SELLING AT CRAFT SHOWS - Part 3

There are no customers. Only you and the other vendors are there. Seeing a building or an area transformed from empty space to a carnival atmosphere is invigorating.

You need to take supplies to set up and to have when selling. Check out Bsue Boutiques as a source for ideas for supplies and display items. Your needs will vary and every crafter will not need the same supplies. Use the check list below as a guide. Keep your supplies together, always ready for a show, as much as possible.

CHECKLIST FOR SHOW SUPPLIES

Create a box containing items pertinent to your craft to take to your shows. Try to keep this box replenished and packed at all times. It will eliminate the frustration of getting to a show and needing the wire cutters. You realize you used them at home and that's where they are! Make your own checklist to fit your own needs.

Our box contains things such as:
 

• Scissors
• Safety pins (to use on table draping)
• Small wire cutters
• Red pen (for "Sale" items)
• Extra earring wires 
• Small tablet for notes
• Business cards

Some other things you should also take:
 

• Sales Tax chart for area
• Inventory list
• Cash box with money for show
• Calculator
• Container of wet wipes for hand
• Snacks
• Cooler with water and drinks
• Bags for customers
• Product signs for tables
• Shelves
• Rubberbands for table legs
• Tables
• Sheets for draping
• Over-covers

You are in business and should be aware of hidden expenses when doing a craft show. Look at Tax Deductions for some handy hints and an opportunity to learn more.

Now you are ready to set up your display. An 8' x 10' booth space sounds like an 8' x 10' space! But when you set up a configuration at one show it does not always work at another show. The booth might be on a corner or next to a pottery display with shelves of pottery that will detract from your display.

The best time you can spend during setup is to keep moving the tables around the booth area until you are comfortable with the way people can view your products, with any walking space, and your seating area, etc. Leave room for people to move and make viewing of the products easy. Don't drape your tables until you are satisfied. There is nothing worse then draping and starting to put out your items, then deciding that the area isn't arranged comfortably. Remember to leave a space for your chairs!

A table with covering to the floor makes an attractive setting for your products (and hides all the storage boxes underneath.) The covering