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First off I am a lover of Trimline and will always be.  You will see why I say so further in this post.

So it all started 1 week ago when on a sunny yet windy day I got out my trimline to wash it.  Go through the steps of setting it up - never had an issue with this as I can pretty much do it in about 15 - 20 mins. on my own.  I did not rush doing this - in my backyard - as I wasn't setting up for a show.  With the roof on and fairly firmly attached I raised the legs and started to attach the sides to then spray with suds then hose them down.   Just as I got the sides up and about to attach them to the legs a big gust of wind came through.  That time I was able to get it to not fly off.  But just as I was going to try and anchor it, it fell backwards shearing off the joint where the leg and the corner of the roof beams attach.  The one bar did bend as well as the other joint - you should be able to see in the picture - faintly circled in red.  So all in all through this crazy experience the only damage were the two joints and one pole - no legs, no sides, nothing else was damaged.  Lucky.

This led me to really thank my lucky stars that this didn't happen at a show.  I have insurance - that wouldn't be an issue, but the horror of seeing this happen effecting possibly every neighbor beside me and behind me is something I cannot shake.  I have never had this happen - a flying canopy.   I have seen it at nearly every show I have done.  I am fully aware of the importance of anchoring a canopy and do so, but all it takes is a split second. 

Having said this - it is my fault that I did this - not Trimline.  So many times people quickly blame the canopy or some other thing/place.  And am thankful this was with a trimline as with any other canopies I have used you would most likely have to replace it - parts can be expensive and they might not be in (as such was the case with an EZ-UP I had two years ago).  The two joints are only $20 each and the one bar that got bent was about $30.  Also, if the same thing were to happen to any other canopy it wouldn't have been a lot more damage - legs broken, fabric torn, etc. 

So, today I am thanking my lucky stars that I did not set up my booth with in the toppled over canopy, this didn't happen at a fair, and the show I was going to do was a rain or shine event when the tornadoes hit and chose to not go forfeiting my booth fee.  Still have no idea if the show actually happened.  The show, funny enough was infront of a courthouse.  The best thing ever was this happened in my own back yard and with a Trimline.  Now if you want to do the same thing as me: 

1.  Set up your canopy when it is windy without any help - any other weather conditions it is easily doable.

2.  As soon as the legs are on, do not anchor it - it can be done later.  (yes there is sarcasm hidden in here)

3.  Do not properly secure the top - I did the corners and the "seat buckle" straps as instructed, but didn't do the ones on the sides where you would normally attach the sides.

4.  Put the sides on only having used the zippers on the top to create a wind-tunnel to help give the canopy lift. 

5.  Sit back and watch the kite fly. 

In all seriousness - if you are to take anything from this lesson, anchor your canopies and if for some reason you find you can't do it in time, always alway always make sure you have insurance.   The good news, the customer service with trimline is impeccable and got my parts Monday - I am good to go for this Saturday show - on pavement - with anchors already packed.  

- Michelle, By the Bay Botanicals

www.bythebaybotanicals.com

www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com

Welcome to our newest advertiser, ACT, the Artists Crafters & Tradesman insurance program. Perennially recurring questions about insurance are found often on this site. You might find this information helpful:

    
     Almost seventy percent of artists and crafters strongly believe  in  a longstanding myth.   As uncomfortable as the conversation is, and no matter how distasteful it may be, homeowner’s insurance is greatly misunderstood when it applies to artists and crafters.

     Let’s attempt to simplify the discussion.  In standard homeowner’s policies “Business Pursuits” are specifically EXCLUDED.  Courts around the country generally define business pursuits as “continual activities carried out for financial gain.”  In some states this can include almost any activity resulting in some form of revenue or exchange of money, even if the money comes from a tip jar.  The pursuits don’t need to be full-time or even your primary source of income, either.  “Business Pursuits” can simply be your hobby where you occasionally sell a product for money or trade.

     Many artists and crafters also believe that the material goods used in their businesses are covered under their homeowner’s policy, too.  Unfortunately, the same exclusions apply.  A potter’s wheel or woodworker’s lathe could be excluded if they were damaged in a home fire or stolen if these items were ever used during a “business pursuit,” even if they are permanently located in your home’s shop or garage.  This exclusion can also extend to inventory, shelving, containers, or even the bubble wrap used in your “business pursuit.”  If you have visitors to your home to conduct business or sell your wares, and someone slips and falls on your premises, the possibility of your homeowner’s coverage excluding the incident is very high.

     The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), vigorously advises that artists and crafters purchase insurance for their various activities.   Too many artist and crafters discover the absence of proper protection at the worst time – after the disaster.  Some insurance companies recognize the need to extend coverage to their clients who have small home-based businesses.  This coverage can extend to liability or property, usually with costs that range anywhere from $250 to $1,500 depending on your activities and location.  If you take your business away from the premises, additional extensions and premiums may apply. 

     Even with the additional premiums, the most widely used endorsement for business pursuits still has limitations.  The business must be owned by the named insured on the homeowner’s policy, and resident family members, and must not exceed certain revenue benchmarks.  Additionally, this extension will not cover anyone engaged in manufacturing, selling, or distribution of food or personal care products.  Basically, the homeowner’s policy is written for homeowners, not necessarily small businesses.

     Business Owner’s Policies (BOP’s) provide fantastic coverage, but cost, at a minimum of $500 per year, often exceeding $1,000 due to the broad coverages automatically included.  However, they do not necessarily include “Products Liability,” for artists or crafters engaged in manufacturing.  There are a handful of specialized products geared towards the artist and crafter that are both affordable and offer the basic coverages needed.  For those who manufacture a product, they can extend protection benefits to this exposure as well.  One or two specialized programs even offer their coverages for shorter periods of time if you are only doing a single show, or perhaps a summer season, saving you even more of your hard-earned dollars.

     In summary, there is no reason to rely on your homeowner’s policy when it probably doesn’t provide the coverage you need when other programs are available at similar, or less expensive premiums.  Do a little homework and cover your assets properly.

Article by Daryl Stafford

With the start of festival season quickly approaching, you need to start preparing in order to make the most of every art event you attend this season. 2020 put a damper on our spring and summer markets, so you can bet the turn out for this year’s season is going to be great. You don’t want to miss out, and is here with some info on liability insurance and a few tips to help you make the best of 2021’s art festival season.

TIP #1: UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION

Is your contact information up to date? Have you checked to make sure your phone number and email are listed correctly online and on your business cards?

You’ll want to spend some time updating your information if anything has recently changed. If nothing has changed, be sure to proofread any new business cards or signage you’ll be using for the 2021 market season. You want your customers to be able to find your website and online store info as easily as possible.

TIP #2: STOCK YOUR INVENTORY

We’ve all had plenty of time to create and think of ideas for new products. Now is the time to make sure your signature pieces are fully stocked and prepped for your first show.

Most seasoned crafters and artists suggest you carry enough inventory to sell at least 8-10 times. the vendor fee. So if a show costs you $40 to get into, consider carrying anywhere from $360-$400 in merchandise. You know your business best, though. Maybe try looking at past sales from shows you attended a few seasons ago to see how much you sold and base your show inventory off that.

TIP #3: CREATE NEW SIGNAGE

New year, new business signage! Try amping up your signage by designing something new for your booth. Whether you want to create socially-conscious signs that remind people to be mindful of space or have a new color theme you want to use, new signage is the way to go.

You can usually design something online yourself or contact your local graphics or even UPS or FedEx store for help.

TIP #4: REARRANGE YOUR DISPLAY

In creating new signage for your booth you might also look into rearranging your booth display. If you’re currently keeping things basic and only using a few tables and tablecloths to display your products to the public here are a few ideas to step things up:

• Using shelves to elevate products
• Organizing items with storage cubes
• Try displaying larger art with table easels
• Hang items with clips and racks

TIP #5: FILL OUT APPLICATION FORMS

Have you signed up for the shows you know will start soon? You’ll need to fill out your exhibitor forms correctly in order to avoid any application mishaps that could result in your business not getting into the events you've chosen.

Be sure to read through your forms a few times and list accurate, up-to-date information. For the best outcome check to see if your show has an online application to avoid any complication.

TIP #6: GET INSURED

When filling out your forms and applications, you may realize you’re asked for proof of artist liability insurance. Event shows and promoters may even ask you to list them as an additional insured on your policy. Wherever you’re unsure in getting the right coverage or paperwork, ACT Insurance can help!

ACT Insurance offers artists, crafters, and tradesmen liability insurance that can protect you against financial loss associated with liability claims that arise out of your booth operations at a market, fair, or festival. Show policies start at $49 and you can also purchase annual policies starting at $265.

To learn more or get covered, visit ACT Insurance. today.