Question about tables @ Pony Fair 2013

[Stiletto]

I have never attended the Fair or MLP convention, but I plan on attending the Indy one as it is only a few hours away, and renting a table to sell duplicate ponies and playsets.  I do have a few questions that I am sure you fair veterans can answer for me.

1. How do renting tables work?  I assume its set up is similar to a craft fair? 
2. Do you have to have someone "man" the table at all times or is "shopping" only open during certain times?
3. Any problems with stolen items?
4. What are some tips and tricks for having a successful table renting experience? 

Please give me any information you can so I know what to expect.  Many thanks in advance!

[lunar_scythe]

1:  I've never been to a craft fair, hehe, so I don't know if its the same or not, but the table comes with 2 chairs, no electricity(unless you request it, there's usually a few spots) and generally are 6-8 feet long and 2 feet wide.

2:  There's a set up time and a general admission/start time, but other than that, sales are open the whole time the fair is.  Usually the first few hours on Saturday are crazy, but people are pretty patient, if you step away from your booth for a minute, just let your booth neighbors know and they can ask customers to wait for you. . Heh, I usually see the whole fair in about 10 minute chunks, I just keep one eye on my booth as I wander!

3:  I don't think we've ever had a problem with things stolen, but of course, try not to tempt anyone, there's always a first time!

4:  tips and tricks? Well, make sure prices are clear, and have plenty of change.  It's a good idea to do a dry run of how you are planning to set up at home, too, if you are bringing a lot of stuff, then you can see how it will fit. raffles discounts for multiple purchases and silent auctions are all fun, too.

[hathorcat]

I ll bump back up hoping you can get even more great input like Lunars.

It was more Con related than for the Fair but I always remember this post by Eskara it sounds as though its full of super handy hints. http://mlparena.com/mlp/index.php/topic,313488

[Roogna]

How do renting tables work?  I assume its set up is similar to a craft fair? 
~~booth rentals are sold at the SAME TIME as advance tickets from the MLP Fair website. These usually sell out, so NONE are available at the door. Tables are the standard long folding tables, so about 3ft wide and 7ft(?) long. Tables will have a tablecloth on them that MUST stay on them!, but you can add your own cloth or decorations or stands on top of that.

2. Do you have to have someone "man" the table at all times or is "shopping" only open during certain times?
Having someone "man" the booth is recommended...but your booth "neighbors" are usually happy to keep an eye on your booth for you and/or even sell stuff for you if you work something out with them. Of course, it's polite to return the favor so they can also leave their booth to shop around. Their is set up time before the general public is allowed in, but then selling/trading/buying goes on all day, including while games and contests are going on (the only real exception is that USUALLY everyone stops what they're doing to watch the costume parade). There is also, no break for lunch. I recommend bringing a drink and a lunchable in a cooler you can store under your table

3. Any problems with stolen items?
not since SweetTune took over several years ago; it's very safe and friendly! The hotel will LOCK the room at night between Sat and Sunday. However, I personally, take some of my really expensive stuff back to my hotel room at night (leaving most of my booth still set up)...but i'm travelling with expensive nirvana ponies lol.


4. What are some tips and tricks for having a successful table renting experience? 
it depends. if you are looking to liquidate, price to sell. many sellers will have special "super sales" at various points to encourage more buying. (I do not generally). I also stick to my prices more on day one and haggle more on day two----so if you see it day one and can't live without it, buy it! Some sellers do a mock "set up" at home to make sure they only bring what they can fit on the table.
Good layout, so everypony can be seen! and PRICE TAGS!!!!!!!!!!!! the kind with the string that you can just tie to a pony's tail are super cheap at Walmart I hate having to ask how much ponies are. Of course, "bins" of $1, $2, $3, etc are also acceptable, for people to dig through...just don't put too much on the floor in front of your booth b/c then people can't get to the booth itself and it's hard to walk by

[Elfpony]

1. Booths will sell out fast, so keep an eye out for when they go on sale and don't wait to get yours.

2. I'm lucky in that my non-pony-collector Roommate comes with me every year, so she mans my booth for me while I run around spending money.    However, we also have times where we both leave the booth to look around or grab lunch, and it's not been an issue.

3. I've never had an issue with anything going missing.

4. Clear price tags are a must.  Remember that a lot of us in the community are shy and some people won't want to ask for prices.  Have fun with the display but make sure everything's accessible and easy to see.  Keeping things organized (by generation, by type, whatever) will help people find what they're looking for.

Elf

[Stiletto]

Thanks so much for all the helpful input!  Does anyone have any pictures of their tables from last year? Or previous years?

[ClosetAvalanche]

I see that the price has been up for a while, but I have no clue on how to reserve a booth?

[NoDivision]

I see that the price has been up for a while, but I have no clue on how to reserve a booth?

Tickets and booths are not available yet for this year.

[Stiletto]

**bump**

Hoping someone has some pictures to share of booths/tables from previous year's Fairs!

[wizzer218]

Here is a view from me and my cousins table
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our table
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neighbors table=)....hehe forgot who...sorry
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clipper!=)
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MLPWhitney=)
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Angelponies=)
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are across the isle neighbor...hehe...Dizziness
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another neighbor
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and a close by neighbor..hehe
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[Bow Tie]

All those tables look gorgeous! I am going to be so poor when I leave the fair! Especially since I don't really have a list of what I'm looking for when it comes to G1's and G2's. Outside of the ones I already have of course (unless I'm upgrading).

[wizzer218]

hehe...yes...broke...lol....I am not telling what I brought...lol....but its hard for me because all I need are nirvanas.....and maybe a few upgrades.....I will have my ponies marked low...come to my booth...hehe...I will see yah there!