It’s impossible to know exactly what to expect until you’ve actually done it. That’s true to craft shows as well. Others may provide very helpful tips, still each person, their craft or product and their vision is unique, so you must learn for yourself what works and doesn’t. Often this happens from trial and error. Still, I will share some recommendations based on what I have learned so far. They are in no particular order. 😁
Recommendations:
1. Do a mock set up! I am a highly visual person being able to easily visualize in my head without any props, but I still greatly benefit from doing a mock setup. A trial run helps with time management – what is taking too long during setup, verifying all your items fit inside the sized booth and everything can be arranged as you thought, and ensuring your booth will draw customers with its visual appeal.
2. Always get there early! Every show has a setup time which is typically two hours prior to the start of the show. I always arrive a few minutes before that time because often there’s a line of vendors waiting to be placed. Even if there isn’t a waiting line, it’s far better to have extra time at the end than arrive late and not finish in time. You never know what problems you could run into. And I’ve actually sold items before the start of the show because I was already ready to go.
3. Expect the unexpected – be flexible! The vendor next to you may be rude or loud or their table is intruding into your space. This plays off #2 but you may not have the exact or perfect 10×10 space you were told. You may have less setup time because some of it is spent getting checked in or wheeling everything to your space, or there could be uneven or wet ground, or a pole in the middle of your space. It’s far better to go into a show anticipating something out of the norm may happen even if you are as prepared as possible. You’ll need to be flexible, a problem solver, and often get creative.
4. Bring extras. If you can afford the space, bring extras because you never know. Some are okay with selling out of an item, but I prefer to not lose a sale if I can help it. I often will let extra-extras in my vehicle just in case.
5. Prepare for rain and wind, even if it’s not in the forecast! I recommend purchasing side walls for your canopy or some type of protection from the weather. My canopy came with sides and in addition I also have clear shower curtains to place at the corners of my canopy to cover the gaps at the poles. This helps block the rain and wind. I purchased cheap shower curtain rings to hang these to the canopy frame. Also, you can place pool noodles into the corners of the frame to avoid rain puddling on the roof of your canopy. This is also where string comes in handy so you can tie signs or other items down when it’s windy. I also have pretty sheer curtains. They are intended for decoration but can also be used to filter sunlight that shines directly on your products. For cold weather: Wear layers. Hot drinks. Some use heaters but I use disposable hand and feet warmers. On top of my winter coat, I use a blanket shawl, so I remain covered but my arms are free.
6. No merchandise is ever consistently sold. You may sell out of an item at one show but the next it remains seemingly unseen and untouched. It depends on the customers, the area, and the time of year.
7. A foldable wagon or hand truck is essential. You are often not able to unload your vehicle at the location of your booth. In that case, you will need something with wheels to easily transport your stuff from your vehicle to your booth location. One of my shows took at least a minute one way to walk from the parking lot to the entrance where others were also coming in and out, and finally to my booth for each load. Thankfully, I had two wagons going at the same time which cut down on the trips. But each trip cuts into your set up time so having a wagon or hand truck that holds more than your arms will save time and energy – and also your arms!
8. Bring something to do. Bring a book, a word find puzzle, a notepad for brainstorming, sketchbook or especially your craft to work on if it’s slow.
9. STAY OFF YOUR CELL PHONE!! I cannot express this enough. There is nothing more disrespectful than a customer shopping your booth while you’re scrolling your phone! Look up, smile, be attentive and ready to answer any questions or make a sale.
10. Bring a bin of tools. My bin of tools goes to every show whether inside or outside. I also bring a complete extra outfit and let it in my vehicle for possible coffee spills, rain, mud, etc. Included in my tool bin: sunglasses, clothes pins, safety pins, mini jewelry tools, scissors, rope, string, extra business cards, wipes, tissues, towel, microfiber cloths, paper towels, hand sanitizer, extra sign clips, zip ties, toilet paper, sunscreen, hair ties, bandaides/mini first aid kit, deodorant, multi-tool, tape, tags, paper, pens, counterfeit pen, portable battery chargers, binder clips, (this is always changing).
11. Expect to be exhausted. No matter how many times you’ve done it, how in-shape you are, how efficient you are or how long the show is, you’ll be exhausted. Physically and socially. It’s certainly a joy and worth the time and effort but undeniably exhausting.
12. Saving in one area always sacrifices in another. If you save space, you’ll likely lose time. If you save time, you’ll likely lose space. Choosing foldable or take-apart displays is great for fitting everything in a vehicle but they require more time in setup. Choosing displays that are in one piece or already put together means you’ll lose the space in your vehicle. You need to figure out what works best for you and what you’re willing to sacrifice.
13. Be willing to let go of things. Whether that is specific product that doesn’t sell but you love or maybe it’s your high expectations, be willing to let go and evolve (but be careful of #14).
14. Don’t lose sight of who you are. As creators and makers, we certainly want to make money and that means evaluating what does and doesn’t sell and being willing to make changes or improvements but do not become someone else in the process. Use others’ ideas to inspire and boost your creativity not as a reason to change what you do and what you offer to the world. If you are a traditional artist don’t start selling candles because it seems to draw customers (unless of course you are a multi-faceted maker). If you are an artist, be an artist and be confident in your art. Do be willing to make changes in how you sell your art (for example: original paintings vs on products) or how you display it. Do learn, grow and evolve within your craft. I’m not telling you not to step outside of the box and try something new but be careful that you don’t confuse your customers by changing your identity or brand as an artist. When I first began getting myself out into the physical world, I offered my art but also offered handpainted wooden crafts because I thought that would sell better than my art. Pretty soon, all of my time was spent on painting these wooden crafts, which honestly were a hit-or-miss sell, and I soon felt I lost my identity as an artist. It wasn’t really who I was or what I wanted to do. I abandoned that idea and have chosen to go back to who I am and what I do which is painting on paper or canvas. I have since expanded on my options within that but have remained faithful to my art.
15. Have enough cash and offer credit cards. Bring extra dollar bills. Lots use their phone for credit card transactions and I started there as well, but I didn’t like that others were touching my cell phone. As well it was sometimes difficult to get to the customer who is paying if there are many shoppers in your booth. I purchased the Square Reader for contactless and chip which I set on my table where it’s easily accessible for my customers. I do still operate it using my phone, but I feel it is much better than the customer paying via my phone. This is the one that I use with the dock.
16. Take pictures! This helps for multiples reasons. I take pictures of every setup, so I don’t forget what I did for the next show. Different angles, close up and further away. I also do this so I can process through the potential problems and possible changes I need to make for better efficiency or visual appeal. I even take pictures of how I secured signs and displays so I can look back for reference. Additionally, I take a picture of the items as the customers are purchasing in case I miss writing down a transaction. This does take more time at checkout, but I find that most customers don’t mind. I simply say it’s to keep track of my inventory. I have missed some because it was so busy and I was grateful to be able to look back.
17. Use a studio chair. This raises you above your table and the height of your displays which is also closer to the eye level of your customers.
18. Wear your craft or product! There is no better advertisement than wearing your own product. Also, shirts with your company name are a good idea as well.
19. Make your company name stand out visually! You decide how to make this happen, but it is essential. Your customers and fellow vendors want and need to know who you are. You will be remembered better and longer.
20. Make pricing visible to the customer. Don’t make them look for it or have to ask.
Let me know here if you have any questions or even your own recommendations! 😁