Craft Fairs and Shows: What to Bring and Display Considerations

I decided to put my two cents about craft fairs here on HubPages. I'm providing a variety of considerations for your display, a general check list, and a check list for outdoor shows. There is no single article out there that will provide you with everything you could possibly want or need to know about having a craft fair booth. This hub is not intended to be some all-encompassing guide for you. Instead, I simply hope that this will provide some new insight for you. If you have questions about anything (whether I do or don't cover it here), please drop me a line or leave a comment.

Display considerations
Check your show guidelines about table coverings. Some shows have very specific guidelines about this. Others don't. I use plain black bed sheets ($4 each at Wal-Mart), with music fabric (about $4 a yard at Jo-Ann's) over them. There are many possibilities for table coverings. Make sure that what you use coordinates with and does not distract from your items.

Display components (shelves, necklace displays, etc.). How do they fit with your work? Do they fit with your table coverings? I decided to use the music fabric because sheet music backgrounds were my original photo trademark on Etsy.

Where you want to sit/stand during the show. I have had the most people approach my booth when I'm sitting or standing behind my tables. Less people come over when I'm standing out in front. Experiment with different positioning and see what works the best for you.

Check the booth size. The set up that works for you for one show may not work for another simply because booth sizes will vary at different shows. If necessary, do "test run" set ups at home. This will ensure that your set up process goes much more smoothly at the fair.

Price tags/price displays. Even though I tag all of my items individually, I also include price displays. No matter how clear you are about your pricing, you will still get questions. Be as thorough as possible.

Props. Do you want anything else out on your tables? I constructed table weights for my outdoor shows, which I use for indoor shows as well as pen holders. You can see them here. I also have some simple photo displays with pictures of favorite pieces, custom orders, and sold items.

Other signs. You should definitely have some sort of shop display sign. If you are clueless about designing one, enlist a crafty friend to help you. Consider other information that you should have at your booth, too. I addition to my price displays, I also have a sign about my payment options and a sign about trying on earrings (which I do encourage).

Lighting (or not). Many indoor shows have the option for electricity (almost always for an extra cost). Some artists choose to use this to provide additional lighting for their show. Personally I have never done this and haven't felt like I missed out, but it's something to consider. If you are considering lighting, check out this resource.

Specific for outdoors
Tent. I have this tent and have been happy with it. I was able to find it in a store. I also have the screen walls for it. If you will not be against a wall or other barrier outdoors, I highly recommend at least a back wall so people will not be tempted to wander in to the back of your tent. I've included links for some additional tents at the end of this hub. A lot of big box and bulk stores (Sam's, Costco, etc.) also carry these tents in the summer and fall.

Weights. Last season I used cement blocks, which I got for $4 each at Lowe's. They work well, but I would add something for this next season, too, such as weight bags or cement weight plates (see links below). Some people also use sand filled buckets or gallon jugs filled with water. Do not skimp on this area! I have been pretty lucky with my outdoor shows, but wherever you are, it may get VERY windy at any time. Check out: Art Fair Tents & Canopies on squidoo.com for lots more information on this subject.

Table weights. As I mentioned above, I use votives filled with decorative stones for my table weights/pen holders. This is a simple, colorful, and inexpensive option that you can put together for $15 or less at Wal-Mart or Michael's. If you have a lot of raised displays for your items, you can sometimes hide weightier items (books, etc.) underneath them for additional weight.

Yarn/string (and scissors) and safety pins. I highly recommend securing your table coverings and signs with string and safety pins. Even a slight breeze can lift items more than you would like.

Table cloth clips. You can cut down the number of safety pins that you use for your table coverings with table cloth clips. Last year, I was able to track some down at Target in the camping section. They came with a picnic table cloth. The ones I found were silver so they don't distract from the table. You can usually hide them under your item displays if they do distract.

Dress in layers. My final piece of advice for outdoor shows is to dress in layers. This is especially important if your show starts early in the day and runs until mid/late afternoon, you never know how the weather might change over the course of the day. It isn't fun to be really cold or hot for a large part of a show. Be prepared!

General List
This list includes everything else that is helpful to have at a craft fair.
All signs. (See display considerations)

Business cards/holder. I use a napkin holder that I got at Target for my business cards. It's the perfect size.

Repair/alternation tools. You never know when something will need a last minute fix or when someone will request a quick alternation.

Extra price tags.

All display materials.

Mirrors. I have a handheld and one that props up on the table. If you sell wearable items, it's extremely helpful for buyers to view how they look when they're wearing them.

Photo of sold/custom work. If you do custom work (i.e. scrapbooks), I highly recommend this. If you have electricity for your booth, you can run a slideshow on your laptop.

Mailing list sign up.

Vendor apron. I got one through Etsy. Unfortunately the shop I used is no longer active, but I've linked another good shop at the bottom of this hub. I don't know any crafters who use a money box. The apron is the way to go! So much safer. Interested in making your own? Check this out.

Change. I usually bring around $200 in assorted bills. This has always been more than enough.

Custom order form. If someone does request a custom item, you'll be ready.

Credit card equipment. (See links below.) I highly encourage you to take credit cards. In this day and age, there's really no reason not to and you may miss out on sales by not doing it.

Pens/pencils.

Receipt pad/slips.

Clorax or other sanitizing wipes. This is a must if you're at a festival with food. It's also a must if you make earrings and people can try them on.

Hand sanitizer.

Camera. It's great to post pictures of your show on your blog, Facebook fan page, etc.

Calculator.

Information about upcoming shows.

Jewelry boxes/packaging supplies.

Garbage bags.

Paper towels.

Easy to eat snacks/food.

Water.

Chapstick.

Tape. I usually bring Scotch, packing, and duct tape.

Tissues.

Inventory list. Prepare a list of your current inventory before any craft show. Check off items that sell as you go. If the show is too busy to allow for this (which is a great thing!), you can check them off later, using your receipts.