Our regular summer market is in a big pavillion and I never have to turn away vendors unless I don't like their product etc. Our winter markets, however, are in a SMALL school gym. I have a market this Sat and I am full. I am so full i am actually worried there won't be room for all the vendors. And if I don't have room I will have to deal with angry vendors. I'm not sure how to handle this. On paper I have enough room but when we get in there it never seems to go according to plan. Anyone else with space cpnstraints? Ideas on telling vendors you don't have room now but turning them into vendors later in the year? Ideas on dealing with angry vendors?
Let's chat about it.
Let's chat about it.
Posted by
on Dec. 6, 2007 at 7:54 PM
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by
New Member
on Jan. 18, 2008 at 1:40 PM
You know what popped into my head when I read this? Maybe there will be some "no-shows" and you'll have JUST the right amount of room!?!?!
Or is that naive hopeful thinking? haha! I wish I could help.....the only OTHER thing that came to mind was, maybe you could start some sort of 'waiting list' where people who were wanting to get in, could be 'guaranteed' first pick next time? I guess what I'm thinking is, those that are most consistent with showing up and having their stuff together (organized) should get 'first pick'....
just my half a penny worth of "cents/sense"... :0)
Or is that naive hopeful thinking? haha! I wish I could help.....the only OTHER thing that came to mind was, maybe you could start some sort of 'waiting list' where people who were wanting to get in, could be 'guaranteed' first pick next time? I guess what I'm thinking is, those that are most consistent with showing up and having their stuff together (organized) should get 'first pick'....
just my half a penny worth of "cents/sense"... :0)
by
Group Owner
on Jan. 18, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Actually as it turned out ... we had a lot of no shows. I was surprised as the tables were prepaid. So it was okay ... but I've got to do something about these vendors that don't call to cancel - I end up with empty tables and it looks sooooo bad! Not sure what to do!
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by
Member
on Mar. 27, 2008 at 12:48 AM
For the vendors who don't show up, you may want to offer that you will refund a portion of their rent if they cancel more than 24 hours in advance -- but no refund for anyone who doesn't notify you or does so at the last minute. Explain to them that you have a waiting list of people who want to participate but those folks need some advanced notice.
Or, for not contacting you in advance, those vendors could be put on a "second string" list for future markets and only given space if it's available at the last minute -- you could let them know that you won't be able to notify them until noon of the day before the market.
Simply having some sort of policy in advance, particularly if it's something in the vendor agreement, sends a certain message -- non-communicative no shows will be penalized.
Some vendors, particularly fairly new ones, may not realize that too many empty tables hurts the whole market. You may find it beneficial to produce a "handbook" with policies and selling tips and tools. Or maybe even make some sort of video. Include some of the topics posted here -- displays, ettiquette, pricing, signage, policies -- whatever will encourage them in their business and communicate to them your vision for the market and good business practices.
Either way, the vendor needs to read through the handbook or view the video -- and sign that they have done so indicating their agreement with your policies. If they fail to live up to their part of the agreement, they are subject to some sort of penalty. Keep it simple and straightforward so everyone knows what the expectations are.
Or, for not contacting you in advance, those vendors could be put on a "second string" list for future markets and only given space if it's available at the last minute -- you could let them know that you won't be able to notify them until noon of the day before the market.
Simply having some sort of policy in advance, particularly if it's something in the vendor agreement, sends a certain message -- non-communicative no shows will be penalized.
Some vendors, particularly fairly new ones, may not realize that too many empty tables hurts the whole market. You may find it beneficial to produce a "handbook" with policies and selling tips and tools. Or maybe even make some sort of video. Include some of the topics posted here -- displays, ettiquette, pricing, signage, policies -- whatever will encourage them in their business and communicate to them your vision for the market and good business practices.
Either way, the vendor needs to read through the handbook or view the video -- and sign that they have done so indicating their agreement with your policies. If they fail to live up to their part of the agreement, they are subject to some sort of penalty. Keep it simple and straightforward so everyone knows what the expectations are.
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What do you normally buy at the farmer's market?
- Mama3A
on Dec. 6, 2007 at 7:54 PM