Scottsdale March 8-10

Trying to get some info on this show. Looked over the archives, but really don't know much about anything out west. I do Sausalito as my only west coast show, and it's worth the trip. I know there is a discussion right now about sales averages, etc., and I must say that top shows can pull in numbers way beyond these averages. What one artist has success in does not necessarily mean another one will, and can be dependent on medium, or style in that demographics. Show expenses, especially gasoline on long trips, and double booth fees, mean you have to hit a big number to make it work out. But there are other factors to consider, like opening up a new market. I do know a sculptor from the east coast that does Arizona all winter and longer and loves it. 

Now with Scottsdale, I understand many artists are very southwest themed, something like 80%. Don't know if that's all they will like, or if it's overdone? Much of the work I sell in Florida either ends up in the northeast, or is sold to those who live there, most of the year. Like Florida, the posts I see on AFI, say Arizona, including Scottsdale, Tempe, Carefree, Tucson areas are over saturated with shows. I never hear about these shows, the only one I ever hear about is The Scottsdale Art Festival, and it being said there is a show there every weekend, around this Spring show.. 

There is money to be spent in every show, but it does depend on what patrons expect the level of art to be, in how much they will spend. I believe you need price points upwards of a couple thousand or more in order to spin your wheels. I will be doing shows in Florida again, in Jan and Feb, and Winter Park.. Why would I risk the time and expense to test a new market? Florida shows outside of Coconut Grove and WP have been below my averages. Who does this show? And what is the set up like? Booth locations to ask for? 

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  • To those doing this show: do you pay for your booth through Zapp? I'm having trouble with my Zapplication. I just got into the show (I think) but I am not seeing an option to pay for the booth, and never got any email.

    • You don't pay through zapp.. There is a form to fill out, and submit a cc by email, fax, or mail... The notice came by email.. Check your spam folder.
      • Thanks Mark, good to know! I never got any email, so I'll call them again. My Zapp status only just changed from "jurying in progress" to "invited" yesterday after I left a message. Clearly the automated system is just not working for me.

        • I emailed them and they sent me the forms right away. Yay! I'm going to Scottsdale!

          • now to figure out the sales tax, biz license requirements... i looked over, and read somewhere that you need to present an original birthcert, or drivers license  (only from some sates will this work), or a passport.. catch is, they need the original.. so you send them an original in the mail? or i read on a post where you can apply in person with the aforementioned official documents, and the office is located by chance near the show.. now is that advisable, or true, or do we send in the mail.. since I won't be in AZ until the show, or at best the week before doing another show in Carefree, in which case I'll need a permit for that show too! I'm sure it's not as difficult as it sounds, and someone could answer that easily, or ask the show best way to do this.. fyi.. from what I understand you pay these state fees twice, if doing 2 shows in AZ, but if you are doing more than that, you don't need to pay more. 

            • The City of Scottsdale sales tax office is across the street from the show. It is very easy to apply for and get the license during set-up. 

              • Is setup the day before the show begins?

            • Mark, I called the city of Scottsdale to ask about their form. They told me to include copies of my driver's license and sales tax certificate.

  • Steph and Mark --- they must have changed the website...because I don't see prior years artists. Darn. They do post artists and their work before the show....maybe in Feb.
  • Yes, lots of snowbirds here in AZ! Most are from the Midwest, lots of Vikings, bears & Packer fans! Most of the snowbirds are in their 70's on up, so it's great if that's your market. I personally find them not spending much. The good news is, they usually take their Children (in their 40's-50's) with them to these event. Also, Scottsdale has a lot of business & wealthy visitors with all the other events going in the area.

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