How to set up for an Art/Craft Show- Checklist
Posted: Sunday, July 24, 2005
by Victoria Case
vcad
There's nothing worse than setting up a great booth, and right before show time, realize there's something you have forgotten. So, I created a checklist for myself which I recommend for anyone planning to attend an event. Of course, depending upon what you sell, yours will have other items to add.
My list begins with money and promotion (after all, that's what it's all about). I usually bring $100 worth of bills/change in a small box or "fanny pack". And the following items:
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receipt book
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business cards (don't forget to advertise your website!)
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large sign with name and/or logo
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easel for large sign
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two lined paper pads for writing orders, names, phone numbers
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several pens
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calculator
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bags for items sold (with a business card inside each one)
Next is my display (some items are adjusted for indoor or outdoor shows)
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10 x 10 tent (I recommend a white tent)
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buckets with sand for weight
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pre-formed concrete filled buckets for tent poles (especially useful when setting up on asphalt)
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safety pins (for anything)
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large white sheet/material for sun protection pinned to tent back wall or sidewall (if needed)
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display tables
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material to cover display tables
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small broom/dust pan
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several garbage bags
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Windex and other cleaners (jewelry, wood, etc.)
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card racks or picture holders (mannequins, boxes, items used to hold your crafts for sale)
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display signs with item categories and prices
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tape (for anything)
Art/Craft work for sale
- Art/Craft items for sale and extra inventory to replace all the items you sell
- extra price tags
- extra material and tools used to make your products
Misc Items
- cooler with water, snacks
- paper towels
- moist wipes
- tissues
- hair scrunches or hat (for outdoors)
- sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm (for outdoors)
- gum or mints
- chair-in-a-bag: one that folds and comes with it's own bag (Walmart has these pretty inexpensive)
- money for lunch if you can buy it at the show, otherwise pack a lunch
I recommend
- no radio or music of any kind (unless you're selling it) should be played at a show
- cell phone calls down to a minimum- talk to your potential customers
- gas up the vehicle, you will use, the night before the show
- create a t-shirt with your logo and name for added marketing
- wear comfortable clothes for sitting and comfy shoes for standing
- check with the shows director (if you are alone) to see if someone will be available to watch your booth during the show for the inevitable bathroom run or lunch break.
This is just a basic list of items. In the beginning, the hardest part for me, was squooshing all of this in to a mid-size car! But, it's all about the fun, the chances taken and the whole experience. Smile, laugh and by all means, have fun!
About the Author: Victoria Case is a "made to order" artist creating hand drawn greeting cards, funny character prints, gallery work and more using ideas of her own or customized and personalized ideas of her customers.
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More commentsthankyou yes helpful i will be doing my first show i never thought to do a booth at home what a great idealeft by lesley from ontario
Yes! Exactly what I was loooking for. I'm in the process of getting ready for a big show and I wish I'd found this last year to help me with a better display.
I am getting ready to do my first art show, and was delighted to find your checklist. Do you have a suggestion for displaying small water color paintings and bookmarks? I would like to have varying heights on my display table but am not sure how to achieve that. Thank you!! Brenda from AtlantaThank you Brenda! Sadly I'm given limited space for responses here- please feel free to email me directly anytime to chat :) ~VictoriaI have a suggestion that might work. Cupcake stands! You can make them yourself with metal trays and glass candlesticks (both of which can be spraypainted) from the dollar tree store. Paint all materials and let dry overnight. The bottom layer should be a tray, followed by a candlestick (attach with a strong adhesive, such as e6000), folllowed by another tray, etc. Regular cakestands could also work, and you could make them to match a cupcake stand simply by placing the candlestick first then a tray. Hope this helps!WONDERFUL idea Shelley! Thank You!!
this is exactly what I was hoping to find online! Thank you for being so willing to share. Now I feel less likely to be at the show and wishing I had A, Q or Z!!
cheers, maureen
If it is going to be hot. A battery powered fan is the best thing you can have. Even better are those ceiling fans for inside the craft show tents, but the good ones are expensive. look for the fans that run on 4 D-cells, as they can last a whole weekend with some on and off time. I think maybe I got mine at Walmart but I am not sure. Heat and rain are the enemy!
Thank you so much for the help...My daughter and I are just starting the craft shows and this will help.......
Victoria, thank you for sharing your recommendations. I'm SO glad I came across your site. This has helped me tremendously because I am very nervous about our 1st arts & craft show and needed exactly these tips!Thank you Monica! I am still nervous with every show I do. You will do just fine! Most important advice I could offer- have fun! Wishing you many happy sales and wonderful weather! :o)
~Victoria~
You mention buckets of preformed concrete... what do these look like? How do you use them.
BTW, THANK YOU for the information on this list, my daughter is going to sell at her first art festival next weekend and we are soooo excited and nervious.
I know its been a year since this was posted but thank you so much! If I can add one other thing that I take, I take a portable heater in the late fall, early spring. It runs on portable propane tanks and its has made it possible to stay on days in the Fall I didn't think it would be possible. Thank you again!
Thanks , I put it in my Favorites .
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