Recently I requested an application for a show coming up in August at a newly renovated depot.  It looks to be a quality show rather than a 'crafty' show, so I was very excited......until I read the application requirements.

Not only is the booth fee $100 (which I was more than willing to pay), and the booths are outside, something that surprised me since the building is huge and would force me to purchase a tent, but they also require a Certificate of Insurance in the amount of one million dollars naming them as the additional insured.  I understand this is to protect them in the event that someone gets hurt at my booth. 

Has anyone done this before, and how does one go about getting such a certificate?  Can you change the additional insured every time one of these is required, or is this just a one time thing?  Is this something that is common and to be expected at these shows?  Up until now I've just been doing home shows, so this is new to me.

I think with the booth fee, tent, and insurance coverage I will not be able to afford to attend the show this summer as my budget does not allow this expense at this time.  Maybe next year..... 

Thanks for any advice.  Alice  

 That requirement is becoming more and more common at shows in our litigious society.

Contact your insurance agent. That kind of coverage is fairly inexpensive.  If you have a Business Owner's Policy (BOP) it might even be built in. If you do a lot of shows you might consider a policy that covers all the shows you do for the entire year. Then you only have to get the certificate of additional insured with the name of the show that wants to be named. There were archived posts about this in the old forum.Maybe I can find a link.

Thanks, Russ.  I'll do some checking with my insurance guy.  Alice

Yes this is totally normal for shows. In fact I pay insurance just to do the tiny local craft markets. With shows it is best to buy direct from an insurace agency as the show organisers will probably lift the price. Also if you are planning on doing shows or craft markets regularly then you can probably save a lot of money by buying a years worth of cover.  I too was really surprised by the whole liability thing...but if you shop around you should be able to find a good deal.
 

jess

http://vitrospective.com/blog 

 If you want to read more about how to succeed and make money at a craft market (insurance aspect is included) you can read about it at:

http://vitrospective.com/blog/?p=95 

good luck

jess 

Thanks, Jess.  I'll check that link today.  Alice