Teach Soap

I recently did a show. It is a new local art market. Because it is new and there is not a lot of foot traffic yet, the market is completely free for vendors. I didn't expect to make a ton of sales, but I figured I would do it since I had nothing to lose except maybe a few hours of my time in the evening.

As I was setting up my booth another woman came over and began talking to me about my soap. Then she said that she was a local soap maker as well and that she had planned on doing the show, but was bowing out because she didn't think there should be two soap makers in the show. She then suggested that in the future I should call ahead and find out if there is another soapmaker in the show before signing up.

Now, I understand that you don't want too many soap makers at one show, and we would all like to be the only one, but is 2 really too many? Honestly, even if I had known she was going to be there, I still would have set up because I think it is unreasonable to expect to be the ONLY soaper at a show. Especially since her soaps are very different than mine. We both do all natural soaps, but I do different colors, textures, shapes etc where as hers are more traditional style soap bars. Plus, she does body butters, scrubs etc... which I do not do.

Am I being unreasonable or disrespectful? I'd like to do the show again next month... but I don't want to make anyone angry.

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http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spotted-H ... l&filter=2
http://spottedhipposoap.blogspot.com/

If you want to do the show, then do the show - unless the show organizer has a problem with more than one soapmaker being there. In that case - sign up first. If the other lady wants to be angry, thats her choice, not yours. Good luck!

100% agree with DaveW. A little competition is a good thing. If she has a good product, she shouldn't care if there is another soaper in the show.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

you just don't want to set up side by side.

Thank you! You all made me feel much better after last night's uncomfortable encounter I see it as healthy competition too, but this is kind of new to me so I thought I better check with some veterans before I make too many enemies!

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http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spotted-H ... l&filter=2
http://spottedhipposoap.blogspot.com/

Do the show. What's this calling up to see if another soapmaker is there? That's BS. Just make sure that you are not next to each other.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I agree with everyone else! If she choose to leave that is on her and I'd say she is just being a butt! Maybe a scared butt, but a butt, none the less. I have NEVER been to a craft show where there was only 1 of any type of vendor, and I have been to a good many shows over the years. I have even been right next to someone that sold the same things I did. I still made my sales and they made theirs. Even 2 people who make the same items, make them differently (as you said, her soap was different than yours). That is life. It is not great to be right next to another vendor that sells what you do, but it does not mean the death of your sales either. In the future, if she wants to leave when you show up, then that is her deal. You just need to set up and smile!

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

I agree with everyone. I had the same problem where I signed up for a show and the host had another soap maker signed up. She said she would have to contact the other SM for approval. I thought that wasn't right.

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Smores =)

so really what that soap maker wants to do is create a monopoly. ridiculous. in my town there are 3 fast food joints RIGHT beside each other selling different versions of the same stuff. people need choices, and she should be more confident in her product. i have less patients if some one came up to me and said this i would tell them to stick it

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ASH

It's called healthy competition.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

exactly!

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ASH

I know what you mean.

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Smores =)

I know what you mean. You both are exactly right!

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Smores =)

You were *NOT* being disrespectful. SHE was.

And she was trying to intimidate you. Competition is healthy and good for everyone. Instead of laying such an inconsiderate and stupid line on you she should have extended her hand and welcomed you to the industry with a warm smile. Period.

Karri

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I soap therefore I am.