Teach Soap

hi guys!

i'm clamoring to get shots of my soapies so that i can get good pix to send to the folks over at the strawberry festival. my question is, if i get accepted, how much soap and bath /body products should i have on hand for the show? the festival is banking on having 30,000 people again this year! this would be my very first show...

thanks guys!

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~Shell

Is this a one day show?
Will they be providing your table, or do you need to bring your own?
How big is the space?
Is it inside our outside?
If it's outside, would you be able to get a spot that's shady?

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

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~Shell

I would bring enough to fill the table. If your home is nearby, you can replenish what you've sold. If not, you can store extras under the table.

Since it's outside, I would bring a tent. What products are you bringing? Will it be hot there?
You might want to bring a cooler filled with ice. That would keep any extra products out of direct sunlight and cool.

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

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~Shell

If there truly will be 30,000 people again this year, I would bring as much as your car can carry. I would have at least a couple dozen of each product. Bring a nice tablecloth to put your products on. Whatever doesn't fit on the table, store it underneath.

I had a banner that fit around the outside edges of my table. With hindsight, I should have had a vinyl banner made to put on the tent.

Displays in different heights create an eye pleasing display. Don't forget to bring plenty of change. Bring a receipt book as some people do want an actual receipt for thir purchases.

If you don't take credit cards now, you might want to consider it. You can go as simple as signing up with Propay. Get yourself a knuckle buster (an old fashioned credit card swiper) and plenty of credit card slips. Make sure that besides the name, cradit card info (the last 3 digits on the back of the CC card) and the amount, get their phone number as well; just in case.

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

I've wondered about the credit card machines. Do you recommend getting one for a show? I know that now most people only carry debit cards, but I wasn't sure if I should invest in one?

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

Do you ever have problems with credit cards declining after the fact. I could see the benefit of having a machine tell you at the time of purchase.

Unless you sign up for propay's basic plan you will have the option to call a charge in as you take it. This can be done with your cell phone. That is just the reason I selected the premium plan. I bought an imprinter off of ebay that come with 100 slips and a metal plate to put your buisness info on for about $20, that included shipping. The dealers name is Mr. Imprinter. As soapbuddy said take the time to write down the extra info on every charge.

Bruce

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www.homebrewsoaps.etsy.com

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

I used a knucklebuster, just like soapbuddy, for years - every Saturday and Sunday at an outdoor market, every weekend. In all that time, I think I had 2 declined cards.

I understand that it's a much bigger problem for jewlers and such - I guess nobody bothers to steal soap. Silly people.

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http://www.magichandsworkshop.com
http://www.magichands.etsy.com
http://www.magichandsworkshop.blogspot.com

Just my .02¢...

I have never sold at a festival, but I do go to several a year. I always remember to stop at an ATM to grab cash as most vendors don't accept CC's. I do find myself watching each dollar spent because in my mind- what if I find something awesome later and I'm a few bucks short?

That being said, if I came across an *awesome soap shop* that accepted CC's, I'd probably not only buy some, but might be willing to spend a few bucks more than I would if I just had my stash of cash..

HTH

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ween rules