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DEALERS

Here you can find information on being a dealer at the Southwest Michigan Record Show, including how to register, frequently asked questions, where to stay, maps and parking instructions.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR OUR NEXT SHOW!

We are currently accepting table registration for the Southwest Michigan Record Show! Are you interested in selling some merchandise? We’d love to have you set up! Just fill out this registration form and decide how many tables you need.

    DEALER POLICIES

    POLICIES AND RULES FOR VENDORS/DEALERS – PLEASE READ

    LOCATION

    We are in Grand Upton Hall at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center, 1100 Yore Ave., Benton Harbor, Michigan, which is just off Napier Avenue between I-94 and the US-31 exits.

    MAP

    TABLE PRICING

    All tables are 6 feet. Tables cost $40 for the first, $35 for the second, $30 for a third, $25 for a fourth, and $20 each for a fifth or more. One table is $40, two is $75, three is $105, four is $130, five is $150, etc. First-time dealers at this show may be asked to pay in advance. PayPal is preferred prior to the show. Established dealers can pay in cash at the show.

    LOAD-IN

    Load-in begins at 8 a.m. From Napier Avenue, dealers should turn onto Yore Avenue. Look for signs for Lake Michigan College. Take the fourth entrance on the left for the Grand Upton Hall entrance. Dealers should bring their own carts. There are no carts available from the venue. Check-in with me at the show entrance and I will show you to your table(s) to set up.

    PARKING

    There is plenty of free parking available along that same side of the venue for dealers on a first-come, first-serve basis. Customers also will use this parking lot.

    LOAD-OUT

    At 5 p.m., dealers need to pack up their wares, load up their carts, and move to their cars. Everyone needs to be out of the room by 7 p.m. Unless you have an emergency or a very good reason that you have notified me about, dealers are expected to stay at least until 3 p.m. If customers are scarce late in the day, exits after 3 p.m. are fine. Please just come and see me first.

    WHERE TO STAY

    We know some of you come from some distance. There are several hotels nearby, including Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Comfort Suites, Days Inn, and Best Western, to name a few.


    DEALER FAQ

    CAN ANYONE SELL STUFF AT THIS SHOW?

    Yes! The show is open to all types of sellers – stores, collectors, and folks selling off an inherited collection. We try to make the show as accessible as possible for music fans of all kinds. All you need to do is book a table in advance and follow the simple show guidelines (you can download the PDF above).

    WHAT KIND OF ITEMS DO WELL AT THE SHOW?

    Pre-loved vinyl is the biggest draw, but anything related to music will be a good fit. The key is to price your merchandise reasonably. Customers come to spend money on music. Some are looking for deals, others are looking for grails. We want a mix of both and everything in between.

    WHEN DO I HAVE TO BE AT THE SHOW? WHAT ARE THE HOURS?

    Early entry admission opens at 9 a.m., and general admission opens at 11 a.m. Dealers are not required to be there for early-entry shoppers but should be set up and ready to sell by 10:45 a.m. The show ends at 5 p.m.

    CAN I SHARE A TABLE WITH SOMEONE ELSE?

    Yes, you can. If you want to buy a table to split between you and another dealer that is fine with us. Just let us know so we can pair you together. There also needs to be a single person whose name the shared table(s) are in, and whom we can rely on for payment.

    ARE THERE CASH ATM MACHINES ON CAMPUS?

    Yes. There is an ATM near the college bookstore in the main building, but not in the Mendel Center.

    WHAT ARE THE FOOD AND DRINK OPTIONS FOR DEALERS?

    Coffee and doughnuts are provided free of charge for dealers during morning load-in. There are also several fast food and other restaurants all within a mile of the venue. Of course, dealers also can opt to bring their own food to the show.

    I DO A LOT OF CREDIT CARD SALES, SO WHAT ABOUT WIFI?

    There is WiFi within The Mendel Center by using the LMC-Guest network. As you would with any public WiFi system, exercise necessary safeguards to protect your data transmission from your phone, tablet, or laptop.