Art, Craft and Farmers Market Basics

What you need to know to set up at a typical market. It ain't all about product and pricing. The physical tents, displays, marketing, salesmanship, entertainment, and much much more will determine if you are a success.
Sorry about the focus in the video. I thought the camera tracked faces. 'Twas too late once I got into editing. The info is still OK though.
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[@robl2844]

I've been looking at questionable booth setup videos for hours now and was starting to despair. But when I saw wortheffort, I felt immense peace and relief. And it was not misplaced because you broke down the booth setup basics even better than I was hoping you would. This is a fantastic video, thank you.

[@dzymslizzy3641]

My late husband and I did the local and semi-local (never out of state) craft fairs for a few years. Our product was hand-crafted clocks, in various sizes. Our display was made from pegboard on frames that hinged together and could be put into a "Z" shape for stability. The clocks hung on peg hooks, displayed as they would be in a home, on "walls." We had a rear curtain on our booth, and we used the space between the rear of the display and the curtain to stash the boxes during the sales hours. ;-) Our tent anchors were 1-gallon buckets filled with concrete and eyebolts set in the middle: we tied the tent to the eyebolts with sturdy ropes, and it never moved at all. On the down side, by then we were competing with plastic crap clocks from China, and often barely broke even on the booth fee. :-( And hubby was a great sales talent: he could sell the proverbial ice cubes to Eskimos, while I would have trouble selling tissues to someone with a nosebleed! We transported and sold the clocks in the cardboard shipping boxes we bought to fit the various clocks. There were only about 3 sizes, and we had loading/unloading down to a science....but we never did run into a situation where we had to unload, leave our goods unattended while we parked our vehicle. We were always able to set up prior to moving the truck. (We didn't do farmer's markets.)

[@chadlowrance3999]

I jumped out of my chair when i saw what this weeks video was about. I knew you would keep it real and go into great detail about the side of woodworking for a living no one else on you tube acknowledges. The ones that do just gloss over like there scared your going take there buisness if they help you be successful. We are a minority that should be helping others in our community succeed. thanks for be honest and helping all aspiring woodworkers make a little cash.

[@bobbg9041]

No one raking in the money on sales untill you build a client base. What he's doing is hard work Its building value into your work, but people will go out and spend 3k on a TV imported from Asia made in a factory Thats going to break down after 5 years When that bowl will last a lifetime at a fraction of the price. Good solid bowls from local wood are hard to come by.

[@heatherscott2792]

I came across this amazing video last night. I have been wanting to make something like this for my shows, but couldn't quite figure out what I wanted. This is perfect as i really love the flexibility of it. Can you share some of the specs for it? Type and size of wood, lengths of shelves, distance between rungs, etc? Would just love some sort of starting point for putting something like this together. I've never done any type of woodworking, so this will be a first and quite a long project because of that, so anything that helps me get started would be greatly appreciated. Love the setup and love all of the information you provide regarding what you do at events to draw customers, store items, etc. Thank you!

[@countrylifetales2700]

Your videos are so insightful, so detailed, and so thought out. Thank you for taking the EXTRA time to EXPLAIN the details of the hows AND whys. You are a world of information and a great teacher. Thanks again.

[@crackerjack3359]

I saw your video 4 years ago. Still worth another look. Thanks.

[@sallisday1324]

Dude! Your Pro Tips Are So On Point. I've been studying videos for days, and you've covered topics that no one has touched. Love that shelf - heck, I'd like to have that in my office. Keep up the awesome work, Bro...SMILE!!!

[@lukethomas9289]

Love watching your videos, you have so much energy and passion. Your videos are helping me greatly. Keep em coming.

[@kitchennoob4940]

Your display shelves are nicer than anything I have ever build. Man, I love these videos. So much to learn.

[@wortheffort]

Nah, I"m sure you can do better.

[@kitchennoob4940]

I am just starting out. I really enjoying your learning series. You have some great content. Any videos you think a beginner, someone starting from nothing, should 100% watch?

[@wortheffort]

The classroom playlist.

[@dalenottingham2100]

Great job! I was looking for this type of video. Thinking of turning my wood hobbies into a business at 60 yrs old. Thanks for the excellent content! First thing, build the rack you use.

[@fiveletters]

Always such good advice. Thanks for all these videos! No one else talks about this side of the business in such detail aside from +makesomething kindly covering the financial and art show side.

[@wortheffort]

Just one quick note on his numbers. He never took into account overhead. You still have to pay for rent, insurance, and utilities for your shop even if you're not there (working a market). Plus, you have to pay yourself at least minimum wage to work the market. The numbers he used didn't add up to me big picture. And you will be competing with many individuals (mainly retiree's) who don't worry about that kind of stuff. They're happy to get cost of goods back plus maybe a little for a new tool. It's actually really common and if a market has many of those types I work elsewhere. Numbers are a big thing you have to consider. This is not an easy way to make a living.

[@fiveletters]

Oh absolutely! A big reason that David doesn't include those (I suspect), but they are absolutely paramount concerns for other folks, is that his shop is in his home, so the overhead for rent and fixed costs is commingled with what he would be paying anyway. Of course his utilities are surely affected, but of course that's an infinitesimally smaller cost compared to what a separate space would set you back. His main income is really from making videos, so selling pieces, plans, and books is a smaller part of the business. Sort of the exact inverse of what I imagine your situation is. Which is another reason I really appreciate you sharing all of this with the wider world! Anyone considering taking this up as a profession would do well to heed your advice.

[@kennetheginton3936]

Another fantastic presentation! You do a great job of explaining in detail the things that you have learned from your experience's from set ups in the past. Really give us a great edge for starting out for the first time. My first farmers market will be in June so I can see myself watching this again probably many times to make sure I didn't miss anything. Great Job!! Thank You! PS I better get busy making tops!

[@DraGunnTiss]

Really enjoyed this video! Always looking for new ideas on setting up booths, and how to display other than just having 2 tables. My daughter and I do mostly jewelry, crochet wearables/accessories but I think your shelving unit is a great idea! Definitely something different than just plain tables

[@chipsteinberg5046]

Thank you for the great advice. Just getting started in going to craft fairs with cutting/charcuterie boards and smaller turned pieces. Love the weight idea. Good luck and thanks again.

[@calvinbass1839]

This video never gets old. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day.

[@tman6204]

I love these shelves. That's what I needed to see. Thanks!

[@johnxeveriano6839]

Started watching with just the intention on staying for 5 mins. Watched the whole thing. Didn't even realize the time. Great video!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@rmacbow]

I like this. Have you put out a video on making the shelving?

[@wortheffort]

No but maybe later in year.

[@rmacbow]

@@wortheffort thanks, enjoy all your videos.

[@KirstanHoward]

@@wortheffort great video and i love your display units - did you ever make that video on how they are built? Or have a plan for sale? I want them!

[@wortheffort]

@@KirstanHoward I will in fall.

[@pmittler]

I learn more from your videos than any other. Well done. Your booth engagement and selling techniques are spot on. I just bought a OW2436 and all the coring bits for just under 10k CDN so yes, I want revenue to pay that off. but the lidded boxes... for $20 as a door crashed is a brilliant idea.

[@jeanettecarter7954]

Thanks, great info, will definitely use a lot of your ideas at my next farmers market Cheers from QLD Australia

[@royalmaster203]

thank you for taking your time to set up your booth and explain how all this works.

[@TheSafecrkr1]

DEFINITELY worth the effort, this time. Now that it's summer time I'm going to start building my displays based on your examples. I've got to find a mini lathe to use. I'm not going to haul my midi with me. Thanks for a great video. Jim

[@wortheffort]

Have fun.

[@wortheffort]

Check out the trestle lathe stand build for your mine. The metal ones don't last and I get good comments about it when I'm out. Dad had a Delta Midi for a while we used. They're a little heavier but work. He sold it and bought one like mine.

[@TheSafecrkr1]

wortheffort Thamks. I'll take a closer look at yours

[@michellemaris8460]

Thank you so much for this video. We ended up using your shelving idea but creating shelves on an angle to showcase charcuterie boards

[@JamesFMyers]

Man, I was waiting for you to spin the top! Haha!

[@dennisperez3965]

Very helpful video for the season coming up. I really like your display setup. Nice idea about demonstrating. Do you have to be concerned about insurance annnd do you use a plexiglass screen in front of the lathe?

[@ROWLESmade]

Great info man! We're prepping for our 1st fair in a few weeks and can use all the tips we can get. Subbed!

[@wortheffort]

Have fun. It'll show to the customers and they'll trust you more.

[@pettere8429]

Why am I watching this? I got a well paid job and hate selling stuff, yet this is intriguing.

[@dlawson716]

Thank you for the great information. I will be doing my first craft fair in October. Alot of things to look into.

[@AlexanderTES]

That's awesome! I'm 100% sure the same rules apply to any sort of work at a booth, including IT events like CES (Consumer Electronics Show). BTW, I was in Texas in 2008 - Austin & San Antonio are prettiest cities in Texas! :)

[@wortheffort]

It's just basic salesmanship/marketing.

[@UriValdez]

Awesome video, I had my first farmers market show a week ago, I quite enjoyed it but sold one piece. My setup wasnt the best, one table and was pretty crowded. My main items were cutting boards, I did meet a ton of nice people. Im Optimistic about doing much better on the upcoming weeks at the farmers market. Thanks for this video it helped me a ton

[@wortheffort]

You will occasionally goose egg. It's part of the realm. Which is why I'm always doing something that'll draw attention, produce a product, and offer an impulse buy opportunity. You're a creator so create, don't just be a cashier.

[@AbamAdy]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us.....

[@sofiaurias8817]

I love your set up! The three sided shelves are awesome. Great information. Thank you.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@kickboxingfarmingtonkarate3025]

thanks for all the time and effort you put into teaching and sharing... i hope all good things come back to you.. all aspects of you videos are Excellent

[@Ibaneddie76]

You do a lot of great things, much appreciated!

[@customizedtrainingservices2079]

What a great video!!!!! I have been a trade and consumer show consultant and trainer for over 20 years. You are right on with your display and sales techniques. I cringe when I go to shows and watch vendors sitting behind a table in a back corner of their booth eating and / or sitting and blame everything and everybody but themselves for their poor sales. Shows are an interactive process. They are one of the most effective means to sell your present and future products. There is so much great advice in this video I don't have time to comment on it all. Great visual marketing techniques. Congratulations!!!!!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@aixpert291]

Great video! Thanks for doing all that work for us!!

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

Awesome, I think what you do for newcomers and even oldies to the markets is brilliant, woodturning, incredible artists you and your dad , a quick word of advice from the uk widn s! on the eyes of your weights which are a great idea . I would run a strap up to the frame to hold it down more. Again made to measure to save time, but with dual height capability.... love also spare clothes for after setup as your hot and sweaty and a uniform like an company apron for demos , just to stand out, we do all the tricks over here like you... well done, its a hard life to make a buck.... I moved to Spain to retire and we have nothing like this here, no yard sales no car boot sales, not secondhand markets or makers market nothing like this at all. People here sadly do not have hobbies , they grown old, sit in the sun have a cigar and red wine and talk the day away instead, but down in my workshop i have 2 lasers and larege lead screw CNC , a jewellers table and a big C02 laser for cutting small stuff and after watching a lot of your videos and I just have room for a small lathe and I have bought one to make small things on as I have been talking to my spanish Mayoress who understands foreigners and she has said yes to a market on a regular basis.....At last someone who thinks in a forward way here!

[@wortheffort]

Sitges Villa Apartment I’ve found anchoring via straps to top of frame creates more movement. Strapped to legs (no way to slip off) and the canopy doesn’t sway so much. Don’t understand physics but real world....

[@sitgesvillaapartmentneilsc7924]

@@wortheffort sorry i meant to anchor them round the legs and on the top . double safety that way...... 😄

[@KipdoesStuff]

My goal is to do markets or online selling. everyone thinks you just make it and it sells. Or you can just throw together a booth an get rich. When I explain the amount of time an effort it takes to design, make, market, set up a booth, get recognition and maybe make a few bucks they think I am being difficult. Investing $300 for a short weekend event where you might not make a dime is risky to us poor wood workers. Thanks for all the videos.

[@walnutcreekwoodworksofjack3520]

Hey, this was a great program. I need a new tent or new cover for the old one.

[@EliteSniperFMJ]

I appreciate all the tips for selling that you put in here. I want to build and sell more projects but im very quiet and never held a sales position . Great video

[@wortheffort]

That's all good. Just act like your a great salesperson and you will be. That's what I do.

[@grantoaklands4724]

Great instructional on market selling, just what I needed. Thanks Grant 🇦🇺

[@mattsitton6826]

Thanks for sharing what you know.

[@wortheffort]

You're welcome.

[@joephillips8244]

To Learn, Create, and share with others. Sound advice! Very informative, thank you!

[@pecopecof8074]

You are incredible person!

[@denisblack5689]

thanks for such good advises

[@debbiewilson4655]

this was fantastic,thankyou for the effort to show us a very nice set up.Dave and Debbie from New Zealand

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@ParleysWoodedJourney]

Here in North Carolina, people feel the same way when I tell them I made something out of Bradford Pear. Some woods just have a bad reputation based on how the tree looks, even if the wood looks gorgeous.

[@byggehyggemedandersoglasse4878]

Another great video. Worth the effort is currenty my favourite youtube channel! Keep up the good work.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@paulgargulak8275]

your modular shelves are freaking awesome. I'm making mine this week.!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@walterrider9600]

thank you great info . you are right talk to the ppl . let em know you are here .

[@wortheffort]

agreed

[@jeffreypotter]

Thanks for all the tips. Love the display set up.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@danedewaard8215]

Great video showing Art Market setup! Thanks!!!!!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@turningtidefoundation6080]

Fantastic video buddy. Thanks so much for sharing so much information with us all. You rock buddy.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@michaelogden5958]

Wow! That was a LOT of work to make a video! Tons of great info. Thanks!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@herbsu4330]

You are the best! I sell carpenter bee traps, small boxes and cell phone stands. Any ideas for hanging the bee traps?

[@WoodFrontier]

Thanks for sharing the info - I'm at the beginning stages of getting to these markets.

[@wortheffort]

good luck selling.

[@x3cu70r]

Love the video, you always do great, very informative, educational videos. Keep up the good work!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@lukejohnson2854]

This is really good information. Thanks for being so open and honest (at your word) about this aspect commercial woodworking. A topic very pertinent to me as I wrangle with making hobby woodworking profitable (me hopes). Subbed!

[@wortheffort]

+Luke Johnson thanks

[@unknown_origin_81]

That looks like a Tilley Hat to me. I knew I liked you for a reason!

[@wortheffort]

William ya, too bad they don’t make that model anymore.

[@sarahschoenfeld9701]

Thank you for the helpful advice! I'm going to my first show soon, and appreciate your tips.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@terretulsiak]

I really love your style. Ever come to Tampa? We need someone different...

[@wortheffort]

No, travel is a rich man's luxury.

[@georgefrench1907]

Very useful. Thanks.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@georgiacorey954]

Best Video I've seen yet. Ty for tips

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@tobyfitzpatrick565]

THANK YOU! I just got started. My work is very detailed and intricate and I get a lot of "oooh! Ahhhh!" but very little sales so far. I'm kinda shy so I have to force myself to interact. I really like your tips. I need to put some thought into how to converse since I'm not into the hard sales.

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@KipdoesStuff]

If you have a chatty wife or husband, bring em' along and make them your sales person. It might cost you lunch but you have someone to interact with the crowd and watch the booth when you need to pee.

[@evoashes]

Really like this video! Great set up, Shawn!

[@bassinbob1965]

Hi! I am new at the business aspect of woodworking and I wanted to thank you for taking your time making and posting these videos.

[@ricchavens5858]

Great video!! Would you happen to have plans for the shelf towers and shelves?

[@wortheffort]

maybe a video... in a few weeks...

[@ricchavens5858]

that would be great! I'm doing my first art fair at the end of August so looking for display ideas

[@raytbrown2]

If you feel the need to ask this . . . facepalm. What on Earth will you put on the shelves, do tell?

[@ladypetunia2884]

I’ve never been so excited to see a shelving unit! Love this system and will make my own for an upcoming market. What kind of wood did you use? Pine? Thanks in advance! 🤍✨

[@wolvsbain]

that mesquite is real dark. the stuff here in AZ has a redish hue. Unless its black mesquite, thats some dark wood.

[@wortheffort]

+wolvsbain it was backlit.

[@trueitbycjtruitt9546]

I want to thank you for sharing this information, you opened up my mind , and learned stuff I never thought of , 🤔👊😎🤙

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@FridayFrida]

Great advice for any art/crafts maker. Thanks!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@cuervojones4889]

Who are these people who disparage the hackberry? Cousin to the noble elm and impervious to Dutch Elm Disease? I have a whole yard full of hackberries and I love those warty things!

[@mikedenmark4532]

Shawn - 2 Questions: 1. How do you get your blue smock from or the manufacturer? 2. Where did you get it monogrammed?

[@wortheffort]

Got as is at symposium.

[@edazim]

You rock man that is very valuable video thank you for that

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@cocolonger]

This may come a little odd, it would be a good thing for you to buy velcro and saw it to the inner sides of the tent, you need to buy similar fabric, velcro it or even buy rope saw it in the inside like a rope pouch if you will , so you can roll it up if it is sunny and tight it, buy need it be, pull the cord that tights the cord along the top and buttom, and in seconds you have a good cover against wind and rain. you could have them print with your logo, information etc, Don´t know much about wood working but trust me, I know about camps and tents for some reason.

[@wortheffort]

+Roy G you don't want sides in wind. The sides You buy for rain attach wt Velcro.

[@cocolonger]

Perhaps, I have never sold anything like on shelfs and I don´t have the experience, thank you for sharing your videos and techniques.

[@Thom4123]

Thank You so much for all the great information.

[@MrCRMapleFarm]

BRAVO!

[@kgwoodturning]

Greta video! Have a question, what if there is not an electric outlet to set up your lathe? Is there something you do like a generator or something to set up when there is no electric outlet close by? Do you choose another option like finishing pieces or painting etc that you do when there is no electric option? Thanks for sharing. Your videos are always so entertaining, helpful and informative! :)

[@chuckatkinson5055]

Love the channel your realistic approach to turning and selling. I have a question I'm thinking about getting into turning but i can't stand long before my back kills me so what suggestions would you have that might remedy that?....thanks Chuck

[@wortheffort]

They have lathes design to sit at.

[@chuckatkinson5055]

@@wortheffort thank you

[@Twansaxstudent11190]

Lots of really great tips in here! How tall and deep are those shelves? It seems like it is a very attractive and efficient set up!

[@CookeSonsCarpentry]

Very informative thanks for the great advice

[@kristi8484]

Love this video !! Thank you for sharing !!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@cyrnus]

What is the size and weight of your pvc tubes?

[@pennysaskiakramer2126]

Very helpful

[@timglynn189]

Where can I find those shelves?

[@damianmaynard8502]

Really beautiful work Mr. 💪👏😉

[@wortheffort]

Thanks, I think... don't speak emoji.

[@dustinculbert5135]

Great tips thank you.

[@eirafromalaska]

which generator do you guys use?

[@antjuanjenkins9908]

Your video was very helpful. Thank you

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@HBSuccess]

That was great! Truly. I’ve worked a lot of those events not knowing what the heck I was doing - you just schooled me so thank you!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@gerardwebster1251]

Great advice!!! I'm looking to doing both indoor and outdoor shows some day. Hans Meier, a scroll saw artist, also has a very good video on the Gwinnett Woodworkers You Tube channel. Also, what is your method of taking payments?

[@wortheffort]

Other than cash, cards and checks. Well I've been known to give a top away for a good smile.

[@KipdoesStuff]

Try to be open to as many forms of payment as possible. Cash is great but everyone wants to use their debit card for $1.00 purchases. Try to find a e-retail choice that doesn't gouge into your profits but still allows you to make sales.

[@derekjanzen9745]

Wonderful video! (I wanted to watch you make a top)

[@wortheffort]

Thanks, I have a video explaining Newtons Laws while making a top.

[@dennynebgen2283]

I realize this video is a few years old. However I was wondering if you still take your lathe to shows and how pricey is your liability insurance for such insurance? Is it even possible to get it?Thanks

[@paulmurphy612]

Thanks for a good video. I've never done this. How much of a concern is theft/shoplifting?

[@wortheffort]

It happens....

[@vonormykirk]

Did you say calibassi walnut? I tried looking it up, but I got nothing.

[@wortheffort]

it's a bowl shape not wood species.

[@setyobhakty752]

Good reference & idea, good luck bro...

[@wortheffort]

Thanks

[@dennishughes3250]

At last! I can give you a tip! Don't tell Texans that it's Hackberry. Make the sale, and, if you are feeling ethical, slip a note in the bag about the origin. :)

[@wortheffort]

Where you a used car salesperson in a previous life?

[@dennishughes3250]

Ooh, harsh. :)

[@daddywoofdawg]

You have a video on making the shelving? looks like what I would like to make

[@wortheffort]

Maybe later in the year.

[@MarikaIomaLantz]

Thanx for sharing ❤️😍❤️😘👍

[@raytbrown2]

Awesome advice!

[@wortheffort]

Thanks