Daily Wire Tip: Tables and Height at Shows

Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip

Question:

Dear Dale, I just watched your DVD about selling jewelry at shows and parties. It has you at a show, and you’re using PVC pipe on the legs of the table. I have the exact same table. How long do you cut your PVC pipe to lift the table? Also when you are in Arizona or other out-of-state shows, do they furnish the tables? Thank you so much.

-Sharon in Raytown, Missouri

Answer:

Hi Sharon, I am so glad that you are getting so much help and advice from our Definitive Guide! The length of PVC pipe to cut depends on how tall you would like your tables to be, so customers don’t have to bend over as much to see your jewelry.

Measure the height of your table from the floor to the absolute top, then subtract it from your desired height, and write that down. Now turn the table on its side, and measure the distance of the leg from the bend or cross bar, to the bottom of the table leg. Add that length to the one you wrote down, and you will have the necessary length of PVC pipe to cut.

We also have a video tip (shot at the same time as we shot the DVD) with some discussion on this tip: Raising Table Legs.

As far as promoters providing tables for vendors’ use, that really depends on the show. Some promoters include one or two tables, a chair, and a trash can in the booth rent; others have these items available, but you have to order and pay for them in advance. Sometimes you can get them to include covers and skirts, and other times you have to pay extra for those, too. Some convention companies also have glass display cabinets that you can pre-order and rent for the show. When I participate in really long distance shows that I do not drive to, I will rent what I know I need, rather than depend on being able to use what may be provided.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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12 Comments

1. 

   margaret

   February 19, 2011 at 8:46 am

   I use metal tubes for grassy outdoor venues that way if the ground is unlevel you can push in each leg to have a level table..also have tips for the same tubes for indoor shows…
2. 

   Lis Lester

   February 19, 2011 at 10:41 am

   Hi Dale. I saw the mail about extension for tables. I have been using bedrisers for years. They fit perfect,and are easy to drop underneath the tablelegs and fit all tables. Try it. Lis
3. 

   Ginni Tutterow

   February 19, 2011 at 8:11 am

   I do realize it’s a bit easier on the back for most people if you raise the tables…I also realize that for those of us who do the shows sitting down (I’m in a wheel chair), it can make the merchandise inaccessible…and cut into your sales.
   • 

     dalecgr

     February 19, 2011 at 10:40 am

     Hi Ginni, personally I do not raise my tables more than 3-inches. I have a lot of disabled customers who have no problem with this height. Because I personally visit with each customer, if there is something they would like to see closer, I simply bring the case to them.
4. 

   Terri

   February 19, 2011 at 4:11 pm

   At shows I use plastic bed risers and have had tablecloths made for the extra length needed. They’re light, inexpensive and stackable.
   • 

     dalecgr

     February 19, 2011 at 5:05 pm

     Great idea Terri! Thanks so much.
5. 

   Ginni Tutterow

   February 20, 2011 at 10:35 am

   3″ isn’t a problem…I’ve seen LOTS that were much higher…to where I can’t even see what I want to see more of!

   Just an awareness issue…
   • 

     dalecgr

     February 20, 2011 at 10:49 am

     Ginni I can understand your frustration. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, those people are wrong to have such high tables. Yes I did the research. You can find the results on this page: Raising Table Legs. in one of my comments to the main post, along with the appropriate website link. Perhaps you should print a copy to take with you and as a ‘courtesy’ to the vendors responsible, educate them.
6. 

   mary

   February 21, 2011 at 10:39 am

   Since I am usually demonstrating scrimshaw at shows, the ability to raise my table height often depends on several things. My space allotment for one. If I have the room I will use a combination of a standard height small 4′ table with a raised 8′ table side by side. If I can’t do this, then I will “L” shape my setup so that I can keep the tables at eye level for me so I can work and still maintain a good view of my setup. My working on a piece attracts alot of interest so I also have someone available watching my display as I talk with customers.
7. 

   Lila Solnick

   February 21, 2011 at 1:16 pm

   I’ve been using PVC pipe to raise my tables for years now. I cut them to 12″ so that the final table height is counter height. I have had many customers in wheel chairs over the years with no complaints. All can see my work and they are free to remove display trays from the table to get a better look.
8. 

   billie

   August 14, 2012 at 8:40 am

   Thank you for that shared information.

   Billie
9. 

   Ruth

   December 27, 2013 at 2:13 pm

   I haven\’t done any shows yet, but I also use bed risers…for my fabric cutting table at home. IT makes the table the perfect height so I don\’t have to bend over too far.