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Show prep/Deli cups

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  • 07-08-2009, 04:55 PM
    jglass38
    Show prep/Deli cups
    So I got a table at the White Plains show for this coming weekend. This will be my first show. I am going to have to do it without displays or nice signage since I just don't have the time to get it all together. For those who have been a vendor before, what do you bring with you? I will be selling Leopard Geckos, Ball Pythons and Dubia Roaches.

    Thanks!

    Also, as this was last minute, I don't have the time to order deli cups with lids and get them in time. If anyone can help me out, please PM or email me. I would be willing to pay you and send a shipping label as well. I am looking for 8oz, 32oz and larger 9.5 inch or 128oz cups and lids(I believe that is the size).

    Jamie
  • 07-08-2009, 05:04 PM
    mxrider42
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    I done a show a year and a half ago. I attached a picture of my setup. Nothing fancy. Just a black sheet for a table cloth, some deli cups, and a sign. I got the sign printed a Kinkos then bought a cheap frame and stuck it in. I sold all the animals but five.
    Good Luck
    Trey
    http://www.fireballpythons.com/public/ShowTable.jpg
  • 07-08-2009, 05:07 PM
    jglass38
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    Awesome! Thanks for the pic! That looks perfect...I like the black sheet...
  • 07-09-2009, 12:17 AM
    Mike Cavanaugh
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    Definitely not a pro but I have done a few shows....

    Those super florescent markers that you can write the sex and the price of the snake on top of the deli cup are priceless.

    Depending on the light in the room and the morph, a simple table mounted light can in some cases really make your snakes look 10 times better.

    Caresheets that go along with every sale is very important. Of course it should also refer them to BP.net AND have your contact info on them.

    Make sure the people buying have your contact info!!! We all know that it is physically and mentally impossible to own only one ball python. And when people are happy with their snake, they will want to buy from YOU again.

    Bring a set of probes and lubrication so you can verify / show the sex when making a sale.


    Tips: (some may agree / disagree with these... they are my personal opinion)

    1.) DON'T leave your snakes unattended.... EVER. If you are staying out of town, take them to the hotel with you. Snakes can and do get stolen from shows.... even after the public is kicked out and only the vendors have access.

    2.) It is Ok to tell a kid who you know isn't going to buy that you don't want them to hold the snakes because they are stressed and need rest.

    3.) It is OK to refuse a sale if you don't feel good about it.

    4.) The BEST deals you will see are usually trades between vendors (especially at the very end of the show, or just after it has ended)

    5.) It is just like gambling. Go in with your prices firm in your head. Have a clear game plan on what you plan to ask for each animal... and also the absolute minimum you will be willing to accept for each animal. Write it down. DO NOT exceed what you decide on before the show with a clear head.

    6.) At a good show it is normal to spend more then you sell. :8:

    7.) ALWAYS have a bottle of hand sanitizer on your table. Before they touch your animals, make them use it.

    8.) Don't feed the snakes for a week or two prior to the show. Always better for many reason for the snake to have an empty belly for the trip / show.

    There is more but it is all I can think of at the moment. going to bed now. Good luck!
  • 07-09-2009, 01:24 AM
    RichsBallPythons
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    how would you go about heating the deli cups. With displays you can have heating pads running underheath but not sure with the deli cups.
  • 07-09-2009, 01:27 AM
    RebelYell83
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    i havent really seen any vendors at any shows with heating personally,so not sure i'd be to concerned with that
  • 07-09-2009, 01:38 AM
    RichsBallPythons
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    thats what bothers me at times. some ppl dont use heat and the snakes are away form warmth for a long time especially the eons flown to the shows. i was going use a heat lamp to keep my snakes warm just by shining over the snakes as a light/warmth.
  • 07-09-2009, 01:43 AM
    RebelYell83
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    depends on the temps of the building though too,,if its over 72 at night,i wouldnt worry about it,as it will heat up when is full of people,or maybe,just for night use,get a few hand warmers,and set it sandwhiched between 2 delis on the side or when they are stacked,to give some heat
  • 07-09-2009, 01:45 AM
    RichsBallPythons
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    i havent done a show either and wanted to know once day one is done and day 2 is next where to he vendors take all their snakes. Im guessing with them back to their hotel or home if local and then reset them back up.
  • 07-09-2009, 06:10 AM
    frankykeno
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    Jamie if you're stuck for sales containers you could always check locally at a restaurant supply type of store. Here in Toledo I would hit GFS (Gordon Food Services) but I'm not sure if you have that company there but you should have something similar. They normally sell all sorts of "take-out" type containers at pretty reasonable prices.
  • 07-09-2009, 08:18 AM
    dsirkle
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by flameethrower View Post
    how would you go about heating the deli cups. With displays you can have heating pads running underheath but not sure with the deli cups.

    You could buy chemical heat packs if necessary. Not 40 hour ones but cheap hand warmers at a sporting goods store.
  • 07-09-2009, 08:57 AM
    Repsrul
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    I see you are from Jersey try going to Costco's if you have a membership they might have something. There is also a restaurant/food store in Hackensack, but then again I do not know what part of Jersey you are from. Try a deli they might sell them to you. Even if you had to hit up a few of them. If I had any left I would give them to you but I am waiting for my order to come in.

    I am always at that show but I will not be at this one. I will be on vacation so hope you do well and make lots of money...:rofl::rofl: Who am I kidding? Whatever profit you do make will be going right back out towards something else. But seriously good luck and watch your table!
  • 07-09-2009, 10:20 AM
    jglass38
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    Thanks all! I appreciate all the input. I actually went to my local supermarket and the deli manager was more than happy to give me all the deli cups w/ lids that I would need. I am all set I think :)
  • 07-09-2009, 11:22 AM
    Mike Cavanaugh
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    heat pads usually are not necessary at all. they usually keep the room at a reasonable temperature. bring something to put them in at the hotel to keep them at a good temperature.
  • 07-09-2009, 11:30 AM
    icygirl
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Mike Cavanaugh View Post
    7.) ALWAYS have a bottle of hand sanitizer on your table. Before they touch your animals, make them use it.

    I'm not a vendor, but I've been to White Plains and other shows and I think this is a really good point. Think of a customer who has been walking around the show handling tons of animals, then comes to your table. Most show-goers won't mind quickly sanitizing their hands, and it could protect your animals from contracting some kind of illness or mites from the others at the show. :snake:
  • 07-09-2009, 11:32 AM
    PythonWallace
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    I see you got your deli cups already, but I get white plastic containers with crystal clear lids from the place I order Thai from for $0.25 each, and they deliver them within 30 minutes as long as I order some food.:gj: They have two sizes, 6" dia x 2" h and 8.5" dia x 2.5" h. They are perfect for leos and baby balls. I'm planning to make a display that will hold a bunch of each size for when I start doing shows. Like you found, local sources are usually there, and are usually cheap or free.
  • 07-09-2009, 12:20 PM
    Blue Apple Herps
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    Mike Cavanaugh already gave some stellar advice, but I'll just reiterate a couple that I think are especially important.

    Definitely have a care sheet you can pass out! Many will be looking to buy their first snake, so give them information, as well as putting sites like this one as a resource is a good idea.

    Also giving out a business card or something similar with your contact info is good. I've gotten several repeat customers that way, as well as they'll give your info to people they know looking to buy, so you can get customers that way, too. It'll really do a lot for you.

    And hand sanitizer is a must IMO!!!!! People will be handling lots of animals and you want to minimize risk of contamination.

    Also bring lots of change (ones, fives especially). At shows I've ended up not buying something from vendors because they couldn't provide me change. Most recently at a show I was going to buy a corn snake and we had agreed on a price of $65 - I gave him $80. He didn't have the $15 in change, I didn't have anything but $20's, and he didn't want to go to $60. So I walked away. At that point wasn't worth the effort of me running around trying to break a $20.
  • 07-09-2009, 12:39 PM
    jglass38
    Re: Show prep/Deli cups
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by PythonWallace View Post
    I see you got your deli cups already, but I get white plastic containers with crystal clear lids from the place I order Thai from for $0.25 each, and they deliver them within 30 minutes as long as I order some food.:gj: They have two sizes, 6" dia x 2" h and 8.5" dia x 2.5" h. They are perfect for leos and baby balls. I'm planning to make a display that will hold a bunch of each size for when I start doing shows. Like you found, local sources are usually there, and are usually cheap or free.

    That is awesome! I was thinking of getting the deli cup display from AC Reptiles but if I can find someone local to make one for me (don't have the tools I don't think) then I might get one made.
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