Hi everyone,
I need some suggestions.  My sister-in-law will be sponsoring a craft fair in a few weeks and I will be setting up my puppets to advertise and hopefully sell and get some orders.  What I have a problem with is the way people handle my items, they either pull on the body, put their hands in the puppets face, etc.  I don't want to seem or sound mean but I really don't want anyone handling the puppets without my supervision and I want to put a sign up that states this, is that wrong? I don't want potential customers to feel, humm, restricted?  I'm sure that everyone who makes puppets or any type of craft know how much time and dedication goes into the work, and to have people to just mishandle thing makes me angry.  Am I wrong? All suggestions are welcome.

Oh yeah, I'm referring to adults and teenagers.  I don't really have a problem with younger kids.  Weird huh? You would think they would know better.

Thanks,
Angel

Are you speaking mainly about kids or adults?

Daryl H

Adults and teenagers.  I really don't have a problem with younger kids.

Pit bulls tied to your table and a an old shotgun should work.

Honestly...Keep all your pictures and brochures on your front table and all your display puppets on a table behind you.

Or..Simple signs are effective also. Make them nice and witty so no one thinks your a meanie.

Like:
1. "I bruise easily, please contact my seller for handling instructions"
2. The puppets are works of Art. At least thats what I tell my husband. Please ask before handling. I tell him that too.
3. If you would like to try a puppet, Just ask I dont bite
4. Feel free to LOOK. Look with your eyes, pay with your hands
5. Do you want to try a puppet? I would be delighted to show you.
6. *My personal favorite. DANGER: Some puppets have scorpions inside them, I'm not sure which ones.

Hope this helped

Great and witty signs Sonny! 

That was going to be my take is well.....to make the signs light hearted and you will usually get your point across with people following through.

Good luck with the sign making and hope your puppets sell well.

Daryl H

Some puppets have scorpions inside them, I'm not sure which ones.

LOL   Thats a great one!!!! hahahaha

Those were funny suggestions....loved them all!

When I did my setup, I had a table with small puppets that I didn't mind being handled on the table.  I then had all my other larger and more expensive puppets hanging behind the table.  My husband and I would demonstrate the puppets and would show people how to properly handle them.  I was lucky that I never had any issues.

Good luck!  I hope you sell all!!!

Aloha,
Nikole

When I was in Perth, there was a puppet maker with his wares out on the table. There were heaps of kids around (this was the free carnival day). He just had the more delicate puppets - marionettes - behind the table, and the less delicate ones - sock puppets - on the table. He had a couple of large signs near the puppets asking people to be careful. Seemed to work as far as I could tell.

Sonny, you make my day as usual. I love that last one with scorpions, hillarious!!!

Puppet hug,
SHould

I'm with Sonny.... Keep one that you use at every show that you can demonstrate to them how it feels on there hand and you can tell them about the puppets construction. As for the others strictly display only. If you feel you have a potential bite ..... You can usually tell.
Just remember this

Puppets are wonderful to Look at and delightful to hold but if you break it........... consider it SOLD. We value every customer but request that you ask for assistance if interested in any of our puppet characters.

Billy D.

PS: Sonny.......... you crack me up!