I neeed your opinoin regarding sutlery.

[jgr1974]

Hello friends, Brothers, and fellow reenactors!

The wheels are turning in my head, and I am wondering your thoughts. I am wondering how you think of this concept.

I seen several photo's of original sutler photo's where the sutler has a counter at the opeing of his tent. This more traditional role is not what we are usually used to at events, but it would seem to be more traditional. All items would be behind the counter. If a patron is intersted in looking at the item, it is then brought to the counter for veiwing, it is more like the old mercantile's would have done. Patron's would advise the sales clerk of what he/she is in need of. I would have a posted price list of wares on an easel outside the door.

Your input is appreciated!!!

Jeremy

[SmellyFed]

Talk to John Crabb (Ezra Barnhouse Goods), he's already doing a period sutler impression now.

[Milliron]

See: Army of the Pacific.

[toptimlrd]

Right now I do a modified version, my merchandise is out but I have three plank tables under a fly in front of my wall tent.

[reb64]

Seems it would be a great impression but slow for business. modern shoppers like to zip in look around and zip out without much human assisstance. it would involve a behavioral change towards traditional shopping.

[Crabby]

It actually works quite well, occaisonally there is a "bums rush" but works none the less. It takes a lot of research and work having all of the stock prepared acurately - but if you cannot do it right why bother.

Crabby

[jademonkey]

Just from a participants persepctive - I have been to events where Mr. Crabb has set up a period sutler impression and I thought it was fantstic. It really adds another dimension to an event. It's a crucial element, in my opinion, to an immersive static camp impression.

[brown30741]

I would guess you need to decide how far you're willing to take it as an impression, as opposed to for profit. Mr Crabb has proven you can do both (not that I have audited his books), but there would be a level of patience there for both you and the customers. I also wonder if the event set-ups would be your bread-and-butter, or more of an expierence for you and the customers that also provided you with good advertising for mail orders. For me, a first-person expierence with this type of set-up would be great, but I can only imagine it would take a lot of set-up time on your part for limited cash rewards at the moment.

Am I remembering that Chris Utley use to have a handcart at events? He might also be able to shed some light on this topic where most of us can only guess.

[CarterandJasper]

I did have a push cart at events for a good while, as well as occupying structures in forts, etc. Back when Jon Ferrel and I started doing the cart thing, there was virtually no one that did it. Like everything else, the idea spread and now there are a number of folks that do period vending out of carts, wagons, etc. This is definitely a good thing for the hobby, and does add alot to events for those authentically minded participants.

The cart is, I think, the best way to go if you want to carry a small number of items. There are numerous first hand accounts of vendors going through camp selling items. I just read one this week that I'd never seen before, and it talked about Shakers from a nearby village visiting the troops with baskets full of fruit pies and bread....all for sale. The cart also isn't bad for a static display on sutler row...it definitely looks better than the circus tents we're used to seeing.

If you did use a tent, I would go with the hospital sized wall tent (finding a true authentic repro of that is another problem entirely). I have used the front counter approach a few times, and it worked nice for me, although like John said, you do get rushed at times and do probably lose some customers because of folks having to wait in line while you help those in front. Again, I would only do this type of thing with a small number of period packaged items. I wouldn't do it if you were going to carry a large variety or have a large number of small items (buttons, etc). If you do, try to make them available on the front counter or have a table or two to the side of the tent.

One thing I will caution you about, however. Keep in mind that you are going to have to make SOME profit on your items, unless you want to sink alot of money into a very very expensive "impression." This seems to be the hardest thing to keep in mind for most vendors, and is yet another reason that going with a small cart will keep you grounded, because you can't fit that much inventory in it. I started with a cart, went to cabin/fort set up, and then went to large 15ft square tent. I am now back to the cart, and will stay there because of time issues and "real" life and job taking way too much of my time away from my hobbies...LOL.

So, in short, will it work? Yes, just keep your expectations and expenses grounded.

[toptimlrd]

To elaborate on my set up, I have my tables set up in a horseshoe configuration and I can quickly assist any customer who comes in. I keep the bulk of my stock in the wall tent and use the display simply to have an example of each item. It is very customer centered and service oriented. Like others said you do get your rushes, but most people understand as long as you acknowledge them and greet them in a timely manner. If they see something of interest they will almost always be courteous enough to wait or come back shortly.

I can not say I am truly doing the "authentic" sutler impression since I am selling goods that would be issued as well as privately purchased. Unfortunately we don't get our uniforms "issued" to us these days so everything is a "private purchase".