In just a few short weeks, we will be hitting the road for a super sweet market outside the Healy House and Dexter Cabin in downtown Leadville.
The grounds where the Horseshoe will be held in Leadville. We will also be closing off the street in front of the Healy House for vendors, too!
This market is set to be filled with some amazing vendors from around the state selling handmade art, craft and vintage items.We know a lot of you vendors have never done a market “on the road” so we’ve got some help for you! Amy Kalinchuk, seasoned market vendor and owner of Olde Crone’s Bewitching Bath Soap, will share her knowledge of vending on the road. Today she will share some basic tips, and next week with some specific tax help. Thanks, Amy!
Let’s get ready and hit the road! Horseshoe Craft and Flea is on the move this summer, and some of you will be participating. It may be your first time traveling to vend, which means it’s time to plan.
- Check the weekend forecast. Predicting rain at this point is not very reliable, but will give you an indicator of what to expect.
- Launder clothes for vending and tablecloths for display.
- Take inventory on items to sell that can be made on…
Tuesday
- Make stuff
- Check the weekend forecast
- Prepare inventory sheets
Wednesday
- Continue to make stuff, as needed
- Start packing tubs with stuff I made
- Check with information sheet for show–tent weights or stakes needed? Arrange these.
Thursday
- Last day to make stuff
- Go to bank for cash to put in cash box
- Make sure my Square, pens, clipboard, cash box are packed.
- Check on bags. Not enough? Shop for these.
- Check weather forecast. Pack items needed for rain, if it’s likely.
- Put ice in large freezer bag, and freeze.
Friday
- Shop for food items to bring
- Gas up vehicle
- Pack vehicle
- Check forecast one more time, and lay out clothes accordingly
- Review final checklist after car is packed
- Locate cooler. Wash out cooler.
- Put ice in large freezer bag (again), and freeze
- Create/assemble food items to bring in cooler.
- Put sticky note on door leading to the garage, reminding me to get food items and pack them in the cooler.
- Set alarm, shower, and go to bed.
Saturday–Vending day!
- Roll tired old ass out of bed.
- Wash face, brush teeth, get dressed.
- Eat egg breakfast*
- PACK THE COOLER WITH THE ICE AND FOOD. (Are you getting the idea that I’ve blown this off a couple of times?)
- Pick up the cooler and your wallet, keys, and phone, and get on the road!
- Stop for coffee before you actually hit the road. If you’re like me and you are leaving the house at 5:15am, you will need this.
- Drink coffee and drive!
Set Up Protocol
I have to mention this, as it drives me absolutely INSANE when it’s not followed. I vend every week at a farmer’s market, you see, and the street isn’t the largest. It doesn’t matter, however, if you are on a street, in a parking lot, or in a park with grass and trees. This is The Protocol for unloading your vehicle:
1. Park close to your spot, on the edge of the street. (NOT in the middle!)
2. Unload your vehicle completely and quickly. Just unload. Stack your things in your designated spot.
3. Drive your car away and park it in the designated area.
4. Come back and set up your booth.
This is the WRONG WAY to unload your vehicle:
1. Park your vehicle right in the middle of the street so nobody can drive around you.
2. Stand around and drink coffee while socializing.
3. Unload your tent, and start setting it up.
4. Unload the rest of your things, setting up as you go, while the rest of us glare at you because we can’t drive to our spots.
5. Drive away, really fast, endangering everyone.
You think I’m kidding, don’t you? Please, follow The Protocol!
Once you have arrived, if you are vending alone, make a friend. This is often the person vending next to you. If this person is kind and reasonable (as most of us are), then you can ask that person to watch your booth while you run to the toilet during the day, as needed. You will be expected to return this favor, and you should. Even when vending “alone,” we need each other. Also remember, you can always ask the show organizers to hang out in your booth for a minute, as a last resort. I have never had to do this–my neighbors and I always work things out.
Goodness. Vending outdoors while traveling takes a lot of planning. What have I forgotten?
Oh, yes. My egg breakfast. Here’s your bonus in this very long post.
*Eggs in One Minute (Okay, Two If You Count Prep Time)
2 eggs
bowl
butter
salt/pepper
fork
microwave oven
Crack the eggs into the bowl. Add a tiny bit of butter if you like that. Add salt and pepper. Scramble the eggs with the fork. Cook the eggs in the microwave oven for 45 seconds. Take them out, mix them with the fork. Put them back in for 15 seconds. Take them out and mix again. Shove eggs in piehole. Soak bowl in sink. Get the hell out of there.
What does your weekly timeline look like? What am I forgetting? Let us all know in the comments–we are here to help each other.
Amy Kalinchuk has been selling her soap at farmer’s markets, craft shows, and holiday fairs for seven years. She also writes how-to crafty books and plays roller derby. http://www.crafte-revolution.com
