Hi Everyone,
I was not sure where to post this so I hope the admin will move it if this is not in the correct place.
I have inquired 2-3 times about this event .... http://www.amerrymarketplace.com via facebook messaging in order to find out soemthing about fees. Here is the merchant app page ... http://www.amerrymarketplace.com/merchant-application. You will see that fees are still "being developed". I am still a newbie compared to some of you but even to me thsi sounds squirelly, fishy or whatever you want to call it. In almost 2 years of doing shows I have never come across an app--till now--where the fees were not laid out in black and white. Would you even continue with this event since prices are not in full view? I am getting a "gut check" about it, to leave it alone.
I feel my product would sell at a holiday/Christmas event. My products make great gifts and something that can suit the 'hard to shop for' customer. They also work for men or women, singles, couples or families.
If the promoters/organizers are on this list I hope they will speak up and explain why it's this way. I have sent an email in one last attempt to find out something as I have that weekend free an would like to book it if possible.
Thanks for any insights.
Replies
I just looked to see if they updated their website with the fees. Short, and only, answer .... NO.
I also saw this ..... "The arena has been mapped into 10' deep booth spaces." No where does it say how wide the booths are. One might "assume" 10 feet. However, we know what happenes when we assume. There is only one photo on the site (from up above the booths) and it's hard to tell how wide the booths are. They could be only 8' across.
Anyway, I am not applying.
Very right Chris!! Circular File!! And Cynthia, I always listen to my instincts on these issues. If I don't have all the information, and get the run around in trying to get said info, I walk away. After letting them know that info needs to be clear, upfront and COMPLETE, before they get my business and personal information.
Yes, I did tell them I had to know the booth fees before I could decide if it was financially feasible for me to apply. The distance to the venue is not an issue, only 2 hours. I would have only 1 night in a hotel, between the 1st and 2nd day.
All that said, I believe a 62% increase in booth fees in 2 years' time is too steep. I could understand something along the lines of COL (cost of living) but inflation is not riding that high even given the current economy!
All the other shows I've applied to have applications, rules/regs, etc. all in a printable and/or downloadable format so that you can sit and read it at your leisure with a fine tooth comb. I hope that they do the same for future events.
The application is a contract. And I never sign a contract without all the information included. That app goes in the circular file.
I did get this reply ......
Here is what I sent to them ....
And what I received from them ....
Did you complete the application?
I do not apply to shows or other events without the financial information up front. Due to the lack of forthcoming financial information I will not be applying as a vendor. If you publish financial information on your website I would be happy to reconsider.
I looked at the link you sent...you fill out the online form, and then they send you more information and a link to pay your fee to. Personally, I would listen to your instincts on this. If they can't be upfront about the costs, then they wouldn't get my $$$!!
Oh, Karole, I have definately decided to pass unless they post their fees on their website. It does seem kinda sneaky, doesn't it? I told dh this evening that any reputable organizer or promoter would publicly post any and all fees.
I feel they are leaving their fees up to the feeling of the day or the way the wind is blowing. Even if they had one fee for first timers and gave a discount to returning artists/vendors to encourage them to return, I don't have a problem with it .... just post it for goodness sakes!