During the Show ....Good Service and Self Care

   At the start of my time doing craft shows I never worried about anything but doing the show , being nice to customers , having enough inventory , and following the rules . All of that gradually changed . I began to see that unless I took care of myself a little bit , the show was not going to go as well . Then I realized that if I was having a little bit of fun while still treating my customers well , the show went even better . I started looking for the shows that offered a little bit of comfort as well as some entertainment . At the very least I looked for good people watching. First on my list of priorities was always the rest room situation.  I've been known to suggest to show organizers that they should try to have separate port - a -potties for the crafts people. That actually happened . Indoor shows will almost always have a good rest room situation , even if they are Renaissance Fairs .

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 If the show is out of town , it's always great to find accommodations close to the show . If there are two of you , one can get a nice break in the motel room while the other works , then trade off . Here is the Nu Wray Inn in Burnsville . We stayed there while doing the craft show that took place right on the street in front of it .

Next , while it's great to look professional , you still want to be comfortable .You will probably be unloading and setting up . I have seen people do this while they are dressed up , but I don't envy them . Even if you are required to dress in costume , there are ways to do that comfortably .

Not the one wearing the bodice so much........

Also think about what to eat and drink . As you can see in the above photo , food is there , but is it what you want ?  Packing the cooler with something you can eat with a minimal mess is a good idea . Also bring plenty of drinks and stay hydrated .

    At the end of the show , have a plan that will let you rest . We used to be too tired to get something to eat immediately after the show , but if out of town , we took a nap in the motel room , then ate a late dinner. If it was close to home we went almost all the way home , then stopped to eat .

( This guy is actually an actor hired by the Renn Fair to lay on the ground pretending to be drunk and begging women to help him . )

Not sure how much they paid him ....