I did the regrettable act this weekend of leaving money in my cash box while I took a bathroom break at a show. A thief seized an opportunity and stole my cash box that was in the back of my booth. The booth sitter felt horrible and I felt like an idiot. This show, being so close to home I was a little too comfortable and let my guard down. All it takes is a minute. Fortunately, the majority of my sales were on credit.
The staff at Woodland Park reacted incredibly and got the word out to other vendors immediately. The police wrote their report and there was a volunteer that stayed with me most of the day. The community stepped in and collected donations at breakfast the next morning and presented it to me. It brought tears to my eyes reassuring me that people are good! The entire experience brought such comfort and relief knowing that our art fair community is so strong and supportive. I am so grateful to everyone who helped.
This is my first post and I am a new member to the Art Fair Insiders group. My booth neighbor at Woodland suggested I join and post because I wanted a way of thanking my fellow artist community and the staff at LAL. Thank you! -AS
Comments
I've sold almost exclusively at dog shows. I keep most of the money in my pocket. If I'm getting a lot of cash or checks, I will send the checks express mail to my bank. I've sent cash, but that isn't really a good idea. I've used the cash to pay for hotel rooms, fill the gas tank or whatever makes sense. I split up my money and stash it in different places. I keep an eye out for things that appear not right.
I do know someone who uses one of those little over the shoulder bags to keep her money and checks in. She was selling at a big dog show, one that lasted for about 5 days. She had thousands of dollars in that little bag. Some thieves had observed her carefully, including her routine at the end of the day. When the show ended, they were prepared. They were sitting in a car idling near where she would walk on her way to her car. A guy jumped out of the back seat, grabbed the little shoulder bag, jumped back in the car and the driver sped away. Unfortunately for the artist, the strap did not break and she was dragged a ways before the strap finally broke. She wound up hospitalized. The dog show people took up a collection, paid her hospital bill and sent her home with money. They also prepaid her booth reservation for the following year.
Amelia, sorry about the theft. it was so nice the people at the show rallied around you to support you. That was one lesson you should not have to re-learn. Hopefully, others will learn from your misfortune. Thanks for sharing as this helps keep keep us from getting too comfortable.
This situation has always been a fear of mine. And I have been guilty of leaving cash unattended. Its easy to do, even when you are in your booth. I am glad to hear others helped you out!
....and Amelia-so sorry about all this...this happens to everyone at least once.....if it's not that... your tent blows down. I love the Woodlands show...so nice to hear they were so great to you-but I am not surprised.
I keep my phone (for square) and all my cash right on me in a small shoulder bag....Look at the ones at Sportsac..they are relatively small and have three zippers, so you can store cash is one and phone in another. It has worked really well for me for years.
This is a great story. Thanks for telling us about it, Amelia.
I am with Ruth on the cash box thing -- there is a long thread on this site on the topic of "where do you keep your money" that I hope everyone will read.
Here is just one of those threads: http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/art-fairs-cash-checks-c...
Please don't use a cash box! I can't even believe people still use one. It's like a giant sign saying "THIS IS WHERE MY MONEY IS!"
And, don't blame yourself so much, Amelia. I had 3 pieces swiped yesterday. No matter how vigilant you are, your eyes cannot be everywhere and it sometimes happens. How wonderful that your fellow artists gathered around you to help. Now that is what I call community! Keep making art...
Victoria Benson the new show director at Woodlands was great. When she saw you in tears, she cried also. This is a great story. I too am proud of our art community. Amazing people with tender hearts. Thanks for sharing.