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Vendor Fee Doubled


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Hi All, 

 

So I went to apply for the Vineyard Art/Craft event that I participated in last year and I noticed the fee more than doubled since last year. Last year it was $60 for one day for a 10 x 10, this year it's $125 for the same exact event. These events are rain or shine, no refunds due to inclement weather etc. I feel sort of annoyed. I wanted to do a few of these events this year because I found the one last year to be some what successful. However now at a doubled fee, it's limiting, and I obviously have to sell more product in order to turn a profit. With that said, finding good craft/art sale events on Long Island is quite tough. Also, as we all know, regardless of it's somewhat success last year, these events can always be hit or miss year to year. I emailed the organizer to politely ask why the fee has risen so much...I'm waiting for a response. 

 

What would you do? Still do these events or not?

 

~Dianna

 

 

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Dianna;

A booth fee of $150.00 is not out of line. They probably realized that they weren't making any money at $60.00. If you like the venue and you have repeat customers, then it is worth it. I would still make a protest, otherwise, if you are silent, they will feel that they can get away with raising it again next year.

If you do the fair and don't cover your expenses, then pull out.

TJR.

Whoops! I thought you said $150.00 a day. At $125.00, I think this is a fair price[no pun intended], if they promote the sale.

TJR.

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$125 is still a reasonable fee for a show that you felt was successful last year. I would give it a shot. I would also ask, what do you know about the person or the organization in charge of the event? I pay close attention to the people in charge, and I tend to be very judgy. There are some who I can trust with a fee hike, and some I would write off as greedy.

 

A show that I've done many times, one year they raised their fee from $500 to $700. We artists were very concerned, but I trusted them and did it anyways. It turns out they spent the extra money on higher quality tents and advertising. It was worth every penny. Sometimes a fee hike is the result of brains, not greed.

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I co-chaired the craft show part of a festival years ago for a few years. Tried to get the powers that be that there was a price point for making the show work, and for being able to cover proper advertising and other incidentals for the show. As this was hosted at my school district, budget was minimal. We did compromise on a price that allowed me a budget to cover a good prep, and to not have to dip into funds for other events. Doing a show like this is a fine balance between perceived value and being cheap.

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As one who serves on a fair board and votes up or down on fees I would add that $60 is a really low few for any show. I think the $125 reflects the upcosts of putting on a show. Insurance,rental of B&Bs,city costs for venue-baracades-any security?It all is going up -up-up.

Thats said we acualluly lower our show fee last year as our insurance cost dropped. The last point we are a non-profit and only need to maked enough to put the show on the next year.

Mark

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I appreciate the input everyone!

 

Well, let me first add that I have definitely paid $125 or more a day for an event but I guess I was just completely shocked that it doubled within a year. It's not that I'm un-willing to pay it, it's just higher risk now. Although I did pretty well last year, I can't say the same for all the vendors. I saw a few vendors last year make very few sales, fellow potters included. I did e mailed the organizer about it and she said the only reason it was increasing was the insurance. I think I'm going to do the one in June, and hope for the best!

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I would judge it on what you made, not anyone else. Old Lady has some truth there. There can be many reasons why someone else didn't do well, they don't need to be your reasons not to go. I heard somewhere that all things being done correctly on both sides of the arrangement, your work and booth presentation, their set up space and advertising, that you could expect 10x the both fee in sales. That does prove true for me.

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