Bead Shows

vj found this in rec.crafts.beads, from snipped-for-privacy@aol.compuppies (Dr. Sooz) :

]Whole Bead is avoided by a lot of artists. And a lot of customers. The ]vendors there seem to indulge in some questionable business practices, which is ]widely discussed in the bead groups I inhabit.

seconded. one was enough for me.

----------- @vicki [SnuggleWench] (Books)

I went once and just wasn't impressed. Never tempted me to go again.

Sooz, Could you email me and explain what questionable business practices you are referring to? I go often to the one in NYC, I'd like to know what's going on. Patti

I don't know about the vendors, but I don't like the company. I registered to vend from a hotel suite at the show in Tucson. I had a signed contract with them which I paid in full---$2150 for the five day show. Six weeks later--and too late for me to get into other shows--she requested that I pay an additional $159 per night for the hotel suite I had already paid for. She said the $2150 goes to her and the $159 per night goes to the hotel. There was nothing like this on the contract.

Several other exhibitors on my floor were also greatly angered by this. To be fair, one of them said that they always paid for the room and paid Wholebead. Whether it was a legitimate charge or not, and a legitimate mistake (or not) to have just left that off of the contract, it is absurd to hit someone with a charge like that after there is a signed agreement and money has changed hands. The result is that I won't be in Tucson unless I manage to squeeze in to another show. What could I do? Pay another $1000 dollars and just hope she doesn't try and charge me more later? I don't think so!

I don't like Wholebead, don't like Ava Motherwell. I think they stink--and I'll say it right here to be recorded rec.crafts.beads for all eternity.

I have heard other horror stories, but I'll just stick to my own personal facts.

Went once to their Tucson show - won't ever go again. Poorly managed, venue waaaaay too small for the number of vendors. I spend my time and money at the Best Bead Show or the Bead Renaissance show. Better vendors, nicer venues - and way better prices too!

Mj

I've been to the Tucson show and while some of the vendors there are friends of mine and make wonderful beads (or sell other goodies) I don't like the venue or the presentation much at all. Something about wandering down hotel hallways just irritates me. I dislike some of the G&LW shows put on this way for the very same reason. Those who end up in the ballroom at the Windmill have more space and better lighting, but it's packed in like a stockyard and I don't do tight crowds well at all. I know I'm biased cuz I've been a seller at Best Bead, but I like their space MUCH more. And I like Bead Renaissance too. Both places have small rooms that might be missed, but generally the signage as as good as can be so you don't miss anything.

In a way I really hate to put down Whole Bead because I like a lot of the vendors and am personal friends of some of them. But at the same time, I've heard rumors of questionable ethics, too. AND as a seller I think the pricing for a vendor space is obscenely high.

Melissa