CapnMac
Member
Shows vary by venue (and by State), each one can be a bit different.
If you have never been to a venue, find a quiet spot by the entry door, and scope the layout first.
Usually, the tables are laid out is a semi-logical grid (barring the odd-shaped venue, like a VFW, or the Reliant Hall in Houston
). Starting at one end and working to the other saves retracing steps. Look for signs and/or lables for the aisles and rows (these are handy for finding a table again)
If the show is large, call that more than 500-600 tables, I try to start at the furthest spot from the entry door and work back to the exit.
Keep an eye out for things like a shoe-shine stand, this can give you a nice break to sit down and relax a bit.
Watch for ATM machines, too. Sometimes these are in the entry lobby, so you might need a stamp, sometimes they are in the venue. Be prepared to fork over for the privilege to get cash (I know of a show where the fee is $5 to make a withdrawal).
If the show is large, 750-1000 tables, if you find a cool buy, get it then, as it will not be there if/when you get back to it (unless it is a specialized/niche unicorn that only you will recognize (this is where having done your research first comes to your advantage).
If you go with a buddy, or a group, please, please, please, do not come to a dead stop in the middle of the aisle to gab. You want to keep your situational awareness, and few enough will around you. (Side note, we share a fascinating and wonderful and varied community here, but we seem to not be able to park our vehicles any better than a bunch of inebriated pigs in heat.)
A "possibles" bag or backpack--as noted above--can be nearly essential. I use a musette back with a shoulder strap. Which has a number of "bits" hung off of it, one of which is a pocket to stach sunglasses. It also has some straps to cinch up and stow a coat or raingear, as those are seldom needed indoors.
Oh, and if you get heavy Items, ask--nicely--if the dealer will hold them for you until you leave. Unless you like the idea of toting heavy objects up and down aisles.
A note on show organization. The show organizers charge the vendors more to be in close to the entry/exit doors. The cheapest tables to rent are in the very back and at the edges. This why you will find the salt lamp, salsa, and roasted nut vendors back there. You often will find better deals back there, too. And more private sellers (if your State--or the show--allows that).
If you have never been to a venue, find a quiet spot by the entry door, and scope the layout first.
Usually, the tables are laid out is a semi-logical grid (barring the odd-shaped venue, like a VFW, or the Reliant Hall in Houston
). Starting at one end and working to the other saves retracing steps. Look for signs and/or lables for the aisles and rows (these are handy for finding a table again)If the show is large, call that more than 500-600 tables, I try to start at the furthest spot from the entry door and work back to the exit.
Keep an eye out for things like a shoe-shine stand, this can give you a nice break to sit down and relax a bit.
Watch for ATM machines, too. Sometimes these are in the entry lobby, so you might need a stamp, sometimes they are in the venue. Be prepared to fork over for the privilege to get cash (I know of a show where the fee is $5 to make a withdrawal).
If the show is large, 750-1000 tables, if you find a cool buy, get it then, as it will not be there if/when you get back to it (unless it is a specialized/niche unicorn that only you will recognize (this is where having done your research first comes to your advantage).
If you go with a buddy, or a group, please, please, please, do not come to a dead stop in the middle of the aisle to gab. You want to keep your situational awareness, and few enough will around you. (Side note, we share a fascinating and wonderful and varied community here, but we seem to not be able to park our vehicles any better than a bunch of inebriated pigs in heat.)
A "possibles" bag or backpack--as noted above--can be nearly essential. I use a musette back with a shoulder strap. Which has a number of "bits" hung off of it, one of which is a pocket to stach sunglasses. It also has some straps to cinch up and stow a coat or raingear, as those are seldom needed indoors.
Oh, and if you get heavy Items, ask--nicely--if the dealer will hold them for you until you leave. Unless you like the idea of toting heavy objects up and down aisles.
A note on show organization. The show organizers charge the vendors more to be in close to the entry/exit doors. The cheapest tables to rent are in the very back and at the edges. This why you will find the salt lamp, salsa, and roasted nut vendors back there. You often will find better deals back there, too. And more private sellers (if your State--or the show--allows that).
