Brandi Jordan , Columnist

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The summer craft show circuit is in full swing and with it comes the work of preparing booths and tables. There is always so much to bring and so much to remember that it can, at times, be overwhelming. Most artists spend so much time worrying about bringing the things they need that they forget to think about staying safe while doing the show.

Here are the five times you are most vulnerable when participating in a craft show and some tips to keep you safe:

Unloading
Unless you have a cavalcade of helpers, chances are that at some point in your unloading process your items will be unattended, your car door will be unlocked and you will be vulnerable. The first thing to do is be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on who is in close proximity. If possible, pull your vehicle as close to your stall as you can. Less hauling across a parking lot means less time that your things are out of your sight. Make sure that you lock your car doors every time you leave your vehicle. Keep your keys handy. A neat trick is to tie a scarf through the key ring, so that your keys can be easily recovered if they fall into a bin of supplies. Vigilantly watching your surroundings will help you stay safe.

Set-Up
Your focus is on making sure everything is just right for your customers. You fuss over which angle to display your wares and all the while your back is turned to the aisle. If you have boxes behind you, chances are they're not going to be secure. When you start setting up your booth, move all of your things to the back or one side of the stall. This will help you keep your items together and easier to watch. Use care when hanging items or standing on step-stools, especially if the ground is uneven.

Selling
As customers begin to trickle into your booth you need to be sure that you're aware of what they're picking up and looking at. If they are angling their body so that you can't see what they're doing, move around so that you can see them. The busier your booth becomes the more important it is to just be aware of what is happening with your customers.

Opening Your Cash Box
If someone is looking to steal from you they would much rather have your hard earned money than the tea light candles on the table, so keep your money secure. Wearing a half-apron or fanny pack to keep your money in is the most convenient way to do this. If you would rather use a cash box or bag make sure it's kept out of sight and secure. If you're working the booth alone this can be especially tricky, so think twice before deciding that an apron is not for you.

Breakdown
The show is over, your money bag is full and you need to pack up the few remaining items that didn't sell. There are usually people that linger as shows are closing looking for deals, so be aware of them. Keep your money secure at all times. Never put it down on a table or box with your back turned to it. When loading your vehicle back up, again, be aware of your surroundings. Keep your keys in your hand and keep doors locked until you're about to get in.

Staying safe is more important than any sale or contact. So, stay aware, keep vigilant and trust your instincts. You are the most valuable part of your inventory.

 

Photos courtesy of EmilyAugust

 

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