Show prep/Deli cups

[jglass38]

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

[mxrider42]

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

[jglass38]

Awesome! Thanks for the pic! That looks perfect...I like the black sheet...

[Mike Cavanaugh]

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.

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!

[RichsBallPythons]

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.

[RebelYell83]

i havent really seen any vendors at any shows with heating personally,so not sure i'd be to concerned with that

[RichsBallPythons]

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.

[RebelYell83]

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

[RichsBallPythons]

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.

[frankykeno]

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.