Did a show two weeks ago in Columbus, OH and should have followed my "name"...Cassandra, which is supposed to be a 'seer of the future' in mythology. I kept having this nagging little voice in the back of my mind but I had made the committment to be there so I went. The "crowd" was very light on opening night and not much better on Saturday, despite the good advertising and planned events surrounding the show. Sunday we were rained out. But to make matters worse, on Saturday morning I had a $350. bracelet cuff stolen from me when I was sitting not more than 2' away from it! Sigh...... I love interacting with people at shows and it reallly irks me when I'm forced to be suspicious of anyone who comes close to the booth. Putting things in glass cases would probably eliminate theft but with beadwork, it's such a 'tactile' thing that people really need to be able to touch it and see it closely. As a visitor to show, I know that I am not inclined to ask someone to take a piece out for me.
I am getting ready to go back to a show where I had several pieces stolen last year. I purchased a case with a clear top and a latch (non-lockable) to put the high theft items in. The items that were stolen were my engraved knives. This show runs into the night and that seems to bring out the "naughty" ones.. I don't have this problem at other shows, but this one was one of my best for sales, so I must go back. I am also bringing a better helper and am considering having a 3rd there for helping to keep an eye on things since the booth is 2 sided.
Your work is so lovely--and labor intensive. This must have been terrible. We all learn lessons every day. Even seasoned exhibitors have pieces disappear. Best of luck.
Riverfront Art Festival, Sept. 18-20. I don't in anyway blame the show itself, although this time and the only other time I had something stolen (two women working together got a necklace), the shows were free admission, outdoor shows.
Don't be disheartened. You really should think about doing a glass fixture. Another idea is to have the most expensive pieces closer to the back and the rest within reaching distance. You could always have a piece that people can freely touch - where if it gets lifted it won't matter as it isn't expensive (if you offer that type of thing). The only time I am nervous is the "mob" mentality I am always looking to see who is else is in the booth while another tries to distract you by talking their ear off asking questions about everything. Most theft occurs (not all mind you) in pairs - one distracts while the other steals. Granted I have seem some real dumb ones who just do it within 1 foot of you - nervy. If you do a glass fixture and try to get people to want to feel and touch, be on your feet the whole time and read everyone's body language constantly asking people which one would you like to see up close. This shows two things - your work is valuable (behind a counter) and that you are available to help them with their shopping needs - showing a personal interest in each customer. That equals great customer service and people eat that up. Good luck with your next show - you do some BEAUTIFUL work!
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