Vendor Report Card

[Former_Member]

I participate in an upscale Farmer's Market that puts us in a different area each weekend in the Tampa Bay area of FL. The management does a professional job of running these shows and there is always a waiting list to get in. We recently got a report card, with two columns: Has it/Needs it and four months to comply. I am sharing because I think it is a comprehensive list for professional presentation that the newbies might like.

Functioning 10 x 10 tent
Table cloths that cover the legs of all tables
Front banner 9 x 1 or similar
Back banner 6 x 2 or similar
Signage or flyers about your business
25 lbs weights for each tent leg, no milk jugs or uncovered cinder blocks
Weights tied down with bungee cords
Side signs for extra advertising
Shelving on tables to offer extra height to the display or
Higher table or risers for better display
Flyer & business card holders for promotion
Pictures or information that tell who the vendor is in the community

Do you have anything to add?

[HoldsIt]

I disagree with the side signs. The only vendors I know who have signs on all four sides of their booth are the carnival food vendors.

[weekendjewelry1]

I would probably have an issue with the 'side signs' as well - if it's a crowded market those wouldn't be visible anyway! And there is such a thing as "too much". But still - the overhead, and front of table signs? And the other issues they raise? Overall I would say what a good list. And a good sign that the promoters are trying to have a cohesive, well-organized venue. That would probably be as encouraging to me as anything.

[PJCRAFTSWORLD]

I take issue with risers. Handicapped people in wheelchairs especially motorized ones cannot see if the tables are raised. We need to be careful to not discriminate against the handicapped to make it easier or more comfortable for the well-bodied.

I am getting more and more women and men alone in motorized wheelchairs in my booth. And, many of them have thanked me for not making my tables so high they can't see things.

[TheImpossibleChild]

so much for fun quirky creativity.
I like markets that look like true mercados but then I am weird.
I would so FAIL that test!

[Former_Member]

Karen I agree, I like more individuality at markets. While I agree some cohesiveness like tent weights and clear sinage is a good basis for every market, let me choose if my tables will be raised or not or if I want banners all around. Hey we are AR-TISTS, lol.

[Former_Member]

Tying weights with bungees? Are they wanting lawsuits when they take an eye out? Racheting tiedowns or transport rope that is rated to not break under tension is better.

I don't understand the need for all this signage...seems tacky, most good art shows wouldn't allow anything but a banner inside.

Shelves and risers make for ware you can't reach...one or the other, not both.

[SilverRiverDesignsWA]

At our large market we only need one sign advertising who we are.

[Pugs2Persians]

Yeah the bungee thing stuck out to me too. They definitely aren't the best way to attach weights.

[YAHAccessories]

Your business Tax Certificate on display.
Weights should be tied securely to the legs - not dangling from a cord or rope.

I love Brooksville. So pretty and a fascinating history.

[Former_Member]

I prefer my weights to be tied to the upper frame and sitting on the ground, it makes the conopy more stable.

[LizArti]

WHOA! I disagree with many of these.

- They're going to tell me what size banner/sign(s) to have and where to put them?
- I chose not to offer flyers and business cards for a reason.
- Bungee cords to tie down weights - NO, dangerous.

The only ones I thing are useful and fair are:
- functioning tent
- table cloths that cover the legs
- weight (although 25 lbs seem on the light side)

The rest just seem bossy, too specific, dictatorial.

[Former_Member]

I agree Liz. I'm afraid that I wouldn't be doing this Farmer's Market if they were giving you a report card and you hade to "comply" with their rules and regs. You did say it's upscale, but oy vey, you gotta do this and you gotta do that, and have this and have that..... No thanks.

Good for you if it works for you, but I don't think it would work for me.

[YAHAccessories]

If your weights are not secured to the bottom of the legs, if a wind gust lifts a corner or side, you have a flying weight. Secure from the top of the frame AND at the bottom of the leg.

[Former_Member]

Good suggestions regarding the weights, I will pass it on. And I think the feedback on risers making your booth less wheel chair friendly is a good one, too.

Yes, if it weren't paying off I would not be doing it.

As I said before, there is a waiting list to get into these markets. I'm even doing fairly well "in the summer in Florida." There are over 100 participating vendors and we aren't jammed up against each other, which allows the sides of most tents to be visible. The side signs allow repeat customers to find you easily. I like that 3 sides are visible to the public, it gives me more display area. I have garnered a permanent space and I am happy to comply. I am next to a vegetable tent where people stand in line to check out and can see one side of my booth as a captive audience. Many head right over.

Compliance means I don't have to deal with less than professional neighbors and I don't feel that I give up any artistic freedom in my display.

[Former_Member]

I don't see most that stuff as professional tho. Excessive signage is just tacky if i see it i think reseller not professional artist or crafter. I want my work to be noticed not my signs.

My favorite signage i ever saw at a show was actually incorporated into the guys display so well. The artist made metal fish...his signage was metal fish with his logo on a long fishing pole above his tent.

[BohemianHollow]

I totally agree with Liz and Emma! It all sounds way too micro-managing-ish! I'd be surprised if that market lasts for much longer with all those rules...

[CindyTSews]

I do not know any show that I do that would allow all than signage. As for the bungee cords, well the promoter is cluless.

[KilnMasterPottery]

Some vendors do not use tables but have their items displayed hanging off tent sides or on shelving next to the sides. So table cover/height is not applicable. If you are outside of the tent you will see the sign on the front or possibly sides. Once you are in the tent the merchandise is important. If you have issue with the vendor step outside and check their banner. I see no reason what so ever to have a back banner. Fliers tend to go flying. Business cards are fine and then people can look up your web site and see the info there. Bungee cord nonsense was already addressed. And a question: Do the side banners suppose to face out or hang inside of the tent? In either case I thing one banner is plenty.

[ButterflyWarriors]

Oh boy! I'm doing my first ever show on saturday and have ordered a white tent and have puddled together everything else. I have practiced my display at home and it looks quite good...no banner or sign though, just a framed mini-poster explaining the reason behind the shop with the name and website. Table cloths are a bit short too....

So I guess I have a long way to go before I hit the big time :)