Setting up at a show questions.

[Kaizen]

I have never setup at show or festival and have a few questions.

For music festivals how do you setup and where? I was thinking out the back of my truck with small table and try to park where everyone will pass by on the way to the entrance.

Also, do you accept credit cards and if so what options are there to do so. I have an iPhone so I know I can but want the most secure and reliable option.

[somewhere]

https://squareup.com/

Great option for credit cards with iPhone.

Been a long time since I set up on the lot. My advise make product before the show and set up in more then one spot. Hire friends to work the other tent and pay on commission. I never could see how blowing glass on site helps besides it's hard to sell and work at the same time. Just my 2 cents.

[NUBBLET]

if u set up torch just do simple shit like tear drops..... people are fascinated w glass but have short att span, they want to see something get done not a step to a big thing being done if I make sense. I have drawn great crowds w fire but you do need a helper as mentioned . I always say 1 looker turns to 2 and so on , if your booth is hoppin people want to see why, hell have a few buddies around to just have a good time they draw people in as well.

[Kaizen]

I do not plan on working while at the shows. My friend is going to come along to help so I'm good with that.

Do you have any personal experience with squareup?

[LTD]

I second the https://squareup.com/ comment. I use it all the time. The only problem I have with Square is they only deposit the first $1000 you make in any given week, then hold the rest for 10-14 business days (I think, not sure of the exact time table off the top of my head)
Try and set up your table so it is hard for the kids to swarm you. I prefer a glass topped display case so oogles can't grab and run.

[ALIEN!]

square is the bomb, and it's FREE

[LTD]

well.... Free is not really accurate. The device and service are free, but they do charge 2.75% per swipe. $0.15 and 3.25% if it is a keyed in transaction. The ability to email or text the receipt is nifty. I also like being able to add a photo and the gps location to the receipt.

[yourhighness]

Spectators of live glass wont have didy glasses so they wont be able to see what your working on for the most part, so try to make fun stuff (mushroom pendants, simple spoons perhaps) and sell what you've already made before the show. This way they can see something thats cool and you can be a little distracted. Natural light and daytime winds can make for interesting glass days.

[Tommyboi]

Ive worked a few concerts before. What type of venue is it and how many people are you expecting? I always made pendants and stuff that match the artist or theme of the concert. Also, people like stuff they can wear as soon as they buy it. So it would be wise to bring with you a roll of leather or hemp to make a quick necklace for the buyer. The concerts ive been too can get super crowded so make sure that your stuff is somewhat secured so people cant just pick them up and walk away (thats an obvious one). I always kept my stuff in a plexiglass case and had a few display pieces out. Also, what do you intend to sell? Pendants or pipes or sculptures or etc. If you sell pendants and jewelrey you could also keep a small tray of pipes under the table because you WILL have people that want one. So its a quick 20-40 bucks for you and a satisfied customer too. Ive always been pretty successfull with 1-2 6ft tables propped up on table stands or something the size of a cinder block so people dont have to bend over. Its convienent and looks better too. Lay a bed sheet over the table and you can store products under it like a curtain that way you can keep your area clean and look presentable. Maybe try to find an EZ up tent. I have always used one of those and it seems to really draw in a crowd specially on a rainey or a hot day. You deffenitley want to set up where there is a lot of traffic. Ive never had to deal with where to set up though. All the venues that ive worked at have asked me to work their so they gave me a spot inside by the concessions areas. If you can snag a deal like that then you better rent a uhaul for all the cash your gonna be bringing back with you :P

Hope this helped, if you have any more questions please ask because i have years of experience working at trade shows, concerts, arts festivals and flea markets.

peace