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Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on September 7, 2019 at 6:28pm

For the US  , the best i have heard is A.C.T  www.actinspro.com

They allow for short term "shows"  or  yearly rates .

Most large shows  will require insurance ,  Some will offer it through their event,

 If your are selling kids stuff / toys etc . your rates and red tape will be higher , as with other high risk items.

Hence  always weigh your overhead costs against a reasonable sales day to see if it is  financially viable.

Hope that helps . 

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Permalink Reply by Josh Thompson on September 8, 2019 at 2:42am

Thanks this helps a lot. Yes I've been weighing in that overhead cost to see if I event want to go to the show.

Booth rent is $210. Then you have the insurance $59, cause its a 2 day event, roughly $75 on eating. But the pro thing is they have an average of 20k people go to this winter fair craft show, everyone buying stuff for Christmas. They said one year they had a bad year only had 4k people come through because of the winter storm, I'm thinking, even at 4k attendance that is a awesome crowed to have my cigar box guitars in front of, even if I sold 3, that would cover the cost of the booth, insurance, eating and since I only live 45 minutes away I can easily drive back and forth so no hotel.

Still going back and forth if I should do it or not, cause there are some other craft shows/fairs that booth rent is either FREE or under $100 and don't required insurance but the attendance is very low around 500-1k people.

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on September 8, 2019 at 3:51pm

Hi Josh, there's another way to look at it to get your money's worth.

I have found that if I treat the activity not only as selling guitars but also as an awareness exercise. I take hand out fliers, business cards, posters and of course talk to people. I treat it as advertising not only my guitars but the repairs an restoration side of what i do.

People contact me long after the event has passed. It's cheaper than advertising in the local newspaper, if it's a local gig that is.

Taff

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Permalink Reply by BrianQ. on September 9, 2019 at 4:59am

Sometimes it’s just something that you can’t get away from if you’re doing festivals & fairs? Why, because if something bad were to happen on that day, to you or anyone near your booth, you’re covered? If not, guess who’s paying for damage or losses (not them) I would pay the insurance if you really want to get your craft out there for the masses? You’ve got to look at it from their point of view, safety & piece of mind that things will be covered when they arise, god forbid something happens? So, really I’d pay the insurance cost, if you really think it’ll be a good event? Like Pick said, weigh out your options to see if it’s financially viable, then go for it! The world needs more cbg’s, don’t ya know? Good luck on your decision 

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