Information For Vendors

When do I set up for the sale?

Friday, December 5: set up between 1 PM and 3 PM, tear down between 8 and 9 PM.
Saturday, December 6: set up between 7AM and 9 AM, tear down between 5 and 6 PM.

Do I need my own table coverings?

Yes, you must bring your own table coverings, signage, and other items for your space, with the exception of a table and chairs if renting a table from us. We have no coverage or signage requirements, though — just whatever you think works best for you.

What if I need an electrical outlet?

Please note on your application if you need an electrical outlet. We will make our best attempt to accommodate your request, but cannot guarantee availability.

Is there WiFi at MGM?

While there are a few wifi spots scattered around MGM, you should not anticipate or rely on internet connectivity at your booth during the show.

Should I / How do I accept credit cards?

Absolutely one of the most common pieces of advice experienced vendors give to their colleagues is: accept credit cards! This is a surefire way to boost sales, especially if the on-site ATMs run out of cash (as they have each year, albeit temporarily). Unfortunately, we cannot make those arrangements for you. A variety of options exist for accepting credit cards at shows; with a phone-based card approval system, you could potentially process the card transaction on the spot. Otherwise, you could use a card imprinter and slips for manual capture on-site, then process the transactions afterward. While we cannot recommend any particular credit card merchant processing system, we know some vendors use ProPay and PayPal, among other processing systems, for their merchant accounts. If you are a Costco member, they also have a relationship with a credit card merchant account provider with discounts for members. Hundreds of other providers exist, too — shop around until you find one that meets your needs.

Have you planned an event like this before?

Yes, this is our fourth annual NCCOR. Our first sale had over 3,000 shoppers, our second had more than 8,000, and our third reached 10,000 over two days!

How do you plan to advertise/publicize the event?

We plan to make flyers, send postcards, advertise in local media (like the City Pages) and keep our fans, friends and vendors informed via good old-fashioned email. We send out press releases throughout the prep season, and work with Midtown Global Market on other publicity strategies.

Last year was so spread out! Will that change?

We had overwhelmingly positive remarks from both shoppers and vendors about the Midtown Global Market location and atmosphere, but we also know that some areas felt “scattered” and hard to find. We’re working hard with MGM management to redesign the layout, which will improve traffic flow and make sure all vendors are easy to find.

What feedback have past shoppers given about No Coast?

* They love our vendors – the variety, quality, and uniqueness.
* They love the location and atmosphere of Midtown Global Market.
* They think the layout of previous years’ sales could be improved for ease of finding all vendors.

What feedback have past vendors given about No Coast?

* Over 55% said they made over $1000. 15% made $2000 or more for the day! 70% met or exceeded expectations for the sale, despite the terrible Saturday weather.
* Vendors liked the Midtown Global Market venue, but echoing the shoppers, thought there could be a better layout for shoppers to find their way around to all vendors.

What tips did past participants have for other vendors?

* Make lots more merchandise than you think you’ll ever need.
* Have a wide range of prices in merchandise.
* Bring a helper, plus snacks/drinks.
* Think through booth layout, including pay station(s).
* It helps if your display has a vertical presence and good signage.
* Bring more business cards & other promo materials.
* Bring gift bags and tissue paper, more shopping bags, receipt book.
* Bring more change.
* Include tax in the price of the items instead of figuring it per sale.
* Market yourself before and during sale, smile, be approachable.

This is my first show - what about pricing, display, etc.? I don’t even know where to start!

Relax! We plan to have more educational information available to vendors this year than ever before. Look for announcements about seminars, informational emails, and other outlets for learning what you need to know to have the best craft show experience you can!

Whom do I contact with any other questions?

Email the organizers at nocoastcraft@hotmail.com. We’ll help you out with your questions, press information, sponsorship packages, and anything else your little heart desires (vis a vis No Coast Craft-o-rama, that is)!