So you want to be a Vendor in a Tent Show

I participated in 2 group shows this year and felt the urge to try something new. I observed the many Tent Presentations at all the Spring Shows and I found a Mentor who walked me through the critical issues. I contacted a group who puts on Large Scale Festivals and started with their checklist: a 2pg application; a 3 figure space fee, proof of city tax lisc., a statement describing my wares; a white ONLY tent; weights to exceed 25#’s per leg; table covers to the ground; and 5 photos of my work including 2 of my tent presentation. This was tricky as I had never participated with my own tent space in a show.

Raising the Tent in my backyard

So I raised the white tent in my back yard and creatively placed newly purchased furniture. I built the weights and secured them with ratcheting devices to the tent legs.

 

25# weights built from a Tutorial

 

Table covers were a feat as I purchased fabric, measured, sewed and fitted to 3 tables. I purchased grids and LOTS of hooks. The biggest challenge was fitting everything and a friend into the car and securely closing the doors.

The right side wall of the tent space

 



 

The ability to accept credit cards included upgrading my phone with a battery charger and of course the tiny device used with the phone. I even purchased an old fashioned cash box. 

This was all for a 1 day show, 37 miles from home which included a 6am set-up, a 6pm break down, and manning the tent myself for all 12 hrs. The final cash outlay for the items mentioned above, not including the phone or tent, was in excess of $700. I reflected on the Group shows I     was accustomed to with the $45 table fee, soft rules, and 4hr shift.                                                   

My conclusion: YA GOTTA WANT IT!!