South End Open Market 
Through feedback from various vendors, customers and Market managers of all three locations, we compiled a little list of Do's and Don'ts to help your Market day go smooth as ice cream!
Setup Etiquette
 
DO - Come at your designated time. No early birds please! Look for your set-up email sent the Thursday or Friday before your Market date. It will provide a designated set-up time, procedural tips and other useful information.
 
DO NOT - Make space requests. Spaces are given on a rotational basis and specific situations cannot always be accommodated. All spaces at the Market have equal visibility and foot traffic.
 
DO - Have patience and courtesy when dealing with fellow vendors and Market managers setting you up in the morning. Mutual respect is the only way we're going to get the Market up and running in 2 ½ hours-and NO HONKING! It's early, and some of us haven't had our coffee yet (including our sleeping neighbors on Harrison Avenue!) If we hear it, we'll send you on an extended Starbucks run.
 
DO NOT - Start setting up your booth until everything is out of your car and your car is moved. It's imperative that the aisles are kept clear so we can accommodate other vendor setups.  
 
DO - Bring weights for your tents. We recommend at least 40lbs per tent leg (water bottles are not enough). We noticed this past weekend that some vendors did not have any weights attached. This is a huge hazard to our customers and fellow vendors. Our insurance policy at the Market does not cover a vendor's negligence. And unfortunately if any damage does occur to someone or someone's property you will be held responsible. Water bottles and bricks will not prevent your tent from flying in a 20 -60 mile an hour gust. This is an outdoor Market and all vendors must be prepared for inclement conditions. Here's a link to an article on tent weight tips.
 
DO - Have your Massachusetts or R.I. Tax ID ready to show at all times.
 
DO - Save your non-setup related questions (i.e. date switches, Holiday Market, payment issues etc.) until after setup or until the beginning of the week. Our main objective is to have the Market up and running by 10am (or 11am depending on the location), and every minute is crucial! The office is open Mon-Friday 9-5 and you can always call or email then, when we're close to our records.

Market Etiquette

DO NOT - Walk around the Market around asking questions from other vendors about their sales. This is considered a no-no in the show circuit. If vendors at the same show do well and you are not, they will probably not feel right telling you that they are doing well. If they are having a slow day it will only bring down their morale to have to share figures they are not proud of. Either way it is not a good idea and is heavily frowned upon by the show promoters and other vendors.

DO NOT - Assume that a tent and some chairs is gonna do it. Your display is the second most important thing next to your craft and needs to impress! It is wise to get a table cloth that covers three sides of your table. And the table cloth can be plain or decorative/festive. Having just a table cloth alone will hide your boxes and containers under the table. Also, having height and dimension will get people to see you items - i.e. shelving for on the table or free standing, peg boards, clothing racks (if you sell scarves, clothing, etc.) If your items lay flat on the table upon first look people won't think you are selling anything - just look at your display from a customers point of view. And do not have empty space. If you do, it looks like you aren't well prepared or there isn't enough to keep one's attention.

DO - Pay attention to your customers, but do not crowd them. Allow customers to browse and suggestive sell. Keep conversation short and sweet-selling is the main objective!

DO - Have a good time! Besides making cash, you're providing a pleasant experience for the customer and other vendors.


See you this weekend! -- Gina & Chris