If this is your first craft show or farmer’s market, you may be wondering what all you need to bring. Here is a simple checklist of ten items you need to be prepared with to make a sale at an event. From displays to shopping bags, we will go over the necessities for a successful show.
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Congratulations on signing up for your first craft show!
You took the leap, putting your stuff (and yourself) out there- I’m proud of you!
How are you feeling? Nervous? Excited? Overwhelmed? A little of each? That’s totally normal. When I decided to take my handmade goat’s milk soap to a craft show for the first time I felt all of those emotions. My goal in writing this post is to help you prepare for your upcoming event so that excitement outweighs anything else that you feel leading up to it.
I didn’t have all of these for my first show, and I wish I would have. If you have each of these 10 items ready and learn from my mistakes, you will be well on your way to networking with other creators and making your first craft show sale!
1. Folding Table to Display your Craft Show Items
Some venues will provide you with a table to use for the event, but that is not always the case. I always bring mine with me, just in case, and have even switched to my own table because the one provided was wobbly or not how I wanted my booth to look.
I recommend a table that is 6 feet long and 2 feet deep and lightweight. The table that I have is nice because it has a built-in handle for carrying and I don’t need help moving it or setting it up. I chose light gray plastic because it is easy to keep clean.
2. Chair for your Craft Show Booth
Like the table, often times a chair is provided by the venue, but not always. I bring a folding chair that fits in a cloth bag to craft shows. These are lightweight, easy to carry, and more comfortable than the regular metal folding chairs that you might be provided.
I recommend putting your name and even your phone number on the tables and chairs that you own and bring to craft shows. In the event that you get separated from them, this will help ensure that they get back to you!
3. Display for your Craft Show Items
Depending on what you plan to sell, you might need to buy or make a few things for displaying your items so that your customers can easily see what you have to offer. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought a free-standing shelf, a wooden tray, and a cute goat painting for my craft show display. Amazon has a lot of similar options for organizing and displaying goods too.
My husband made me a wooden, clothesline-type display for resin earrings that I make and sell. If you are resourceful or handy, you might not have to spend any money and still come up with a neat and eye-catching display.
4. Inventory to Sell at the Craft Show
This one is probably a no-brainer, but it still makes the list. Make sure you bring enough product so that you don’t run out during the show. If this is your first time selling anywhere you won’t know what your most popular items are, and that’s ok, just make sure you have extras of whatever is your favorite.
Another tip I have is to count how much you bring to the show and then count again when you get home to see how much you actually sold. I have tried to keep a tally during shows, but when it gets busy, it is easy to lose count!
5. A Sign for your Craft Show Booth
If you have a business name, you can make a sign (or have one made) to display so that you get your name out there in front of customers. If you have a logo, even better, because people remember images more easily than they do words.
Even if a person doesn’t come into your booth and talk to you or pick up a business card, your sign can still make an impression from afar. Make sure it is large print and has good background contrast.
I found a blank, white metal sign with a wooden frame at Hobby Lobby and added stickers for lettering and a flower I found in the scrapbooking supply section. I put my farm name and city on the sign so that people knew I was a local!
6. Business Cards for your Craft Show Table
If you don’t have business cards yet, get some made! I went to Office Depot and used a kiosk and made mine with a few clicks, in just minutes. You will want to include your business name, your name, and contact information like a phone number and email address on them. On the back side of my business cards, I list products that I offer.
I use a miniature bathtub as a business card holder because I sell homemade soap. If you get creative, your business card holder can double as a decoration for your table as well!
7. Change and Cash Bag for the Craft Show
In my experience, the majority of craft show patrons make purchases with cash. As such, it is wise to be prepared with an adequate amount of small bills, and maybe even a few coins, for making change. Always take note of how much cash you brought to the show to make change, because this will not be included in your income from the event. I put my cash in a zippered bag and keep it on the chair in my booth for easy access.
Another tip: Keep the cash bag organized! You don’t want to waste people’s time sorting your money or fumbling around when they are waiting for their change.
8. App for Taking Forms of Payment Other than Cash at the Craft Show
Although most people at craft shows pay with cash, you are likely to miss out on a few sales if you don’t accept other forms of payment. I have found that a lot of people are familiar with and comfortable paying me through Venmo. This app is free and there are no fees that are incurred through using it.
For credit card sales, I use the free app called Square. Be aware that there is a per transaction fee as well as a percentage that gets taken out from using the app. These fees are small enough, in my opinion, that it is still worth using. I don’t have a card reader, so I manually input the customer’s information. There is an option for them to get a text or email receipt after the purchase too.
9. Bags for Customer Purchases at the Craft Show
Depending on what you sell, you may need to provide a bag for your customers to take their goods home in. I sell homemade soap, and put customer purchases in brown lunch bags that I stamp my logo on. My packaging is both economical and cute!
10. Snacks for You to Eat During the Craft Show
There may be food at your event available to purchase, but just in case there isn’t, it’s a good idea to bring your own food and drinks. Maybe it’s the mom in me, but I always have some snacks on hand, in case of emergency! You may get busy and only have time to get in a few bites here and there instead of sitting down for a full meal.
Other Tips for Your First Craft Show
Don’t be afraid to talk to other vendors! I have gotten to know some really amazing, interesting, and talented people at craft shows. Ask questions and for advice from those creators that have more experience in the craft show world than you do- you will be setting yourself up for even more success next time.
Take some notes down after the event, record how much you made, what you would have done differently, and other pertinent information that you want to remember for next time.
Stay positive, even if your first event doesn’t go how you imagined, there are other venues, audiences, and even times of the year when it will work out more in your favor.
Keep trying! This is your passion and you know it because there is nothing like the feeling of watching someone enjoy something that you put time, effort, and care into making.
Mother, farmer, author, and teacher by trade… She loves tending to things and watching them grow!