Getting Started – The Essentials

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For those just getting started, some tips from the market manager, Mitch. Don’t let what you don’t know about booths, set up and how to accept money overwhelm you and prevent you from trying an outdoor show.

The best tips are going to be from other artists and exhibitors. Visit our market, and see if it’s a good fit for you and how the other exhibitors setup.

Suggestions – I have some product suggestions on a Pinterest page.

1. THE TENT  ($150 +) gives you your own showroom/gallery, protects you from the sun/rain and sets you apart from other exhibitors. Your tent is also a 100 square foot kite and can easily ruin your day, art and cause injury. Therefore you need good …
2. WEIGHTS  ($25 +) Tents should have a minimum of 100 lb. distributed evenly to each tent leg. 30 – 40 per leg is ideal. Buy them online at Amazon, or better online at Walmart and pick them up at your local store. (Most economical are canvas bags filled with sand. Purchase online only)
3. DISPLAY is very important but for your first show, don’t worry too much, or go to much expense. Visit shows or look on Pinterest to get ideas for do-it-yourself displays on a budget.
4. MONEY is what you want to take home. Get a credit card reader and app, they’re inexpensive and work with today’s smartphones and tablets. The most popular, that do not charge a monthly service fee is Square & PayPal.
5. Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit – yeh, it’s a drag but you have to have one. Fortunately, that is the only legal requirement needed in Houston. It’s easy to obtain on the comptroller’s website, be sure to jot down the number and keep it on you for your first show.  Direct link > https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/permit/
   * Note that there are many companies that will try to convince you that you need them to file for your tax permit. You do not need them, this is a simple online form. Use the link above.

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