Question...

[meccahi]

So this next week or so I'm going in to talk to the fair owners about building a booth.. any recommendations from anyone about what or what not to cover?

I've got a rough design laid out that Grog was kind enough to CAD for me.. I also know that they are requiring a "5 year plan" as well, and also to know who my contractor is going to be and all that Jazz.. which I don't know yet.

Any advice at ALL would be greatly appreciated as this is the next big step in my life.

The one thing that I think I'm going to require from them is that I have a WRITTEN assurance that I will be the only chainmail shop here for the next 5 years. I just don't see it as being worth it to me to build a booth and then have them let some other schmoe come in with a chainmail shop the next year.

Your thoughts/advice?

Comments

[dreaming-elise.livejournal.com]

Exclusivity is rare, so if they promise that then dig in and hold fast. If you think they'd bite at all you should be asking for 10 years.
What is their idea of a 5 year plan?
Make sure that if they want something, they tell you what it is. Ask them if they are happy with you, if they consider your presence an asset, and if you have lived up to all obligations expected, and then hit them with the assurance you need to shell out a small fortune, make sure they realize the big dogs didn't want to
take a chance on their show when it was small, and you don't want them allowing big dogs to come in and get your already developed following after you shell out to stay in the show. Be sweet, and yet make sure that it is clear that your desire to stay is contingent on your return being equal to your investment, hence no competition. I can give you big tips on how to assure that the Feng Shui of your shop and the decor is such that they will never fuck with you. If you want, that is.