I've just started doing shows a couple months ago, I have been doing them by myself. Thinking about doing some of the bigger shows coming up in a couple months, like the Harvest Festival and other ones like that. I haven't been to them and not sure how busy they will be and wondering if I will be able to do them by myself? I'm worried that they will be too busy for me to manage by myself, any thoughts?
Can I work big shows by myself?
- Thread starter Melharma
- Start date
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gratia said:
Okay, that's good to hear. There isn't really anyone to help me either so I was just wondering if it can be done by myself. The Harvest Festival is a 3 day show, entry fee like $500 with 250 vendors and probably like 20,000-30,000 people (the website says).
Just be very careful about where you place your cash box and never leave it unattended! I think it would be difficult doing it by yourself but more-so if you had a jewelry booth where someone night try to grab and run with expensive product. I think anyone sophisticated enough to enjoy a home-made bar of soap and stop to sniff would not be a thief, but you never know - lol! My main concern would be where you place the cash box while you are packing up for the day, and stay near a group of folks when you are walking to your car with it.
Bigmoose
Well-Known Member
If sales are going to be over $500 a day you will be quite busy and would wish you had some help. It somewhat depends on your product and how long it takes you to get it into the bag and add up the total sale.
Bruce
Bruce
supersoaper3000
Well-Known Member
I do many shows by myself, it isn't always optimal but it is possible. I just did a fair size one yesterday, 150 vendors and the traffic was crazy. It was hard to get time to go to the bathroom or grab a bite to eat (I consider access to fried foods to be a job perk). And was beat by the end of the day.
When you are on your own you pretty much need to rely on your neighbors when you do have to make the inevitable bathroom break. By and large I have found that crafters are pretty good folk and look out for each other. I always make sure to pass a bar or two along at the end of the day in thanks. If you have a neighbor who is also flying solo, it is all the easier.
As others have said, keep your cash secure and out of sight. Avoid the temptation to count your earnings until you are at home or at least in your vehicle. A waist pouch/bag can be a handy way of keeping your cash on your person if leaving a lock box makes you uncomfortable.
Although it can be exhausting it is totally possible to solo big shows. Best of luck!
When you are on your own you pretty much need to rely on your neighbors when you do have to make the inevitable bathroom break. By and large I have found that crafters are pretty good folk and look out for each other. I always make sure to pass a bar or two along at the end of the day in thanks. If you have a neighbor who is also flying solo, it is all the easier.
As others have said, keep your cash secure and out of sight. Avoid the temptation to count your earnings until you are at home or at least in your vehicle. A waist pouch/bag can be a handy way of keeping your cash on your person if leaving a lock box makes you uncomfortable.
Although it can be exhausting it is totally possible to solo big shows. Best of luck!
I now have what I call my "partner" I do outside flea markets and I brought a large tarp with rope threaded through the holes. When I need to take a food or bathroom break, I cover my product with the tarp and tie the string to a table leg.
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