Let people do their job; but in return, do your job to the best of your ability.

I recently was in situation where I saw an example of why you don't get in a contractor's way.  Home renovation specialists see this happen all the time.  They are hired to do a job and the owner is underfoot causing problems from the very first day.  Why are you doing it that way? Who told you that was the way it was supposed to be done?  You can end up costing yourself more money in the end and making the job go longer.  If you didn't trust them to do the job right, you shouldn't have hired them.  Art shows are the same way.  When we apply to a show, especially on zapplication; there are specific guidelines posted there for you to agree to.  Given this day and age, we can go to social media to find out about a certain promoter and the show.  Credibility can be made or destroyed because we are all talking and checking out whether or not the promoter delivered what was promised.  You have to trust your judgement when you apply, and they trust you to be as you represented yourself.

There are signs that tell you that the deal is not on the up and up but, if you committed to the enterprise, fulfill your contract and then don't go back again.  Entering into a contract is just that, a contract. Whether you hired a builder to do a job or are doing a craft fair.  As an artist, we are promising to set up on time, in our assigned space, within the allotted time.  We agree to be there during the hours of operation, not tear down before the show closes, bring the display we juried with and the art we applied with.  We promise to be professional, and we won't cause undo concern by trying to be the promoter and the vendor at the same time.  Fortunately, as artists; we are only there for a short duration and not the length of a bathroom remodel.  

When we try to do our jobs and theirs, we tend to trip them up and make it harder for them to do their job.  Promoter and contractors have gotten the permits, worked with the city, and know the boundaries that the show needs to work in, you are coming from another state and probably don't know the ins and outs of the current city administration.  There might be policies that don't make sense to you but are there for a reason that is important to the function of the municipality.  Your job is to set up your booth and present your product.  If there is a problem, you take it to the promoter and trust them to take care of it.  We have all had zero shows, and if the problem causes another one, know that you shouldn't work with that promoter again.  Yes, it sucks, we invest a lot in our inventory and equipment.  Gas is costly, as is food and board.  Unfortunately, that is the gamble we take.  

Remember social media? well that can also bite you in the butt too.  Vendors watch your behavior and promoters talk to vendors they trust.  You don't want to get a reputation for being a problem for promoters or other vendors.  Promoters, especially ones with really good shows; work hard to make sure things run smoothly.  They aren't going to invite you when you apply if you have earned a crappy reputation.  Stay in your lane, you will get those better shows, trust me. I speak from experience, and it has amazed me to find out what was said about me.  Apparently, I'm considered pretty solid.  In closing I'm going to say, do your homework.  Ask friends to find out who knows a building inspector for (quiet) referrals. Talk to vendors about the show you are interested in.  You can look at past vendor line ups on the bigger shows and ask those artists.  Ask on social media sites about shows and above all, trust your judgement.  If it smells funny, find something else to do.  Bring your best, do your best, and hopefully; you will get into the best.  Good luck!