The first market I ever did, I forgot to bring quite a few things with me that would have been super helpful…I even made the rookie mistake of not bringing extra change! It’s super important to come prepared to the next market or fair you do. You’ll feel much less overwhelmed and stressed and it could ultimately affect how well you do that day. Here’s all of my tips and also a checklist for how to prepare for a craft fair!
How To Prepare For A Craft Fair
Planning
The first thing you’ll want to do is plan out what inventory you’re going to bring as well as a list of any equipment you need to purchase. Here are a few questions you’ll want to ask yourself when you’re in the planning phase.
- What inventory will I bring and how much of each item?
- Do I have a plan for my table display? (If you don’t, check out this post that goes over some table display tips)
- How large of a space is my vendor spot?
- Is the event inside or outside?
- What is the weather forecast for the event day?
- Do I have basic equipment to bring?
- Is it during the daytime or nighttime?
- Does the venue provide tents/or lighting?
- Are there outlets that are accessible?
- Is there parking close by for loading and unloading?
Basic Equipment
Here are some examples of basic display equipment you should consider bringing.
Display Tables
Folding display tables are ideal for craft fairs. Think about how much and how large the items you’re bringing are, and buy a table according to the size you’ll need. I’ve made the mistake in the past of buying a table that was too small.
*Check to see if the venue states how large of a space you have to work with before committing to a particular table size.
Walmart has a great selection of affordable plastic folding tables.
Folding Chairs
You’ll definitely want to bring a chair to sit in, especially for all day events. Camping chairs work great for craft fairs because they are collapse-able, don’t take up much room, and they’re easy to load/unload.
Tent
Depending on the venue you are at, you may need to provide your own tent. This is especially important if you have items that could get damaged by sun or rain exposure.
*Again, verify with the venue if tents are allowed and what dimensions your vendor space is.
Business Sign
A business sign or banner is so important for your setup! It will most likely be the first thing that customers see, and it is a way for them to get to know and remember your business. You can pick up a chalk board sign, make your own, or have one professionally made.
Mini Clothing Racks and Shelves
You’ll want to bring some different kinds of display items that can sit on your table. This way, you can vary the display heights or even hang items to make your table setup more interesting.
Mini clothing racks would be great to use for items such as macrame, necklaces, and more.
The one pictured above is available on Etsy.
Wire Racks
If you have smaller items such as jewelry, you could consider purchasing some sort of wire rack to put them on display. You can purchase ones that sit on the table or ones that stand alone.
There are also ways you can DIY this yourself, such as the rack in this post.
Stand Alone Shelves
I came across these wood stand alone shelves by Vertical Ledge that look super modern and professional. These would be great for anything like jewelry, pottery, candles, etc.
Extra Storage Containers
I like to bring a couple of extra storage containers along for storing extra inventory, packaging materials, and miscellaneous items under the table. That way, they will stay contained and out of sight. These can also double as containers to carry all of your inventory when you are transporting everything.
Checklist For Craft Fairs
Below is a list I’ve made of all of the things I check that I have before I leave to go to a craft fair. These are just the things that I’ve found essential. There may be more depending on what kind of event you’re doing, but I think this covers the basics!
- Business license / any paperwork required for the event
- Display Table
- Chair
- Tent
- Extra Lighting
- Extension Cord
- Tablecloth
- Racks / Miscellaneous Display Equipment
- Extra Storage Containers and Baskets
- Pens / Markers
- Extra Tape / Twine / Safety Pins to secure and hang things
- Extra price tags
- Inventory List (if you use Square, make sure your inventory is accurate in the system)
- Business Cards
- Square / Venmo / Paypal QR Codes
- Square / Credit Card Payment Equipment (make sure it is charged!)
- Extra Cash For Change
- Bags / Tissue Paper For Packaging Purchases
- Water and Snacks
Free Printable Craft Fair Checklist
