Craft fair tips

The fall craft fair season is about to come into full swing, so now is the time to prepare. We did a post in February about how to prepare for a craft show. A little later, we posted some booth inspiration for your perusal. Last week, our own AudreyEclectic, who will soon round out her first year on the circuit, wrote a nice post on her blog about her experiences with craft shows and some tips for beginners. It's a great read for brand-new booth dwellers as well as those of us you've been around the block at least a little while. Another team member, ChristieCottage, has run a feature the past two Mondays about craft shows. Check out today's and last week's all about upping the ante at shows.

While we're on the subject, what's your favorite thing about fall shows?

Booth inspiration

It's spring, friends, and all us crafty Okies know Deluxe and a whole slew of other great shows are just around the corner. Following on a past post about craft show preparation, I thought now would be the perfect time for some inspiration on setting up your own booth. These photos are all from Flickr and properly credited.

There's about a billion ways to display jewelry, but I'm really digging the shutters-as-earring-holders such as this one by artworkbyandrea:




I love how simply and cleanly everything is laid out in UnapologeticMe's booth:



Do you sell an item that calls for a "theme-y" display, such as cute food or plush birds? Take a cue from glue&glitter, who used a baking sheet to show off her felt cupcake pins:



You can do a really great display using things you have around the house. Check out monda loves' stroke of genius using a dresser:



Looking for a creative, cheap way to make your own banner? Team member claudiasburningink has a great one to show off:


Lastly, don't forget to show off your business cards to make sure every passer-by grabs one. shopmimigreen has an eye-catching solution:



I hope this helps inspire you! If you have any creative display ideas, tell us about them or -- better yet -- include photo links in the comments.

Craft Show Checklist

Spring is sneaking up on us, and it brings with it what all us artists and crafters live for -- craft shows! Whether you're an old hat or a total newbie, a great checklist is invaluable at preparing for a show. Below is a list of things I've compiled from a variety of online lists in addition to my own experience. If anything is missing, please leave a comment!

What to bring

• Tables
• Tablecloths and/or skirts
• Chairs
• Your products
• Extra inventory
• Displays
• Price tags
• Business cards
• Banner or sign with business name
• Mailing list sign-up (if applicable)
• Bags or boxes for purchases
• Receipts
• Calculator
• Pens (always bring extras)
• Change (I like $100 in mostly 1's and some 5's)
• Forms of payment sign (if using)
• Inventory list
• Money box or other container
• Cell phone or laptop for ProPay payments (if accepting)
• "Knucklebuster" for credit-card payments
• Custom order forms
• Something to work on
• Product tools in case something needs fixing
• Scissors
• Tape
• Any other tools you might need (hole punch, stapler, safety pins, etc.)
• Cooler with water and extra snacks
• Trash bag
• Camera (you always want it when you forget it!)

For outdoor shows

• Tent or canopy
• Panels for sides
• Concrete blocks or something else to secure tent
• Rope
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Personal fan
• Comfortable clothes
• Extra water
• Anything that can provide extra shade
• Allergy medicine
• Umbrella

Other things to consider

• Do a mock set-up of your booth sometime before the event, especially if it's your first show. It will give you an idea of how long the process will take, make necessary changes to the idea in your head, and keep you calm the morning of. Take pictures if you're afraid you'll forget!
• If accepting ProPay or other credit-card processing, bring a list of what information you need with you. You can choose to process cards while the customer waits, during lulls in the show, or at home.
• Position yourself so you are not blocking any part of your booth but also so you can see all your inventory. Though theft is not rampant, it's always good to keep an eye on everything and be available to answer questions. Never leave your booth totally unattended.
• Make sure items are clearly priced.
• Don't spend too much time talking on your cell phone. Customers like some interaction.
• Be personable without overselling your product.
• Check out the display rules for each fair at which you plan to sell. Some outdoor shows require certain colored tents (usually white). Lots of indoor ones require sellers fully skirt their tables.
• Make friends with the seller next to you. Cover for each other on bathroom breaks.
• Most of all, have fun! Craft shows are a great chance to meet other handmade artists and maybe do a little buying or trading.

I hope this is helpful to some folks. Please feel free to make any additions in the comments!