Are so many crafters/artists/vendors new?

This must be my week to rant.  There must be a huge proliferation of newbies at all the shows I do, because it seems like 75% of them have never heard that you are to UNLOAD your vehicle, PARK your vehicle, THEN set up your tent and stuff.  This is the 'rule' at 99% of shows, so unless there is a proliferation or rude, lazy or stupid vendors, they must be new, correct?  Same goes for load-out.  Great promoters are controlling load-out by not letting the vehicles in to the show grounds until they have verified that the tent is down, and all is packed up.  Of course, if it is raining, the tent goes up and then put everything under, and the opposite at load out.  That is the only exception.  The other peeve is the guys that show up late, are still allowed to set up while the show is open.  Just plain ridiculous.  If you are not there on time, you don't get to participate that day.  If Promoters would enforce this, it would stop.   I don't want to hear about traffic, car trouble, or getting lost.  All excuses, and none worth messing up the show.  Plan.  Expect Traffic.  Buy a GPS.  Get to the show the day before if needed.  Just don't hurt my sales by setting up while I am trying to sell.  It's unprofessional and inconsiderate.  Ok, now you can all throw rocks at me, but it's not really hard to follow the rules.  Of course, you would have to read them and give a d$#n.

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  • Back in the early 1990's I did Micheal Martin Murphy's WestFests at Copper Mountain, CO, some of my earliest shows. There was a fence around the event and the gates weren't opened for take down until about 30 minutes after closing. What a zoo! Vehicles parked waiting to get in 1/2 mile down the road. I dollied everything out while they waited to get in. Wasn't farther tha about a block and half to parking lot.
  • Alen,

    Thank you for starting this blog. I shared it twice already on my FB hoping that those artists who are new and for those who need a refresher course on common courtesy. 

  • It's a whole lot easier when you can set up the night before.

  • They just don't read the rules/instructions.  I find this to be true most of the time.  If they do they either ignore them or are severely ignorant

  • My pet peeve is when the show tells everyone to break down first before getting their vehicle and then doesn't enforce it.  Please , if you are going to make the rule, enforce it.  I try my best to follow the rules but when it is 5:15 and everyone around me has already brought in their van, I'm going to go get mine.  I shouldn't have to be the last out because the show is not enforcing the rules.

  • Alan, I believe in listening and taking advise, because it's the only way my event business will grow. Please feel free to send all of your suggestions and complaints. 

  • Shireen, you should teach a class for promoters. May I message you for suggestions on shows?
  • A show with great traffic control volunteers makes a big difference, no guessing on where to park to unload etc. not unlike most events, it's the volunteer help that can make or break a successful day or weekend.
  • Alan, I ask that all the artists break completely down before they pull their vehicle in. I also believe in helping your neighbor. I watch how artists treat one another. Rude, inconsiderate are not invited to my shows. I can't control who applies to my shows, but I'm very selective. positive, friendly, considerate artists are always welcome to apply.

  • Alan, I totally agree with EVERYTHING you have posted. I have always tried to be aware of everyone around me setting up and tearing down. There will always me,me,me people unfortunately . I just hope they see your post! Newbie or not and a lot of the time it is seasoned artists who are in their own little worlds,I just hope people would be more thoughtful . We all want to get set up and tear down quickly to get on the road. People who are late has always been a pet peeve of mine,since I am also a hairdresser. Sometimes it can't be helped,but for some it is a way of life.
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