Bad Neighbors
Sunday October 22, 2006
I received an interesting email this week form a crafter who had a bad experience with a rude "neighbor" at a show. While I have several tips on how to be a good neighbor, I haven't posted anything on what to do when you encounter someone who is intruding on your space at a show. My advice is to take action and ask that they stay in their space. If that does not work, approach the promoter of the event for help. You have paid as much as they did for the right to sell at the show. If someone is taking up your booth space with displays or just chairs, they are stealing from you. What are your suggestions on what to do with a bad neighbor?
Comments
I have found that neighbors will usually respond to just being asked to move their stuff out of my space, but if not, I’m sure the promoter can and will take care of the issue. I have never had to go that far. Usually fellow crafters have accidentally put stuff in your space and don’t even realize it.
Often, our neighbors at craft shows are potentially a valuable ally and worth cultivating. I always approach people with respect and the anticipation that this person has merely inadvertently invaded my space. Thus far, my outcomes have been good and I have gained their goodwill.
Goodluck. Smile.
Barry
Having just finished my first full year doing shows, I am happy to say I have not yet experienced another crafter that is unwilling to discuss a little give and take. There have been a couple of times where an extra 2 inches has made the difference on if I can use a display or not, and as long as you talk it over first before you “presume” that it is ok, then everybody has been happy to accomodate. By the same token, I have had a couple of other crafters ask if they could use a spare table, hang from the other side of my backdrops, etc. The bottom line is that if you treat everyone around you as a potential friend worthy of respect, then you are usually treated the same way. If you just aren’t able to do that, then you probably need to find another business anyways, since the consumer that you are looking to sell to has no tolerance for a “high and mighty” attitude. I’m looking forward to a strong year in 2007, and I’m excited to be able to explore the more “creative” side instead of just being another working stiff. I get to play at making things, play with people at the shows, and make some income while doing it!! How great is that!?!