1. Thou shalt not loiter in front of an artist booth.
Part of the fun when going to craft fairs and festivals is running into friends but even a small group of 2 or 3 people will keep other shoppers away from a booth. Find an open area to chat and catch up.
2. Thou shalt not litter.
Find a place to dispose of your half eaten corn dog or water bottle or carry it with you until you leave.
3. Thou shalt pay with cash.
Seriously, how do you expect us to hide our income if you pay with check or credit card? Just stop by the ATM and pick up some cash, if only for smaller purchases. And please, we are prepared for 20 dollar bills and the occasional 50 but using a Franklin for a 6 dollar item is crass.
4. Thou shalt be courteous and not overly critical of artists’ wares.
Yes, we are sure your uncle Bill could just as easily make one but will he? Also if you can get it somewhere else for less it; A. probably is not as good. B. Is a knock off not worth having anyway. If you can do better then why don’t you and just keep it to your self please.
5. Thou shalt not pull shoppers away as they are browsing.
Time and time again we see a shopper become interested in our wares when a shopping companion rushes up and exclaims, Madge, Madge, you have just got to see this, as if the other booth will fold up and disappear in the next 5 minutes. Give everyone a chance.
6. Thou shalt leave the family dog at home.
Yes we know how cool you are by your dog but not everyone feels as we do. Believe it or not some people are allergic to dogs and surprise surprise, dogs do not use the port a potty. There is a local case where a small child has been maimed for life after being attacked by a dog at farmers market.
7. Thou shalt not haggle over prices.
This is not a barter market.
8. Thou shalt Handle goods roughly or break with out offering to pay.
Many wares are best appreciated when they can be handled but if an accident happens the polite thing to do might be offer to pay. In the case of an inexpensive item the artist may decline. In that case buy one if you like.
9. Thou shalt not eat, smoke, drink or otherwise befoul a booth.
Greasy hands can damage goods. Spilled drinks can do the same. Please finish you food before you resume shopping.
10. Thou shalt enjoy the day and support the artists by shopping.
Shows and festivals are for fun but the artists depend on shoppers. The expenses for a medium sized show can easily be $500.00 or more depending on the distance traveled. We are not saying buy something you do not like, but if you see something you like then get it while you can. Many artists specialize in one of a kind item and you may miss your chance.