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  • We used Caravan and EZ-Ups for about six or so years until the cost of a heavy-duty EZ-Up got to $600 with sides. At the same time, their canvas had been getting thinner and less waterproof. We went with a Creative Energies Light Dome as they're slightly easier to put up and take down. It's been through 50 mph winds with no damage at all, and is completely waterproof. If you want a tent that'll protect your art in nasty weather, either Creative or Flourish are definitely the way to go.
  • Audrey,
    I also looked at the mesh panels, but after seeing them in action I stepped back a little. For me they looked great if you had art that covered most of the mesh. If not it didn't give the paintings a gallery feel. I also saw some of the artwork leaning forward.

    They look very easy to put up, handle and pack in the car but being flimsy?

    My other concern was the background on the artwork. I ended getting the Pro Panels that were 8 in the tan color and 3 in the black. This way I have a good backdrop for strong color and a backdrop for the lighter pieces. They took up some space in the car but when it was set up they look just fantastic. The paintings looked so professional. The tent seemed more secure.

    Happy Day!
    Heather
  • I had a Caravan for three or four years and it was very sturdy. The only issues I had were with leakage during rain. I once purchased some awning parts for the Caravan from Flourish, and for what it's worth, the gentleman there told me that Caravans are actually better than EZ-Ups.
  • I've used my $200 Costco Caravan for 3 years, and it's lasted through several wind storms that destroyed other tents. I don't know if Caravan is any better than EZ-Up, but I definetely know that adding Sta-bars from Flourish for $150 keeps it standing solid in the wind. I also use steel gridwall for panels, and they add stiffness and weight to the tent. The only problem I've had is one sidewall zipper.

    Jan Raven said:
    Dave Hinde said:
    Using a Caravan or EZ-Up is about a third of the cost of a Flourish tent, even with the mesh walls.

    Perhaps at first, but if after two or three years you become tired of fretting over the survival of your lightweight flimsy EZ-Up in a wind storm and you wind up buying a Trimline anyway, then you haven't saved any money at all in the long run. Just something to consider. For full disclosure, I used to use an EZ-Up, but now happily own a Trimline. I sleep well on stormy Saturday nights!

    Otherwise, I agree with what Dave says!
  • Audrey, Just one major question.

    How much are you willing to spend (or invest in your company)? $200 for an EZ UP? Or $1000 for a good unit that will last 20 years? Only you can answer that question.

    There are those of us who bought a good canopy in the mid 80s and still have them. These were great pop up units. And cost over $750 back then. I'm still using the KD Canopy I bought back then. (Yes, it's over 20 years old, and I still use it just about every weekend from Memorial Day to Columbus day.) Others only do a couple shows per year outdoors, and to them, the Sams Club units do a great job.

    The mesh walls are by Flourish and last I heard they were about $600. That's separate from the canopy.

    So again, it all depends on what you need, and how much you're willing to spend. But a quality canopy is indeed an investment in your company.
  • Dave Hinde said:
    Using a Caravan or EZ-Up is about a third of the cost of a Flourish tent, even with the mesh walls.

    Perhaps at first, but if after two or three years you become tired of fretting over the survival of your lightweight flimsy EZ-Up in a wind storm and you wind up buying a Trimline anyway, then you haven't saved any money at all in the long run. Just something to consider. For full disclosure, I used to use an EZ-Up, but now happily own a Trimline. I sleep well on stormy Saturday nights!

    Otherwise, I agree with what Dave says!
  • Flourish.com sells good tents with the mesh walls. They also sell the mesh walls to use with a Caravan or EZ-Up tent. Using a Caravan or EZ-Up is about a third of the cost of a Flourish tent, even with the mesh walls.
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