesignsWA]

I see you sell jewelry. I would not leave jewelry in a booth overnight. I always take my inventory home and just leave the tables, etc.

[LaughingFoxShop]

Thanks for the input!

[TigersandDragons]

For indoor shows I will leave some of the jewellery out, but covered with sheets, it depends on the level of security. For outdoors, I don't leave jewellery out, some of it goes with me, and some in the lockbox/trunk....or some shows provide a trailer or overnight security tent for the crafts.

We have a large trunk which fits under the table, and can put stock and some of the jewellery which is on display boards in there, and then lock it up. It means having less to drag in and out each day.

[ArteOfTheBooke]

Depends if I am camping with the tent or going offsite for the night. I prefer to sleep in the back of the tent, so I can leave the inventory where it is. If foul weather is predicted, I move items away from walls and places that might drip.

[CindyTSews]

As a general rule jewelers pack their inventory up but everyone else leaves it there.

[TheGiftCorral]

ALWAYS take the priciest items with you, along with your cash box (including your tax certificate). As long as it is an indoor set up, I just cover EVERYTHING else and use safety pins under the table covers to secure the covers inconspicuously to the table covers so the top covers can not be disturbed easily. Hope this helps.

[JPaveyDesigns]

For me it depends on the show and if they have security or not. For multiple day shows you usually have a tent. Having a tent you can put all the sides up and zip them shut. I have left my items at the large events and never had a problem. But I follow my gut if I feel secure about leaving my things are not. It is a task to take it down but better then having it all be gone the next morning.

[PrairiePrimitives]

I don't do many multi-day shows anymore, but for an outdoor show, I'd take it all down at night. I use antiques for display pieces, so that has a lot to do with my decision.

[ExpressionsInLeather]

I leave all my set up stuff and take all my inventory. Security is usually spotty at best and I feel more comfortable taking my stuff with me. It is more work but worth it in my mind.

[LaughingFoxShop]

Thank you everyone, this helps a lot! :)

[LizArti]

I don't sell jewelry, but pack up all my inventory and take it with me. I leave the rest of the set up.

[Former_Member]

Ask the show organizer if they are providing security overnight. They will tell you they are not responsible for your stuff, so you have to make up your own mind to leave it or not. But I've done both and much prefer leaving it there overnight. Last two day show I did I packed up everything and put it on one table, then "wrapped" it in tablecloths and sheets so it was a complicated mess to get into, and walked away with just my money. In the morning all I had to do was unwrap my layers and rehang all my stuff. Worked well.

For indoor shows, most of them will tell you you can leave it all there, and almost everyone does. If you have small stuff, bring it home. If you have large bulky stuff that would require multiple trips to the car to get it out of there and another set up in the morning, then consider leaving it. However, don't EVER leave your money or valuables there.