Welcome and Best Practices

Welcome to the Folsom & Dore Bootblack Community Stands!

Thank you for joining us at these incredible community events! Working at the Folsom and Dore Community Bootblack Stands is a unique opportunity to provide valuable services while being part of a supportive and inclusive environment. To set yourself up for success, it's important to be prepared, punctual, and respectful of both your fellow crew members and the clients we serve. We rely on clear communication, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit to ensure everything runs smoothly. Please read through the following guidelines to understand the expectations for timing, self-care, community space etiquette, and more. By following these practices, you’ll help create a positive experience for everyone and contribute to the success of our stand. Let’s make it a fantastic and inclusive experience for all!

Timing Expectations at The Community Stands

• Bar Shine: 15–20 minutes per client
  

• Oil Tan / Garment Leather: 10–15 minutes per client

Please note: Main stands are for quick services only—no restoration, color dying, or extended sessions. If you have a specific need or require more time, check in with your table concierge to see if adjustments can be made.

Bootblacks are not to keep their own lists, and will take clients as assigned by the concierge. Clients can wait and hope to sit for you, but the numbering system will be used for all clients hoping to sit.

Timing Expectations at The Playground Stands

• Bar Shine: 20–30 minutes per client, depending on list volume
  

• Oil Tan / Garment Leather: 15–25 minutes per client, depending on list volume

Please be mindful of the broader community attending the Playground. Our goal is to serve everyone—not just a select few. Avoid keeping private lists, as they limit access and go against the spirit of shared opportunity. A strong community uplifts and includes all.

Kit Expectations

To ensure consistency and quality of service across all stations, please make sure your kits align with the following guidelines:

• High Shine Kit – Basic
  Should include a neutral or black wax polish, brush, buffing cloth, dauber, and conditioner. Designed for quick, clean shines on smooth leather.

• Oil Tan Kit
  Should include a neutral conditioner or oil (NO - mink oil, YES - leather balm), soft cloths, and a stiff-bristle brush. Ideal for nourishing and lightly cleaning oil-tanned or pull-up leathers.

• Cleaning Kit
  Should include a gentle leather cleaner, a small bowl or spray bottle of water, soft rags, and a horsehair brush. Meant for removing surface dirt and refreshing well-worn boots or garments.

• Latex and/or Suede Kit – Approved
  Kits for specialty materials are welcome, but must be clearly labeled. Include appropriate erasers, crepe brushes, or specialty cleaners. Be mindful when working with delicate finishes.

• No Playa Kits, Please
  Kits intended for cleaning deep playa damage (e.g., heavy alkali dust from events like Burning Man) are not part of the service offering here. These require more intensive restoration and are not suited for quick-turn environments.

Misc Notes

• You may also include a lighter for strand clean-up. However, keep in mind that it may be windy—so a torch lighter might be preferable for better control.

• We understand that some folks have traveled longer distances and may have had to pack light. Please feel free to ask one another if you need to borrow a product—but always be respectful and check before using someone else’s supplies.

Self-Care Expectations

To help you have a smooth and supported shift, please come prepared with the following:

• Water bottle and packed snacks or lunch
  Folsom Volunteer areas may not be easily accessible from the stand, so plan ahead for your own food and hydration needs.

• Phone charging brick
  Power outlets may not be available, so bring a portable charger to keep your phone usable throughout your shift.

• Digital tipping method
  Have your preferred platform ready (Venmo, CashApp, etc.) to accept tips.

• Your own change cash
  Main stands will not be providing change for tips, so please bring small bills if needed.

• Allergy info
  Let us know in advance if you have any allergies or sensitivities we should be aware of.

• Breaks
  If you need a 10-minute break, just let a lead know and use your flag to signal when you're stepping away.

• Personal protection items
  Bring anything you need to feel comfortable and safe, including masks, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, etc.

• If you’re a titleholder and want to do the main stage
  Sign up for morning or closing shifts—not midday—so you’re free during the Parade of Colors.

• Saying no or stopping a service
  If at any point you’re uncomfortable with someone in your chair, you can ask them to stop or you can stop services. If they refuse, please inform a lead immediately.

Scheduling Expectations

Please arrive 5–10 minutes early for your shift, ready to work. This overlap period helps ensure a smooth transition and avoids interruptions in service.

While we can’t always control external factors—like when people reach ticketing—we can control how we show up. Being on time is a simple but powerful way to show respect for your fellow crew members and the community we’re serving.

Community Space Etiquette

• Clean up after yourself
  Trash cans are generally nearby—please help us keep the space tidy and respectful for everyone.

• Tidy your kit
  When switching stands or ending a shift, pack up your kit quickly and neatly. Kits may be tucked under benches for short periods if needed, but please ensure walkways remain clear for clients and crew.

• Keep the stand area clear
  This space is reserved for Bootblacks, Barbers, and their active clients only. Bootblacks’ friends and family are welcome to stop by, but they should not hang out in the stand area unless they are receiving a service. If they’d like a shine or cut, they’re welcome to purchase a ticket and take a seat—otherwise, they’ll need to step out once their visit is over. Clients’ friends and family may include one support person for accessibility needs. That person should remain beside or just behind the stand, out of the walkway, and not linger once the service is complete.

• Ticketing policy
  All clients must donate at the concierge to be added to the queue. Advance tickets can be purchased on behalf of friends or family before the stand opens, but only by a working Bootblack. Bootblacks are not to keep a private list or accept clients who do not have a ticket. Tickets are issued in numerical order throughout the day and the lowest number goes when a chair is free. Some tickets are held aside for Folsom Street Staff and clients with accessibility needs.

• Photography awareness
  This is a public event, and photos will be taken throughout the day. We cannot guarantee privacy—please be mindful if you are sensitive to being photographed.