Craft Shows Tutorial Part 2: Materials and Setting Up

So you're going to a craft show? This part of the tutorial will show you what materials to bring to your craft show and how to set up. Here's a list of what you should consider bringing:

Inventory – Bring everything you have, even if you think it might not sell. Keep items that don't fit on your display in an extra box or suitcase.

Displays for your items - Be creative and try to add height. What you use for your display will depend on what you sell. You can use boxes, baskets, items from a thrift stores, displays you build yourself, etc. Post your creative ideas for displays in the comments. I have these wooden displays for my journals that work well because they showcase the journal while also adding height.

Business cards - Business cards are important so people remember your business name. You can put them in with your orders and give them to people who don't purchase, but may want to buy in the the future.


Mailing List Sign up Sheet - Use a sheet of paper and a pen so people can write down their email address to sign up for your mailing list.

Shopping bags - This is optional, but I like to bring white gift bags to put my sales in. Inside each bag, I have two of my business cards and a coupon code for their next order already in there. I also have a sticker with my logo on the front. You might also want to bring tissue paper to wrap your items in (especially if they are fragile).

Signs - Bring a sign with your logo on it. For my first craft show I did, they made a sign for all the vendors, but usually you'll have to make your own. I've made a sign just with decorative paper and computer paper and taped it to my display. It is also nice to laminate your sign so it doesn't get bent or dirty.

Labels - You'll also need labels with prices for each of your items. I usually just make some mini signs with a general price for each item (e.g. Greeting Cards are all $3). You can also use stickers for each item and write the price on each stickers. Remember, you don't need to sell at the exact price you do on your Etsy (even though you should try to keep the price similar).

Fanny Pack or Cash Box - Have somewhere to keep your cash such a fanny pack or cash box. Some people say fanny packs are safer because it makes it harder for people to steal your money. Also make sure you have change.

Credit Payment System - If you have a way to accept credit cards, that could increase your sales. Many smart phones offer systems that allow you to accept credit cards such as the PayPal Card Reader.

Camera - Have your camera with you so you can take photos of your display and the event. It's good for future reference and so you can remember the experience. I also like to post photos I take on my blog and Flickr.

Extra Clothes - It's good to wear layers even if you're inside (you don't know how cold or warm the room will be). Bring an extra sweater if it's going to be cold and a hat, sunscreen and water bottle if you'll be outside in the sun.

Notebook and Pen - I like to bring a notebook and pen to jot down what items sold. It's also good to have a notebook if you're bored and waiting for customers. You may get an idea for your shop or what to do for your display next time while at the craft show and you'll easily be able to keep track of your thoughts.

Book to Read - You may also want to bring a book to read or something to do for when people aren't at your table. If you can work on your craft while waiting, that would be good too.

Snacks - Have snacks and water with you in case you get hungry or thirsty and you can't leave your booth.

Personal Emergency Kit – Have a personal emergency kit that includes aspirin, band aids, lip balm, lotion, sunscreen, cell phone and anything else you might need.

Display Emergency Kit – Include display or item emergency items such as safety pins, thread and needle, bungee cords, zip ties, scissors, twine, and tape.

Depending on the craft show, you might need to get your own table and table cloth too. Bring a foldable table, table cloth and chairs if you have to bring your own table.

Also, make sure you have transportation to and from your craft show. If you have a car or someone with a car, that makes it easiest (especially if you have your own table). If you have to travel far away and the craft show is a few days, you might need to stay at a hotel. Keep track of all these expenses (materials, transportation, craft show fee and items that sell) so you know how much you're spending and how much you're making.

To see part 1 of this tutorial, click here. Check back for part 3 which will help tips for when you're at the craft show.