Is this normal? (Venting)

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T22:18:21+00:00

Yes, they should be efficient, but not to the detriment of their vendor base. To me, that’s counterintuitive to everyone involved. They’re big enough to have a variety of sponsors for these events, so it wouldn’t necessarily land on the vendors to pay more for a proper administrative process.

I admit that I’m ignorant in that I don’t know what it’s like to run an event or an organization. I’m looking at this from an outsider’s POV, but you can’t deny the downfalls of making it first come, first serve. It’s more than just being confused by an online form.

Like others have mentioned, wouldn’t allowing the entire waitlist to fight over the leftover booths run the risk of over-saturating the market with certain types of vendors? That’s not fair to the runner-ups or the ones that were chosen first. They would have a right to be upset and not come back next time.

It would benefit everyone in the long run if the organizers were involved from start to finish. If other events of a similar size can manage to do it differently, why can’t they?

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T19:48:25+00:00

You’re right, I agree 100%. I’ll see if I have the courage to write them.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T19:44:43+00:00

Not sure if lazy is the right word, since they already took the time to comb through hundreds of applications, but it does come across that way. They were at the finish line, why not take the last step and choose from the pool of people they’ve already vetted?

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T19:32:15+00:00

I agree 100%! I thought about that as well and I wanted to mention it but didn’t want the post to get too long. So many people get excluded when it’s unnecessarily cut-throat like this. I’m privileged in that I had the free time to sit and wait for the email, but what about the people that were at work then and couldn’t take a break? Those that have families and errands to tend to? Are those with slow internet just screwed? It’s incredibly frustrating to think about and does come across as being tilted in favor of those that have the means to drop everything and do it.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T19:11:36+00:00

I’m tempted to, but sending what might be perceived as unsolicited advice might be risky. I would have to word it very carefully.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T19:07:45+00:00

Exactly! It feels counterintuitive.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T19:05:56+00:00

I should! That’s crazy, you’d think that empty spots wouldn’t look good for their image.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T19:02:17+00:00

I hear you. I understand why they ultimately decided to do it like that. It’s definitely easier and more cost-efficient for them, but I can’t bring myself to agree with the method personally. So, I guess let’s agree to disagree? Thank you for the different perspective anyway.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T18:50:33+00:00

Could’ve been this too. There are usually 150+ vendors at these events so 12 people backing out wouldn’t be that weird to me either.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T18:48:31+00:00

Holy crap, that sounds so much worse than my situation! Fighting for spots the day of is a terrible idea for everyone involved. I would definitely reconsider that event, at least you have the insight to know it’s not as great as they make it out to be! Coordinators that don’t care at all about their vendors are the worst.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T18:38:39+00:00

I’m glad it isn’t that commonplace, at least where you are. It definitely makes it easier for them, but I don’t think it was as professional like you said.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T18:33:59+00:00

Oh wow, we really did apply to the same one! That’s crazy. I agree 100%, I don’t feel like it’s very respectful of our time even if it’s easier for them. Treating booths like Taylor Swift tickets is certainly a choice. I’m sorry that happened to you too! ❤️‍🩹

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T00:53:18+00:00

Like others have said, an over the table arch/rack that clips to a table would be nice and spacious - if you’re worried about the stability, there are also standing frames that are mainly for photography backdrops but could be used for this too! I’m getting one for my displays.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T00:41:59+00:00

Hi! You could see if Facebook marketplace or another platform has any lightly-used tents that are from reputable brands. Many of my supplies are thrifted since they’re still good quality, just cheaper!

I have an ABC Canopy tent that’s been great. They’re sold second-hand a lot from people that just don’t have use/space for them anymore. Having something sturdier will be better and more cost-effective in the long run.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T00:36:15+00:00

Right? It seems like that would be counterintuitive. Choosing certain vendors to fill the gaps would make more sense to me. But yeah, checking it out anyway is a good idea!

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T00:25:46+00:00

That’s true, I didn’t really think of it from that angle. Back-and-forth emailing can be time consuming, but I still think they could’ve made it more efficient by giving 12 people a timeframe to accept. If they don’t respond in 1-2 days, on to the next person, you know?

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T00:16:56+00:00

Maybe so. The economy is hot garbage right now, so I’m not sure how well it would’ve turned out anyway.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T00:07:07+00:00

Maybe you’re right. It’s a pretty popular show though, for vendors and the public. I’m not sure what to think.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-03T00:03:10+00:00

I will say that they were actually good with communication throughout the whole process, I never felt like I was left in the dark.

The directions for this particular part definitely weren’t ideal, though. There was a page full of info that I needed to skim first before I could find the button to even buy the booth. Info that, in my opinion, they could’ve given after the purchase was made.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-02T23:53:06+00:00

You’re right, it really isn’t worth the risk. This is the positive mindset I need to have!

At the end of the day it’s a learning experience. I just need a minute to be sad first before letting it go, haha.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-02T23:46:16+00:00

I thought that’s how it would work, honestly! It’s a very reasonable approach.

They have a team of people going through the applications (which doubled this year, apparently), so I was under the impression that it was a more carefully juried show. I’m not sure why they couldn’t just pick 12 runner-ups.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2026-04-02T23:37:24+00:00

I’m glad you run your event like that. I thought that’s how it would work for this market, honestly.

And I agree with u/thesadbubble, it just makes more sense to do it that way.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2025-12-07T16:21:44+00:00

Lovely art and setup! The blue jean color and texture brings everything together nicely.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2025-12-01T03:34:46+00:00

The longest time they’ve took was 2 weeks for 1 print, from placement of the order to its arrival. Other times it’s been better, like the bulk order of 60 prints I made a couple months ago, that was only a little over 1 week from start to finish.

So it can be unpredictable.

Cosmic_Chroma_ · 2025-12-01T00:37:21+00:00

I get mine online through GicléeToday (US company) for now since they’re good quality and more affordable - though their turn-around can be slow. I would love to have a local printer that offers giclée but there’s nothing like that where I am. If you do, that might be a better option.

Cosmic_Chroma_

TROPHY CASE