Discuss the process of getting your t-shirt line into brick and mortar stores and selling offline. Topics include industry tradeshows, events, line sheets, sales reps and other retailing tips and advice.
I am so excited! (Can you tell? ) UPS just delivered the 10x10 pop-up shelter that I ordered. I know I still have a few months before the outdoor shows begin in Michigan, but I want to start preparing now.
One thing that concerns me is that, I've heard horror stories about canopies blowing away in the winds. Can anyone offer advice as to effective ways to avoid this? Is it better to stake the shelter down or should I use sandbags? Or maybe both???
Also, in high winds, is it better to leave the sides off so the winds can just blow through and not push against the shelter so much?
What about rain? Is there any problem with rain pooling on the top and if so, any tips on how to prevent it?
One thing that concerns me is that, I've heard horror stories about canopies blowing away in the winds. Can anyone offer advice as to effective ways to avoid this? Is it better to stake the shelter down or should I use sandbags? Or maybe both???
You can stake it and also use tarp clamps to hold it down. Gallon jugs full of water are better than sand bags (you can empty the jugs when you pack up).
I'll PM you a site where you can buy the tarp clamps.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mzmadmax
Also, in high winds, is it better to leave the sides off so the winds can just blow through and not push against the shelter so much?
I am so excited! (Can you tell? ) UPS just delivered the 10x10 pop-up shelter that I ordered. I know I still have a few months before the outdoor shows begin in Michigan, but I want to start preparing now.
One thing that concerns me is that, I've heard horror stories about canopies blowing away in the winds. Can anyone offer advice as to effective ways to avoid this? Is it better to stake the shelter down or should I use sandbags? Or maybe both???
Also, in high winds, is it better to leave the sides off so the winds can just blow through and not push against the shelter so much?
What about rain? Is there any problem with rain pooling on the top and if so, any tips on how to prevent it?
Any advice is appreciated.
Stake that thing down if at all possible. I know sometimes you cant because of pavement. If we are outside and I think its going to be windy we just get some mulch bags from walmart and bungie them to the legs. The mulch usually runs about a buck a bag and weigh between 40-50 pounds. I have seen those tents go flying (mine included) sometimes hovering in the sky like a giant kite.
Leave the sides off in high winds and make sure any banners you hang have wind holes in them.
Rain is the largest problem because it is usually blowing and a 10x10 will not keep anything dry. The water will pool on top of the tent so bring a broom handle release it. You are going to want some large tarps to drape over your tables and gear if the rain comes...especially if it pools on the roof.
You can usually get a wonderous deal on ez-up canopies through Sams Club. Probably half what the ez-up website sells them for.
If we are outside and I think its going to be windy we just get some mulch bags from walmart and bungie them to the legs. The mulch usually runs about a buck a bag and weigh between 40-50 pounds.
Great idea. Good quick fix too when the winds are unexpected. There's often a Walmart, Kmart, Target or Meijers somewhere nearby.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoskinGraphix
I have seen those tents go flying (mine included) sometimes hovering in the sky like a giant kite.
That's what I fear. And I dread to even think of the possible liability issues.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoskinGraphix
Leave the sides off in high winds and make sure any banners you hang have wind holes in them.
Wind holes? Hmmmm... any recommendations on how large these should be?
Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoskinGraphix
Rain is the largest problem because it is usually blowing and a 10x10 will not keep anything dry. The water will pool on top of the tent so bring a broom handle release it. You are going to want some large tarps to drape over your tables and gear if the rain comes...especially if it pools on the roof.
Drats! I didn't even think about. I'll also need to have tarps or something to protect any equipment brought on-site for custom applications.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoskinGraphix
You can usually get a wonderous deal on ez-up canopies through Sams Club. Probably half what the ez-up website sells them for.
Yep. Sams Club, that's exactly where I got it from.
Thanks for the advice, David.
Since I've never done this before, I think I'll set up a quick reference notebook to store all my notes, tips and lists.
I remember my dad used to use paint buckets filled with concrete with a metal pipe in the middle (placed before concrete was poured) that was a slightly bigger gauge than the structures base pole that slid in and was pinned in with a nut and bolt. Seemed to work great and the paint bucket handles made it easy to carry away after the show.
i like the water jug idea. I go to the river (lake mojave) and sometimes we get gale force winds that destroys everything and creates havoc and a lot of danger. Plus there is a lot of water to use considering we are on a lake.
Regular price at Sams Club is just under $200. Shipping to Michigan was $40. That includes the extras: a roller bag, four walls (one with a center zipper), and a flip up awning.
I haven't erected the shelter yet, but I unpacked it for a quick inspection. I'm very pleased with the quality. It's labeled for "commercial and residential" use. It definitely looks to be of the quality of one's I've seen priced in the $300 - $400 range WITHOUT all the extras.
Regular price at Sams Club is just under $200. Shipping to Michigan was $40. That includes the extras: a roller bag, four walls (one with a center zipper), and a flip up awning.
I haven't erected the shelter yet, but I unpacked it for a quick inspection. I'm very pleased with the quality. It's labeled for "commercial and residential" use. It definitely looks to be of the quality of one's I've seen priced in the $300 - $400 range WITHOUT all the extras.
That shelter is about twice the price or more through ez-up. It is a special deal through Sams and a good buy. Shelter, roller bag and four walls with a signage flap. I have three of them and if you need parts you can get them through ez-up but they arent cheap.
E-Z Up Shelter 
) UPS just delivered the 10x10 pop-up shelter that I ordered. I know I still have a few months before the outdoor shows begin in Michigan, but I want to start preparing now. 
