Blow to my business

[ConnieD]

I'm so angry right now I could spit nails.

In my mail today I received a chq back from a very large, local juried craft show that I've been doing for 7 years!!!!!!!!!

It seems that this year they will not be able to offer me an exhibit area. No other explanation..........
I understand them not giving explanations to first time applications, but I think that it would be just common courtesy to give an explanation to vendors who've done your show for years!

This is one of my best shows. They usually have 7 and body vendors that do this show and I've been the only local one for probably 5 of those 7 years. My product line is all current, updated and professional looking. I just don't get it.

Plus the fact that because I've been there so long, I have MANY regular customers that seek me out at that show. Unfortunately I don't even have most of these customers contact info to let them know I won't be there. This will be a very big loss for my business this year

I'm stunned & angry............. trying to cool down before I shoot off a letter to them.

[Sari]

Oh no! I'd definitely call up there and speak to management, explain how you've been a loyal vendor for so many years. If that still doesn't work, maybe you could mail out flyers with the money you won't have to spend on a booth?

[Ceashels]

I would go and hang out in the typical place you have had your site and hand out flyers to those who recognize you! But I'm 'ornery. But I do recommend a letter or a call to the management to find out why your check was returned.

[getnrichslowly]

Let us know what you find out. I would be mad, too.

[Dancing Lotus]

Were you late getting your app in? Maybe its first come first serve an somebody was faster. SORRY!

[ConnieD]

Oh no............. not late at all.
In fact it was in a month before the due date. I've been doing highend shows for a number of years now, so I know the ropes.

I've got a couple of "connected" contacts that I've been in touch with tonight. They are going to do some checking for me.

LOL......... I LOVE your idea Ceashels!! That just might be a consideration

I'll keep you posted on what happens. I really just hope this was some terrible oversight. I guess we'll see

[FrugalMomof3]

I cant believe they would do that to you after you've been there for so many years, I would want to get to the bottom of this, please let us know what you found out

[Missy]

hope they get this resolved real quick! let us know how it pans out.

[ConnieD]

Well, I've contacted a friend who owns the publishing company that is doing the show this year and they are very involved. She's well "connected" as well, being the daughter of a former mayor.
She's checking into it and will most likely get answers easier than I will.

I did send off an email this morning to the head of the committee. I've pasted it below.......... hopefully I'll get some sort of response.

Dear Jason ***** & Committee,

I just received a letter and refund chq from the Rotary today
regarding Art in the Park 2007. Suffice to say, I'm in shock at the
moment and very confused.
I've been doing quality shows for a number of years, so I do
understand that you get many applications to be in the show. I just
don't understand why I've been dropped from the show this year.

I've been doing Windsor Art in the Park for the last 7 years or so.
I've recently heard through the "grapevine" that the Art in the Park
committee was going to be cracking down on now allowing vendors in who
do not make their products. I want to make it VERY clear that I
personally manufacture my natural bath and body products. I start
right from researching the raw ingredients, to creating the product,
all the way to printing the labels and packaging the product myself.
For many years I've been the only local soapmaker at Art in the Park.
Over the years I've developed a large customer base that seeks me out
at this specific show. It disturbs me greatly knowing they will come
looking for me and will end up buying from someone else. I know there
is another soap company now in the area that makes glycerine soap.
Like the different painters, our products are different in style and I
offer customers many other natural products as well ie: scrubs,
salts, lip balms, etc...

I guess I'm just really disappointed that you've decided not to
support a local, loyal artisan. Unfortunately for me, this will also
be a big hit to my small business as this is one of the biggest shows
I do. As a vendor who's done this show many years, I think is is only
fair to give a reason for not being accepted. In the past few years
there's been on average 7 bath and body vendors at Art in the Park.
If I don't know the reason, how can I improve to what you're looking
for?

Also, you've kept my photos on file for the last few years (I believe
it was last year we sent new pictures). Do you throw those away now??
Will I be required to resubmit new photos if I choose to apply next
year???

I respectfully request that you reconsider my application. At the
very least, I would appreciate a reply to my email.

Kindest Regards,
Connie
Constance Bath and Body
www.constancebathandbody.com

[annymoll]

You were treated poorly.Connie, your product line looks wonderful! Everything is so attractive and well done and neat.I would demand an explanation too!

[Cricket1]

Great letter--I bet you'll get a positive response.

[Ceashels]

Excellent letter.

[dcompton]

Your letter was very professional. Let us know what they decide.

[bumplett]

good luck!

[Libby]

I hope you're able to get back into the show for this one last season and that they do give you a reason of why you got rejected. But if you do get in this year - buy a spiral notebook and pens from Dollarama and make up a 'guest book' for people to sign when they purchase anything or stop by and have them leave their emails - for updates etc (in case you cant get back in next year)

Definately let us know how this turns out for you.