Eliminate Theft at Art & Craft Shows

Today we are pleased to share a guest post by Lucy Clasen, Owner and Designer of LuDesigns Jewelry and Greeting Cards, discussing how to avoid theft at art & craft shows!

Art & craft shows provide a wonderful opportunity for all of us to share and sell our work and although it's a fun and friendly environment, it’s also important to be vigilant about deterring theft.  Here are 7 ways to eliminate theft at art & craft shows:

1. Greet Customers

Make sure to greet everyone who approaches your booth.    This encourages sales, makes customers feel welcome and discourages shoplifters.  I've found that many suspicious people will turn and leave if you give them a friendly greeting and make eye contact. If you can identify someone, they don’t want to be caught taking something from you.

2. Have A Partner & Be Observant

It really helps to have two of you in the booth.  One can work with customers while the other rings up the sale.  That way you can always be observant and give good customer service at the same time.  Having a partner or two to work your booth is one of the best ways to deter theft.   An extra set of eyes can hinder a thief's attempts and don't ever leave your booth unattended.   Asking other exhibitors to cover your booth while you step away isn’t ideal as they may be busy and this opens the door for experienced craft show thieves to visit your booth and walk off with items.

3. Set Up Your Display To Discourage Theft

Arrive early and set up your display so nothing is out of your sight.  This is especially important with your cash.  Wearing a vendor apron with money pockets or a fanny pack to hold your money is very important.  Don’t leave it lying around where someone could pick it up.

Some display items such as T-Bar necklace displays (for jewelry) make it more difficult for anyone to take an item, but you must also be ready to take the item down for potential customers to see at close range.  I display my metalwork jewelry items in gift boxes so it is more obvious if someone picks it up to walk away with it.

Some other displays, such as display cases can help keep thieves away, but you also may be limiting a buyer from being able to touch the item and this can discourage them from making a purchase.   If you have very small items this may be essential as small pieces can easily fall victim to the five-finger discount so placing these items behind glass or Plexiglas discourages many thieves.  It’s important to be aware of the displays you use and the way that you arrange them as they may attract or deter thieves.

4. Be A Good Neighbor

Having a good working relationship with your neighbors will also deter theft. After you setup, be sure to clean up boxes and packing material...clutter may make it easier for a theft to occur.  Also, be sure to be completely set up when the customers are allowed in so you're not distracted and can pay attention to potential customers.  Giving yourself this extra time to set up early will also prevent you from creating disturbances for your neighbors and discourage shopping.

5. Show Liability

Read and understand your agreement with the show officials. A typical contract states that the vendor's property left on-site is at the vendor's own risk and not the show's responsibility.  Most contracts state that the show organizers are not liable for theft, vandalism, damage and/or loss of property.  If you leave your display intact at the end of the day be sure that everything is secure.  This can be prime time for someone to come in and take items from you.

6. Consider Insurance

Most insurance companies offer two types of coverage for artists and crafters.

• General Liability Insurance: General liability policies cover property such as workplace, vehicle, and exhibition sites. Some include medical and product liability to cover in case there is an accident on the premises, etc.
• Fine Art Policy: The fine-art policy simply covers the artwork. Some shows require the vendors to carry insurance. Shop around since rates and coverage vary from company to company.

The type of insurance you want depends on the type and cost of the items you display.

7. Rearrange Your Display

Shows running more than one day offer an opportunity to rearrange your booth for the subsequent day(s).  Analyze what worked and what could be a better arrangement.  This gives you an opportunity to make your space more secure.  There is an added benefit as some shows offer many repeat attendees who can be turned into repeat customers the second day if the booth is arranged to have different products visible.

Ultimately, your items are at risk when unattended and unwatched.  It is prudent to keep a watchful eye on potential customers even when you are dealing with another customer.  Remember, one person may ask questions just to distract you so another person can take items from your display.  Vigilance is required at all times.

Main image courtesy of Immagina.