Props Buying

The props buyer is a category in IATSE and a role in the props department that includes, as the name says, buying but also renting, sourcing, prepping, and transporting props to and from set. The buyer is more than just a glorified, well-paid shopper. The buyer must have a keen eye and consider things like colour palate, greekability, use by the actor, and continuity issues.

**Here are some tips for the props buyer**

Cary a notebook or get really good at an app of your choice. Write everything down. Read your notes back in case you forgot something.

If an item isn't available in multiples, don't buy it.

If an item is inexpensive just buy 2 (or more) while you’re at a store to avoid having to go back a second time. If it’s breakable, buy two no matter what. Items that are unbreakable, really expensive, or unlikely to be lost may not need a double -Check with the prop master. Items that will be used by a stunt performer (like a character's watch) will need at least a triple. Don’t buy, or present as options, items that do not have the needed quantity available, do not assume you can get more.

Remember the environment. If it’s something that will likely not be used or just wind up in a box forever, send a photo to the prop master before buying. If there’s a greener option that will work (ie recycled paper towels, rechargeable batteries, compostable plastics) please get that.

For rental houses that do not provide photos of your rentals, take a picture of what you pickup and when you return. Devise a way to tell what’s a pickup in your photo, and what’s a return. I use a hand symbol of a rabbit or an ‘R’ with my fingers for returns. Other buyers have used their feet or written cards. Either way, it’s helped out multiple times when there have been issues. If you have time, stick around as things are crossed off when returning.

Keep copies of rental photos in a rentals binder with a copy on the props truck. If there's a way to do it digitally, that's even better. When you return something, cross it off from the rentals binder, date and initial.

The nicer you dress will have an impact on how stores treat you. If you’re in a buying position, dressing professionally will help you. When I used to wear a tie to work, I could probably have gotten away with shoplifting all the props, but I also got people in stores thinking I worked there.

Remember to ask about multiples, budget, priority, number of options, preferred vendor/brand.

When you have the time to walk and check out other stores in the area, do so. Create a mental database of who sells what. Go into those random odd stores with names like GG Imports and see what they sell.

If buying on Craigslist/Marketplace, always print and keep a copy of the ad before you purchase the item. Get a receipt from the seller if you can. Some shows have a form you need to fill out. Some shows have a special form for Craigslist/Marketplace purchases

Do not leave things in bags when returning to the office. Unpack items when they arrive. Things get lost/forgotten if they stay in bags.

There are groups on Facebook for props (and set dec) people where people often ask, "where can I find a..." Because you're here, you know the internet can be a good resource, but be sure to check the obvious rental houses and sources before asking, and state that in your post. It's your job to do, not the internet's.

Make sure you have the proper insurance on your vehicle. Even better, request a vehicle from production to avoid the wear and tear and possible accidents that can happen to yours. You should be keeping a milage log if you're claiming your car as a business expense through your T-2200. People have been audited for this.

If you're not concerned about privacy, turn on Google's location tracking and geo-tagging on your photos. This can help you with remembering where you might have seen something, or where a photo was taken. Google also offers a rewards app that will ask you questions about various stores you've been to and give you credit for the app store.

**Online Shopping**

If purchasing on Amazon.com, use smile.amazon.com and it will give some money to charity at no cost to you.

Double check your shipping times and availability. Some companies don't list shipping to Canada on their website, but can ship to Canada if you call the order in.

If you're ordering items from the US you will often have the options of shipping to Canada or shipping to Blaine. From Blaine your production will have a company that can pick up the orders. Sometimes this is very expensive if it's just one item and it's less expensive just to ship to Canada. If you decide to pick an item up, remember that you cannot use your Nexus card, should you have one, to bring back any work-related items.

List the production company on orders. This way, it's easier for a shipping company like UPS to clear your item through customs with your show's brokerage company.

Cash back sites like Rakuten can give you a bit of extra money on purchases. In-store points programs are great too (Costco Gold, Canadian Tire, Scene etc). It can really add up if you're doing a lot of buying. Google rewards will pay you in Play Store credits to answer questions about your shopping. Don't buy something just for the points, but they can be a nice perk to take advantage of.

U-Line has owners who's values may not align with yours. Richard Uihlein, founder of Uline, donated millions to far-right activist groups and politicians who are anti-trans rights. They have also included some questionable political views in their prolific, environmentally insensitive catalogues. I personally only buy from them when I need to.