The Opinions Expressed Herein...

Let me start by saying, I am not whining...we need the rain...BUT...don't you think it could have held off for just a couple of more days? We are unable to load in the rain and that's just about all we have left to do.

As it is, Cat Daddy and Moi are stuck either in the work shop or in the house for what has seemed like entirely too much togetherness. Don't get me wrong...I like being with him...to a point...but when he is ready to start loading, he gets mighty impatient and just more than a little bit testy!

~A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps-Proverbs 16:9~

When God says slow down...He means slow down. There is a reason for everything and this rain is just another way of letting us know who is in control. You know...just a reminder to Cat Daddy of who actually is the boss.

~Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.-Ecclesiastes 9:10~

Again, just another reminder for us to do the best we can with the gifts we are given. If it's going to be a representation of our work, we should take the time to do it right and not sloppy or slap dap.

Sometimes, C.D. and I get in such a hurry to finish, that corners get cut and details overlooked. I'm taking this time the rain (and God) is providing to avoid that mistake of the past.

In my previous post, I gave some "helpful" hints to shoppers. Since I find myself with a little time on my "hands", I thought I would pass on some tips to vendors as well. Feel free to add any advice in the comments section you might want to share. Complaints? Take those up with the manager. The line forms to the left!

1. Dealers, please price your merchandise. Nothing is a bigger time waster than having to ask the price for every single item in your space. I will leave a booth if nothing is priced. I always feel like the seller is sizing me up as to what they think I will pay plus if it is too expensive then I end up feeling embarrassed for even asking. I once had a vendor say those exact words to me..."If you have to ask...you can't afford it"! I understand tags will pop off, especially at outdoor shows, but make an effort to place prices on everything. Your customers will really appreciate it!
2. I love going into spaces and stores where displays are over the top, but when it really is "over the top" and I can't reach it...well, you know. Again, I will have to ask the price because either I can't see it or I can't get it down. Keep this in mind when creating display masterpieces...some of us are vertically challenged and cannot get to the top of your pyramid without the fear of bringing it all down on top of us.
3. Don't ignore me, but please, for gosh sakes...don't hover either. I don't know which is worse...having to wait to be acknowledged OR being treated like a potential shop lifter. Don't shadow my every step and in your eagerness to make a sale, don't drive me away with oversell! I know it is a fabulous piece or I wouldn't be looking at it in the first place. Don't give me some long drawn out story (unless I ask about the provenance) and PLEASE don't try and sell me everything in your booth!
4. Which brings me back to ignoring me. I may not look like I have pot to p#%* in or window to throw it out of, but some of the richest people I know don't either. Every person who steps into your spaces deserves to be treated like a millionaire whether they buy anything or not. They might be back and spend that million with you later!
5. Please do not ever be found guilty of talking about other vendors (or anyone for that matter) while customers are in your booth. It's unprofessional and totally uncalled for. Shoppers tend to judge all of us by what they see and hear...let's not give them any ammunition! Besides, we live in the south...you never know when you might be talking about their relatives!
6. Keep it clean! Unless you're dealing with a "regular" customer who you know won't be offended, don't let loose with a new "joke" or a string of words you picked up at the "It'll Do" bar!
7. Keep your personal beliefs and opinions just that...personal! Fight that undeniable urge to spout off about what you think and don't think. Everyone has a viewpoint, so don't start thinking you can change someone else's...all you'll be changing is their minds about shopping with you!
8. Never! Ever! Never! come into my tent and try and "steal" a customer. Just because they are looking for an apple crate and you just happen to have one does not give you permission to talk up your space while in mine. If I don't have what they want, believe me, I'm going to direct them to someone who might. If you've got one and have behaved yourself, yours is the booth I'll be sending them to!
9. Finally smile! A smile goes a long way and by the way, so does a little courtesy. Take that time to make the customer feel like they are more than just a sale. Who knows? You might just make a friend along the way. How about that for a win/win situation?

Like I said, these are just some of my own personal beliefs (that I am now sharing and in the process, breaking rule #7). I sure hope I haven't stepped on any toes here, but if I have...hmmm, exactly why would anyone NOT doing this things be offended?