Canopy/Awning for shows Recommondations

[Lin19687]

I started this new thread because the only other ones are from 2011 and 2013.

There is a lot of talk about the EZ-up Canopy. And while that is great way back when it doesn't help now.

EZ-up now has like 20 different models.

If you bought a Canopy in the last year to 3 years can you list the Name of it and where you bought it ?

There are places like BJ's and Big Lots that sell older versions for NEW prices You wouldn't even know they are old versions if you didn't search the interwebs about it.

Dicks still has the Caravan 2 v-series, straight leg for like $90
Ocean state job lot has EZup Encore for $129

Anyone ever get the $50 cheap ones and have them last at least one season ?

 

[amd]

My husband picked up mine for free on a FaceBook rummage site. It's not a fancy brand name, but it is fairly easy to setup with 2 people. I need to figure out something to do for side tarps (there are just times I really don't want to see who I am set up next to). All of my shows are outside this summer - 2 each month until August which I have one every week. The most shows I have done to date.

 

[Lin19687]

I read someone got those Painters Tarps (cloth ones) for like $10 at big box hardware store . Then used clips.
Someone else said to get weighted (magnet? ) Shower curtains from the $1 store and use nice hooks. Pull out of the way when you need to and cheap/easy/lightweight too.

 

[cmzaha]

Just remember your tent and setup are you first line of sight. I never use side curtains except in bad weather and then I do want them. Also if you ever do a multi day show and can leave your setup you will want the side curtains that come with the tent. It is best to go look at the different brands if you have the different supplier businesses to go to. I prefer steel framing over aluminum because they are more stable. It depends how many markets and how long you plan on doing markets, and if you have help. I prefer name brands such as EZ UP and California Palms because they have replacement parts and tops. I lost and EZ UP in a bad wind storm that even the weights could not hold it and replaced it with one from Sam's Club for half the price which has held up well. I will need to replace the top this year but we never have had to replace a crossbar which I had to replace many times on my former tent, this tent I have used for at least 3 yrs doing multiple markets per week, even multiple a day, so it has had hard use. EZ UP does make a light weight one that folds up to about half the size of their regular tents and is easy for one to setup, but it should be weighted when using it.

There is just no one answer to what is good to buy, it depends on where, how often, setup ease, if you worry about part replacements etc. Also if you go with EZ UP you need to question if it has replaceable parts, not all do.

 

[shunt2011]

I have the one from Sams Club. It’s sturdy and the sides are great. I do 3 three day shows so zip it shut for the night. I also do 2 two day shows. It does take two to get it up but it’s better than the Walmart one I started with. I’m on my third year with it.

 

[cmzaha]

I have the one from Sams Club. It’s sturdy and the sides are great. I do 3 three day shows so zip it shut for the night. I also do 2 two day shows. It does take two to get it up but it’s better than the Walmart one I started with. I’m on my third year with it.

You probably have the same one I have but it I do not see them on the site anymore. The sides are wonderful to have. I have an indoor show this weekend and we use the side curtains for covering up my tables. Love multi tasking supplies. The reason I have to cover is the fact in it's original days the building was a chicken coop so it is a little drafty and on a dusty ranch. Never do great at the Spring show but I love going to Norco and have done both Spring and Winter shows for several years

 

[shunt2011]

You are right. I have theZ Shade 10x10. Bummer. It’s a nice one.

 

[Lin19687]

Do any of you 2 know the name brand of the one you have ? Is the "Sam's Club" one made by sam's club?
For me, I am the only one doing the show, no help. I am ok with that, I had a cheap one in TX to cover my pool in the back for sunny days. Used to do it alone and was ok with that.

I don't know how many shows yet, but I would like to do many but not multiple days. I could be doing Farmers Markets several times a week.
There are just so many brands and each brand has several versions. It is delirious looking at them all

 

[cmzaha]

I use the EZ UP like Shunt has that came from Sam's Club. I have seen them still for sale on Craig's List . I have a California Palms that I liked but it also needs repairs. My longest lasting one is EZ UP but my expensive model I originally had to have many cross bars replaced. If you are going to do regular markets I would not buy a cheap Big Lots canopy. Caravan does make some nice canopies, but also have some not so great models. This may be the one we have if not it is the one I had at first. This is a steel leg one. Also it is very important that whatever you purchase has the fire approved tag inside. Some markets will check them https://www.ecanopy.com/ezu-es100s910whvp.html?refnum=May-773-3423 You will also need weights. Setting up markets is not cheap....

 

[shunt2011]

Do any of you 2 know the name brand of the one you have ? Is the "Sam's Club" one made by sam's club?
For me, I am the only one doing the show, no help. I am ok with that, I had a cheap one in TX to cover my pool in the back for sunny days. Used to do it alone and was ok with that.

I don't know how many shows yet, but I would like to do many but not multiple days. I could be doing Farmers Markets several times a week.
There are just so many brands and each brand has several versions. It is delirious looking at them all

I would try that one to be honest. It's about the same price I paid. Even if you are alone, many other vendors don't mind helping. I do my 1 day shows alone and theirs always someone willing to lend a hand. I've helped others out as well. Also, I can get everything down alone, up is the problem. My first tent (Walmart) I could do alone up and down. It lasted several years but then started to leak and some of the metal started to bend.

 

[DeeAnna]

I would never use a lightweight tarp, plastic shower curtains, or light duty clips. That might work fine in a pinch if you are doing a 1-day show on a super-calm day, but the first time the breeze comes up, it will be a disaster. Besides, most of the canopies like this aren't all that appealing. Rather than try to cobble something together, I'd probably look at getting an indoor booth if that's an option.

Even with a commercial or a well-made homemade cover, I would also use weights and/or stakes to make sure the canopy will stay in place if the wind picks up.

 

[Lin19687]

What about making some nice curtains with some small weights built in the bottom seam.
If it get windy either push to the side (like a curtain) or already have something to tie them down with?

I think that would look pretty

 

[shunt2011]

They would still whip in the wind. I Velcro mine to the legs. Other vendors will get upset if your walls are blowing against their tents. I use pvc pipe filled with cement as anchors for the tent.

 

[amd]

Another vendor made concrete tubes with an eyebolt (I think its called). They put eyehole (grommets?) in the bottom corners of their side walls and then tie through the walls to the concrete with eyebolt. It works fairly well for South Dakota where an average day has a wind speed of 25mph.

 

[Lin19687]

I mean when it isn't windy. Velcro, LOVE Velcro .

I got this at Costco the other day, I wanted a Wagon and if it breaks I can return it
https://www.costco.com/Mac-Sports-Folding-Utility-Wagon-Green.product.100371844.html

And this folding lightweight chair, just one for $22
https://www.costco.com/Timber-Ridge-Director's-Chair-2-pack-with-Side-Table.product.100371846.html

 

[shunt2011]

I have a wagon similar to that but it doesn’t steer well. I actually have a dolly that lays flat or upright and holds a lot of stuff. Not too compact though. My weights have eye bolts in the top. I hang them with a rope with S hooks connected at the end to hook on the frame. They weigh about 40 lbs each. and strap them to the legs with reusable zip ties.

 

[DeeAnna]

All I can say about outdoor events is that "weather happens." You simply can't count on it staying calm and pleasant. You just can't. I've been to far too many craft fairs and flea markets when lovely weather turns mean and scary in minutes.

Wind and bad weather WILL happen when you least expect it. Small weights flip up into people's faces. Velcro fails. Light curtains and flimsy plastic sheets will whip and shred in the wind. Make your canopy sturdy and strong, use heavy weights to tie down the legs, and everyone will be happier and safer in the long run.

 

[cerelife]

I have the one from Sams Club. It’s sturdy and the sides are great. I do 3 three day shows so zip it shut for the night. I also do 2 two day shows. It does take two to get it up but it’s better than the Walmart one I started with. I’m on my third year with it.

Yep, I have the Z Shade 10x10 from Sam's as well! I didn't know they didn't offer them anymore Stinks, because this a great tent, and like you said, the sides are a must for multiple day shows!
I learned a trick for getting this tent up by myself when I was doing weekly markets on my own. Once you get it pulled out enough to duck-walk underneath the tent, grab the beams in the center of the tent and it's pretty easy to shake it out to full size and then you can lift/ 'walk' it to wherever you want it with a lot more precision than moving the legs. Granted it IS heavy (steel vs aluminum), but I lift weights anyway so not a big deal. I also have concrete-filled PVC pipes for weights anchored to the top frame of my tent and tied down to each leg. If you've ever seen a storm blow up at an outside venue and watched other vendors' tents blow away (and damage other vendors' displays), you will understand why heavy weights are a must!!
I do have pretty fabric to use as shade when the afternoon sun hits my tent. What works for me is to measure out the fabric to fit one side of my tent and put grommets in all four corners of the fabric and then tie the fabric to the top corners of my tent and to the legs. This way it doesn't billow out and bother other vendors, nor is it a nuisance to my customers getting wrapped up in fabric when the wind blows! Since my tent is 10x10 it fits any side, so I can easily move it to wherever I need shade. Grommet sets are cheap, and it's a simple way to provide shade while still keeping your tent attractive and professional.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BPNOMU/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20