Help with a first timer setting up a table at a show

[Laxcat]

Unless they plan on being silent and having someone else load/unload then I wouldn't skip the water. Just my opinion. Plus there are two of them. Safety in numbers. They can take turns at the bathroom.

[Butch7999]

Excellent suggestions from everyone so far -- recapping, list form:
> prices marked on all items
> cash box
> ample change before the show starts
> penny sleeves, at minimum, on hand
> paper & pen for improvised signage
> paper bags for customer purchases
> know HOW to haggle and be prepared to do some (a little practise with dad acting as both a reasonable and unreasonable customer might help)
> snacks and a beverage supply, and not close to cards nor while handling cards
> paper towels, 'cause ya never know
> prepare for quick-change scammers -- and keep a constant, constant eye on the inventory
> never leave the table unattended

We'd add this golden rule: "do unto customers as you'd want a vendor to do unto you." No matter how the day is going sales-wise,
greet anybody and everybody who so much as walks by with a hello and a smile -- but just that, no hard-sell requests to "check these out!"
And if they're dealing with one customer at the moment and a second prospective customer stops by, acknowledge the second guy
immediately -- "hi, we'll be with ya in just a moment."

[philliesfan]

Another one (for me at least) is a calculator.
I also take scotch tape, 3x5 index cards and even a few paper clips. You never know when making impromptu signs what you might need.
Robert

[Bretsky]

I did a show a couple of years ago and below are my thoughts on what worked:

1) Definitely have change as best you can. You don't want to miss sales because of this.

2) Have "bargain bins" for the lower priced stuff such as inserts and parallels. What I had was a $0.25 per card box of these types of cards which was very popular. I also had a auto box (if they have a bunch) which was $5 each or 3 for $10. This helped moved the lower priced autos

3) Invest in a case if they have higher priced items. You might be able to rent or borrow from your LCS which is what I did. Also if they plan to do this more than once you can sometimes buy old ones from other dealers.

4) Engage in discussions with the customers. Ask them if there is anyone specific they are looking for. Worst thing is going up to a booth and having a lame seller who never talks.

5) Use as a trading or buying opportunity. They might be able to pickup some stuff using the money they make or even make trades outright.

Have fun and good luck!