A recurring rant re show endings...

I know I am young (relativistically), idealistic (at least in part) and foolish (in too many ways to count)...however, I think it is flat out *wrong* to start packing up a booth before a show ends. Above and beyond the fact that virtually all the show contracts we sign state that we will not pack up before the show ends (and thus those that do so are in breach of contract) and far more importantly, it just seems rude and discourteous to customers of the show. I think nearly a quarter of those at the fair this weekend began packing up half and hour before the show ended and half or so were packing within the last 10 or 15 minutes.

The promoter was taking money from customers within the last half-hour...admittedly, poorly planned by the customers. Even if you have had a bad show, are grumpy or any number of other things, what does packing up early actually gain you...sitting in line, waiting to get in? Getting out a few minutes faster?...and at what cost? Our last sale of the show came at 5:04 and was north of $1K...a sale that would not have happened if I was in the midst of packing with my booth full of boxes.

Personally, I like taking my time packing up. I chat with some of the other more relaxed dealers, pack everything carefully away and by the time I am actually ready to get the car, there is no line or waiting (admittedly, we tend to be within the last handful to get packed up...). There just doesn't seem to be any reason to rush packing...especially not at the expense of the customers.

Sorry (sort of) for the rant. But really, you pay money for the opportunity to be at a show, show your wares, meet clients and buy books...it makes not sense at all to undermine the last few minutes and, potentially, leave a bad impression with those clients (potential or otherwise) who are there to the end. I'm going to go write a thank you note to the gentleman who spent a fair bit of money with me in the final moments of the fair...because he could.