How to negotiate exclusivity at fairs & festivals

[Sherry]

I've heard it recommended that you negotiate exclusivity at fairs and festivals, but have never really succeeded in doing this as of yet.  I ask if I will be the only face painter there, but they usually just say, that they believe I'm the only one, but I don't know how to get them to guarantee it. 

I'm wondering if anyone has succeeded in this and how you go about doing it? 

[MandiIlene]

I have showed up to an event before with another painter and I have no problem telling the person in charge that I am a professional painter and this is my business and I was told there were no other painters here so I am looking forward to a certain amount of income that was just cut in half because they let some other person slip in at the last moment. Most of the gigs I am uncertain of I set up with the hosts that I will only pay them a percentage of what I make and not a flat rate because I dont know how it will me.

I had another painter here (that moved away thank god) who used acrylics and weaseled her way into every event I was trying to get in Mount Dora. I had to go around to the different departments and explain to them about acrylics and why they shouldnt be supporting someone who uses them. She's gone and they are educated now, so its not a problem anymore.

~*~Mandi~*~

[Sherry]

Thanks Mandi,  You've given me some ideas and I may let the recent festival I did know about it.  At the end of the day, a neighboring vendor was talking to me about the situation.  I told him I wouldn't be back next year and he asked if I was going to tell them and when I told him no, he said they won't know what they're doing wrong if I don't tell them.  I thought he had a point.

I don't want to be rude or anything, but maybe it will be helpful to the other 2 face painters that were out there if they decide to come back next year.  I'll have to figure out a way to tell them in an informative way and not an annoyed tone!   

[Alison]

I'm real interested in this one -
I'm glad to spend a lot of time with other painters - in our homes, at conventions, on-line.....
But it just doesn't make sense to share the same customers.
Why can't I get the 50 people at 'this' place
while 'you' get the 50 people (or even 40 people) at some other place.
Instead of us both getting 25 (or 30) people at this place.

 Let us know what you try.

[Wildcatfin]

TBH its hard to call - have been rushed off my feet at events with a few 100 (and wanted another painter around!) and then totally dead at events with 40,000. As you know its almost impossible to judge if you will be busy or not, too many factors affect it.

Be warned some events will try to make you pay through the nose for exclusivity. I'm not that bothered about it - generally my work speaks for itself and people come to me. Though I will not remove another painters work myself. BUT I DO always make sure I put stickers on the ones i do so others know where they were done!

Cat x

[GaFacepainter]

What do your stickers look like/ say? Cool idea. Stickers and kids/ peas and carrots!

[Alison]

You put stickers onto people?  Like 'signing' your painting?

[mrsito]

you can actually buy little blank stickies at an office supply store and you can use your home printer to print out messages like PAINTED BY ANN or COOL FACES BY ALLISON...

it helps with events with more than 1 face painter, it is kinda like branding your work...or signing your painting...

[Alison]

That's so funny ~

[GaFacepainter]

That sounds awesome! A little free advertising to go along w/the face!