FAQ

Q: I missed the deadline for submitting an application. What can I do and what are my chances?

A: People are always encouraged to submit, even after the deadline. Late applications will be accepted by EMAIL ONLY up to 1 week prior to the event and are placed on the wait list in the order they are received. If space becomes available or if and when we receive cancellations, you will be contacted. Keep in mind that in the past, we have had cancellations as late as 2 days before the event.

Q:  When can I apply for HGPP and what are the event timelines each year?

A:  Holiday Gifts for Pets and Their People takes place annually in November.

  • March 1st – Web site information, details and applications are updated for current year’s event (Details do change yearly so make sure you read them in full before submitting your application.
  • March 1st-Aug. 1st – Current year Vendor applications accepted.

  • Sept. 1st- Approval status letters are sent no later than Sept. 1st.

  • November- Event!

Q:  I participated in HGPP last year.  Do I need to complete a registration application for this year’s event?

A:  Yes.  Although we appreciate your desire to return, we need current information every year.

Q:  I am interested in being a vendor at HGPP, but do not have email.  What can I do?

A:  We do not limit applications to those with email only, but we DO communicate all approvals and vendor information exclusively through email for this event.  Please list the email address on your application of a trusted friend or family member that can accept the emails on your behalf and get them to you in a timely manner.  We cannot accept responsibility for information lost or not received. 

Q:  You should have my tax information from last year. Do I need to re-submit it?

A:  Yes.  All previous year information is archived at another location.

Q:  My rescue group does (fill in the blank) on a regular basis to help raise funds, but I don’t see it listed as an opportunity.

A:  We encourage creative thinking.  Just because something isn’t listed in the opportunities doesn’t mean it’s not valid or appropriate for the event.  It means we haven’t thought of it, we didn’t have enough interest in it to keep it on the list, Or the opportunity requires special handling.   Please contact Chris Collins, HGPP Coordinator at Chris@holidaygifts4pets.com  directly to discuss what you’d like to do.

Q:  I don’t have anything to sell, but would like a booth at the event to provide information about my rescue organization.  Which application do I need to fill out?

A:  There is no such thing as an “Information only” booth at HGPP.  Since this event is a FUNDRAISER, each booth must raise funds in some fashion.

Q:  I have a business that would like to have a booth at HGPP to tell people more about us, but I don’t see an application for that.

A:  There is no such thing as an “information only” booth at HGPP.  As HGPP is a fundraiser, all booths at the event must raise funds on behalf of a Colorado animal rescue organization through handcrafted item sales or approved service sales.  Businesses are invited to participate in the event by donating items for the event itself (see HGPP wish list) or to the Wish List Raffle in exchange for PRINT advertising space at the event.

Q:  How does my rescue group get chosen as a beneficiary?

A:  HGPP administration does not solicit artisans/crafters on any organization's behalf, nor does it have any control over who might choose your organization.  The choice is the free will of the artisan/crafter applying for crafter booth space. 

Q:  How will I know if my rescue group is chosen as a beneficiary?

A:  If your Animal Rescue group has been chosen as a beneficiary and you have not already registered to participate in the event, a notice will be sent to the email address that is either posted publicly and/or given us by the crafter AFTER the Aug. 1st registration deadline.  For donations to be made through HGPP, all paperwork requested must be RECEIVED no later than the date given in the notice for your group to be accepted as a beneficiary.  We realize that all rescues are very busy and volunteer driven, but because we are working with advertising and other limits ourselves, there will be no exceptions to the deadlines given in the notice.

Q:  How can I increase my rescue group's chances of being chosen as a beneficiary?

A:  We highly recommend contacting the artisans/crafters you already know ASAP to make them aware of the event and how they can help your organization by participating.  You can also place a request for artisans on your web site, in your newsletter, or send an email blast to the people in your data base (as they are known supporters).  Reference the event web site and ask them to cross post your request.  You never know who has secret artistic ability just itching to get out!  

If you are chosen, don't forget to follow up closer to the event with email blasts and advertising to bring the buying public in.  Support and advertise the artist in every way you can.  Remember, this event benefits you and the artists are working on your behalf.  The more you spread the word, the higher your chances are for profit.

Q:  Who must donate an item for the Wish List Raffle?

A:  Any crafter or group approved for a crafter booth is subject to the $10 craft item donation for the Wish List Raffle.

Q:  I would love to apply for a crafter booth, but am afraid I might not have enough product to fill an entire booth.  Any suggestions?

A:  You might consider finding a fellow-crafter who’s in the same boat and sharing a booth.  Just note on both applications your desire to share and we’ll be glad to accommodate you.

Q:  I represent a rescue group that would like to have a craft booth at the event.  Do we still have to pay the 10% donation?

A:  No.  If you ARE the rescue group you are working for, 100% of the proceeds are yours to keep.

Q:  When and how will I know if my application has been approved?

A:  Written notification will be sent to the email address listed on your application no later than Sept. 1st, specifically detailing your approval status.

Q:  We are a rescue group that has been given numerous items through donation.  Can we sell them at HGPP?

A:  Yes, as long as they are handcrafted and you have been approved for crafter booth space.  In fact, we encourage groups to maximize their benefits by encouraging participation from many resources.

Q:  Can I sell crafts at my bake sale booth?

A:  No.  “Specialty” booths are designed to be just that- specialty booths.  We ask that groups refrain from selling craft items at them. 

Q:  Our rescue has been approved for a crafter booth and many of our volunteers would like to donate food items to sell.  Can we do that?

A:  No.  Just as we ask the specialty booths not to sell crafts, we ask the craft booths not to sell specialty items.  It’s only fair that the groups that have applied and been approved for “specialty” booths have an opportunity to maximize sales.

Q:  Will you have tables available for vendors to use?

A:  No.  You must bring your own tables, displays and supplies.

Q:  I am a crafter that works with more than one rescue organization.  Can I choose more than one beneficiary?

A:  You may donate to as many organizations as you desire; however, only 1 can be listed as your beneficiary on our web site information and signage.  That group must receive at least 10% of whatever you sell at the fair.  If you choose to donate an additional amount or % to another group, feel free.

Q:  A crafter has chosen my rescue as their beneficiary.  Where will my booth be?

A:  Although you are encouraged to provide the crafter with information about your rescue to display at THEIR booth, beneficiaries will not receive a separate booth unless they apply on their own for one of the opportunities requiring a booth. 

Q:  Chris, I’ve tried to find you at Tagawa’s during the year, but never see you there.  What hours do you work?

A:  I am not an employee of Tagawa Gardens.  Instead, I am a VOLUNTEER, like most of you, who possesses a fantastic working relationship with Tagawa Gardens.  We work together to present HGPP.

Q:  Can I have animals at my booth?

A:  No.  Although we encourage pictures, brochures and other information promoting the rescue you are representing at your booth, animals should be left at home or come to the event with a friend or family member.  We also encourage roaming ambassadors, but again ask that they not “home-base” at your booth.

Q:  Why can’t we have animals at our booth?

A:  We are all animal people, love to have them near us and welcome most anything with fur, fins and feathers in our worlds.  We know that as a rule, animals can be an excellent INITIAL drawing point for the public and relish any opportunity to provide education about those we work so hard for in rescue.  We also, however, know about the financial costs associated with the work we do.  “Holiday Gifts For Pets and Their People” is about raising some of those desperately needed funds.  It is a presentation in which the public can come and have fun, pressure-free with THEIR pets and hopefully go home with education, much lighter wallets and fulfilled hearts.  Because of the fundraising goal of this event, its scope and the booth sizes, we ask that animals NOT remain at booths so that your focus will remain on FUNDRAISING through sales and financial donations. (PLEASE NOTE-animals are perfectly welcome to walk throughout the event with as ambassadors for your rescue).

Q:  How big are the booths?

A:  Most booths are 10’ x 10’

Q:  Can I accept credit cards at my booth?

A:   If you have the ability to accept credit cards manually, you are welcome to do so at your booth, but wireless services are not available at Tagawa Gardens.  The event is advertised as accepting cash and checks so that visitors can be prepared with appropriate forms of payment.

Q:  Can I sell pet treats at HGPP and if so, where?

A:  The sale of pet treats is permitted in the crafter booths only at HGPP as long as they are sold as a fundraising opportunity for a non-profit organization.  Treats that are normally sold as a business, and/or in a commercial capacity such as in or to retail stores or on the internet fall under the laws of the Colorado Department of Agriculture which requires registration with that department, as well as strict guidelines for ingredients and labeling.

Q:  This is the first I’ve ever heard of HGPP.  Why?

A:  Information is posted on our web site year-round.  We send out announcement emails to all known rescue groups, artisans and pet-related businesses, as well as newsletters and other information to everyone on our email lists throughout the year.  Information and links are posted on Tagawa Gardens’ web site.  We can’t answer this question intelligently, but we’re glad you’re here!

                              

Copyright © Chris Collins, 2008 - 2010

 
 

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