A Victorian Country Christmas - Vendor Information

Vendor Questions & Answers - Many of your questions will be answered on the contract and/or informational packets we send, however, listed below are some of the most commonly asked questions. GES Exposition Services Rental Info.

	Where can I get information about RV Spaces, Additional Electricity for my booth (Each booth is provided with one (1) 110 outlet 500 watt.), Telephone-DSL access, Costume Resources and Fire Safety Regulations?
	Forms for CONFIRMED VENDORS for things like costumes, phone lines, etc. can be found below They are in Adobe .PDF format. RV Spaces Additional Electricity for my booth (Each booth is provided with one (1) 110 outlet 500 watt.) Telephone-DSL access Costume Resources Fire Safety Regulations Formal Image Tux Order Form Lakewood Costume order form Hotel Information
	How can I get a packet?
	You may get a vendor packet by sending an e-mail to us at AVCChristmas@comcast.net . Please include your name, address, phone number, type of product, website (if available), and fax number (if available). We will promptly send you a packet. You may also call us at 253-770-0777.
	How many days is the show?
	It is a 5-day show. It runs Wednesday through Sunday. It always begins the Wednesday after Thanksgiving.
	What are the hours?
	December 3-7, 2008 Wednesday-Saturday 10am to 9pm Sunday 10am to 6pm
	Where is the best place to stay during A Victorian Country Christmas?
	Make sure when you call for your reservations that you let them know you are a vendor at A Victorian Country Christmas and that you would like the special room rate. The room rate is available through November 1 of each year. If you call after that date you can still obtain the special rate, but it will be based on availability of rooms. If you have special needs or encounter problems when making reservation please call Dottie Ball the Sales Manager. Her number is (253)286-8404. Best Western Park Plaza 620 South Hill Park Drive Puyallup, WA 98373 253 848-1500 800 528 1234 Holiday Inn Express 812 South Hill Park Drive Puyallup, WA 98373 253 848-4900
	On an average how many people attend? Where is the best place to stay during A Victorian Country Christmas?
	Between 45,000 TO 60,000 people attend our show each year.
	What are the booth sizes?
	Booth sizes are 10 x 10, 10 x 20, 10 x 30, 20 x 20, etc. 10 x 15 booth spaces are available to vendors who make arrangements to split a 10 x 30 with another vendor. We also have a few 6' x 10' spaces located along a solid wall. These spaces are available at a discounted rate, and do not include storefronts.
	What do you require from a prospective vendor?
	We require vendors to complete a contract, submit photos of any products they wish to sell, and send payment for booth.
	If I am not accepted as a vendor, will I get my payment back?
	Yes
	Can we choose our own space?
	Yes, however, we cannot guarantee that you will be assigned the space you have asked for. We give placement priority to our returning vendors.
	Can we choose the style and color of our storefront?
	No, we have 15 different storefront styles in a variety of colors. We set them up in such a way that the styles and colors are distributed throughout each exhibit area. The opening for each style is the same (104 inches).
	Is this a juried show?
	Yes! We must see a sample of each product you plan to bring to the show.
	Do you do remote stocking?
	No
	Do I have to dress in Victorian attire?
	Yes. Anyone working in your booth must dress in Victorian attire.
	Where can I find Victorian clothing?
	There are several ways: Make your own. Buy your own. Rent one (we can recommend both Men and women’s rental shops. Go to Value Village or other thrift shop. Find a long black dress and a long black dress and a Victorian looking long sleeved white blouse. Add a brooch and you have your Victorian outfit!
	What is the percentage of returning vendors each year?
	82 to 85% of our vendors return each year. Some have been with us each year since our show began sixteen years ago. That is why our show fills up so quickly … available space is limited.
	How much product should I bring?
	That is a question we can’t answer. Not everyone who attends will buy something from you. It is better to have too much than too little product.
	How much money can I expect to make?
	That is up to you. A friendly smile to greet customers, and a “may I help you?” attitude certainly will add to your sales.
	Can I decorate my booth anyway I want?
	We require you to have a minimum of a double strand of fire retardant garland and miniature white lights (the kind that don’t blink). Beyond that we allow you to decorate your booth as you wish (as long as it is tastefully done).
	My child is under the age of 16, but has helped me in my booth in the past, can I bring him/her along to help?
	We have a strict policy of which states that no vendor’s children under the age of 16 are allowed in exhibitor booths during set-up, take-down or during show hours.
	If I become a vendor this year, will I have first priority on my booth space for the following year?
	Yes!
	Must everything in my booth be handmade?
	No
	Do you accept vendors who have manufactured items?
	Yes, however, because our show is an upscale show all items must be quality merchandise.
	How does your show differ from others?
	The producers of A Victorian Country Christmas go to great lengths to produce a quality show. It is not only a gift show, it is an entertainment show. Attendees have the opportunity to shop, sit, rest, and watch one of 20 professional stage shows available daily, shop some more, catch a bite to eat at one of our fine food vendors, and then shop some more. We invite only vendors with the finest quality products to participate. We also have The Singing Nativity which draws thousands of people to the show each day. We have an awesome advertising campaign on television, radio, news papers, etc. We are well known and well respected and draw vendors from all over the United States and Canada.
	Do you limit the amount of vendors selling similar items?
	Yes. The number of vendors with similar items such as jewelry, soaps, dolls, etc. depend on product demands of juried items.
	Are we allowed to discount (or place our items on sale) during your show?
	No! Our show does not allow you to put up “sale”, nor does it allow you to discount items. We do this in respect for the many vendors who handcraft their items and cannot afford price cuts. It also keeps our festival a high quality show.
	Do you allow a vendor to have an “exclusive” on an item?
	We no longer grant exclusive privileges. We have found it too time consuming for our staff to “police” each booth to ensure exclusivity.
	Can I request placement in a particular building?
	Yes, but we cannot guarantee placement in the building you select. We will not place you near a vendor that has the same product. That may mean placing you in another building. Also, the building you have requested may already to full.
	How many vendors do you have in the show? How many buildings do you use at the fairgrounds?
	Booths are located in the three largest buildings at the Western WA Fairgrounds, the Pavilion, the Expo Hall and the new ShowPlex Exhibition Center. All exhibits are on the ground floor. Download the floor plan for each building in PDF. -Pavilion -Expo Hall -ShowPlex Exhibition Center
	Am I allowed to eat in my booth?
	No. The reason is because we want your booth to look professional and upscale at all times. Some customers are really turned off when they see merchants eating. They also feel they shouldn’t bother them while they eat. Vendors lose business that way.
	What happens if I run out of product?
	We ask that you not run out of product. If you are getting low on certain items, you may take orders. We feel that the last person through the gate should have the privilege of seeing everything—just like the first person through the gate saw.
	If I recommend another vendor, do I get any discount?
	Yes, you get $50.00 off your booth space for every vendor you recommend who is accepted into the show and exhibits. That discount will be deducted from your booth space fee for the following year.
	My product is not a gift item. Can I still become a vendor in your show?
	No. This is a gift show.
	What (if anything) is provided in my booth?
	LP Productions provides each vendor with a Victorian storefront and a merchant sign. Both of these items are the property of LP Productions and are on loan to the vendor during the show.
	Do you have awards for the best decorated booth or best costume?
	Yes. It is also been proven that people are driven to booths that are beautifully decorated and have lovely costumes.
	I want to pay for my booth space now. What types of payment do you accept
	We accept checks, money orders, certified checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express.
	Can I use a microphone to draw attendees to my booth?
	Absolutely not!
	When am I allowed to set-up?
	You may set-up on Monday and Tuesday prior to the show. Set-up times are listed in the contract.
	If I change my mind, can I get my money back?
	No, There are no refunds. In case of a documented medical emergency we may roll over your payment to the following year's show.
	Do you provide security for exhibitors?
	Yes, we are very proud to have your exhibits protected by the United States Marines.
	Do the booth spaces have storage behind them?
	A limited number of booths are available with storage space behind.
	Will I be receiving additional information after I send in my completed contract and booth fee?
	Yes, you will receive a signed copy of your contract giving you your booth assignment. You will receive a second packet by the first week of May, another packet will arrive by the first week of November, and upon arrival on set-up day, you will receive an arrival packet. Each packet is designed to guide you through to the next process.