This event has a nice following but is very poorly managed. The coordinators refuse to use the internet for vendor sign up to "avoid scams". Instead, you have to sign up in person (given very little notice), pay with cash before receiving a hand-written receipt, and have your info sheet added to a giant, messy appearing binder. This organizational method has routinely caused many issues, including double booking same-type vendors and losing track of cancellations/communication with vendors.
We have attended 14 of the last 15 Katy Market Days as a well-loved vendor of fresh-squeezed lemonade, kettle corn, and shaved ice. Our first 6 or so events with Katy Market Days ran smooth with very little interaction with Betsy and Harry Proctor, the owners of The Limited Edition Art and Antiques and coordinators of Katy Market Day. As the months progressed, more issues appeared, including multiple lemonade, kettle corn, and shaved iced vendors attending the market, despite reassurance this wouldn't happen. We were always met with excuses such as, "a new girl let the other vendors book".
The market this past Saturday started with a duplicate shaved ice truck parked directly across from our booth. Harry, Betsy's husband, handled the situation with respect and professionalism. He apologized for the double booking and offered a refund for this month's market. His attitude and demeanor was much appreciated in the midst of a frustrating situation for both vendors.
Shortly after, a large, white food truck pulled directly in front of our booth and parked, hiding us from view of customers. My husband asked Betsy if the truck was going to stay, as it was an unusual spot and there was plenty of other options. My husband walked back to our booth and Betsy chased him down and began YELLING that the "truck is not moving" and we are "more trouble than we're worth". This outburst made the vendors surrounding us and the customers in my line visibly uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, this display was not out of character for Betsy as we've witnessed numerous verbal disputes and disproportionate negative reactions toward other vendors over the course of our time. We've seen Betsy run after and scream at another vendor leaving the event early. Betsy routinely speaks abruptly and disrespectful toward vendors while signing up. In our early days of attending KMD, she even refused to let me and my young son use the restroom in her store while I was heavily pregnant and in dire need. Sometimes making an exception to a rule is necessary and compassionate.
You'll hear numerous similar stories from most every vendor.
Katy Market Day has the potential to be an excellent monthly event for the community but sadly falls short due to ineffective, unprofessional, and callous management. read more