As spring comes around in the Midwest, I am trying to prepare for soggy outdoor shows. I did one last May and had beautiful sunny weather that was nice and dry. I then did a show in June that was like selling in a lake! It had rained for three days prior to the show and the ground was sloppy; those who did show up were cold and crabby. Do you have any ideas of things I can do to make customers a little more comfortable while in my booth? I would like to look into some kind of waterproof flooring, as well as maybe offering a hot beverage. Is this allowed? If so, any other suggestions? I also, of course, want to be sure that I am comfortable in these conditions.
Well, as they say when you get lemons make Lemonade. There’s nothing like a good rain storm to wreck a show and diminish profits but perhaps you can keep your spirits up and those of the customers who do show up. You can’t change the weather so the first thing is to be prepared and then to go with it. On the prepared side start with your booth floor and put down several layers of thick plastic and them use an inexpensive indoor outdoor carpet on top of this. Since the carpet will tend to slide on the plastic drive very large nails into the ground to hold it in place. This will help with moisture coming up from below should it rain. The carpet will get messed up from the mud, unavoidable if you’re at a show in the rain. At the end of the show take it home; hose it off and you are ready to go again. If you’re in a free standing tent make sure you have sides and that the poles are weighted in case the wind comes with the rain.
Now the important part, your attitude. Don’t get caught up in the complaining feeling sorry for ourselves crowd, be a positive light in the storm, weather happens. Accept that your sales goals won’t be met at this show and reach for the lemonade. Or maybe a cup of warm tea or cider depending on the time of year. Your booth must have power so bring a hot pot to heat liquids whatever they are and a large thermos to store the brew. Adding a cookie or a brownie wouldn’t hurt either. Offer these with a smile and then walk the customer around your booth telling them about your wonderful work, ignore the weather, they have come to the show with the idea of spending money. My guess is that they will be happier and more likely to do this with a smiling craftsperson. Get their contact information so you can invite them to the next show you do in their area. Then send them away with a brochure so they can shop from home, maybe with a note on it saying, “Hope you enjoyed the tea or whatever..” This will help them remember their experience with you.