Craft Show Tips | How To Prep, Set Up & Take Down For A Craft Fair | Day Of Tips & My Set Up

I am sharing how to prep, set up, take down and what to expect the day of your craft fair / market from my personal experience! I hope this information is helpful in your craft show journey!
Prep work is important! I walk you through each step of the craft fair process. I begin by choosing a show and how I decide what shows to do.
Then, you need to prepare for the show! What items are you taking, price ranges, set up, etc.
What items do you need to set up for a craft fair? What items do you need for the day of?
I cover all of this to the best of my ability, based on my own experiences!
If I missed anything, or need to clarify further, please leave me a comment! I am happy to answer any questions you may have!
0:00 Intro
0:43 Picking A Show
3:20 Picking Items/Inventory
7:01 Pricing Range
9:12 Price Tag Prep/Business Cards
12:33 Booth Set Up & Prep
22:53 Make Lists
23:30 Pack Your Vehicle The Night Before
24:20 Get There Early
25:36 Booth Neighbors
26:21 Day Of
31:27 Alternative Payment Options
32:30 Bags For Purchases
33:07 Interacting With Customers
36:08 Be Observant/Learn
39:52 Breaking Down/After The Show
41:43 Final Thoughts
43:20 My Most Recent Set Up
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[@KraftingWithKandace]

Do you have any helpful tips to share?!

[@tommyjones1357]

I’ve been watching hot dog cart store on youtube. One of his guys said make sure you’re spread put nice and big. It makes sense: canopies create perimeters. This one dude had this coffee cart. Thing was decked out stainless steel. Looked like it costed a fortune and he paid some designer to cover it in modern urban bullcrap. Anyway, because it was such a small setup, I was reluctant to approach him. Had he been bigger, it would be more inviting for me to walk up without necessarily engaging him directly. Time to browse and investigate before committing to talk to the dude. But no, my only option was to walk right to him given the limited space. So make sure you have space. People are more likely to approach without committing to an interaction which makes them more comfortable. With more space, you can attract more people. With more people, you can attract more people. Don’t forget signage! I had to ask this dude if he sold Iced Coffee. You would think, for as much as he spent on the high tech modern urban stainless setup, he would have made his sales items clear with proper signage. Then I had to ask him how much for the Iced Coffee. He said six dollars. Brutal. Then he told me he’s be back in ten minutes because he had to run back to his car to get more. Needless to say I walked away and never looked back. I am opening a coffee stand/table/kiosk, building it out of pine, and am doing the exact opposite of what our fancy coffee kart vendor did. If he didn’t try to squeeze everything into his little fortress of a kart, he would have more room and more product to sell! I’m going to grab the DSLr camera and make a big ass sign that says Cold Brew in tiny letters followed by ICED COFFEE in big bold letters. I want people to know I have Iced Coffee from 50 feet away. I also have a plush bear made by another business which will be my mascot. It’ll be fun paying that gal for 10 bears and hopefully many more after!

[@ninirossau2304]

another tip is to help your fellow sellers. at our christmas fair in 2019 I had a newbie as a neighbor. and as I am a...busybody , I reworked her setup (with her blessing) to best display her pieces. and one day I sold a couple of her pieces to some straglers. The point is to make the experience as good as possible for both guests and sellers.

[@KraftingWithKandace]

I LOVE this tip and I completely agree! I tend to always befriend my booth neighbors and help however I can! I also love taking a leap to see what else is around! This gives me the opportunity to send people other people's way of we are chatting and something comes up that I think they may like, or they are looking for! 💕

[@Steve-px1vg]

Here's my 2 cents.... My wife and I have been doing arts and craft fairs in Ohio for approx. 8 years now. Here is what we have learned: 1. Start small. Do one or two fairs the first year. See what sells and what doesn't. 2. Network. Take paper and pen with you. Talk to the other craft vendors, mostly the ones that don't sell similar items to yours. Ask which fairs are the best for them. Write it down and check them out next year. 3. Pricing. Due to inflation and dollar stores, people don't really want to pay what your item is truly worth. It is also extremely hard to get paid for your time. I normally just add a few dollars above the cost of materials. Sometimes, if the cost is low enough you may be able to double it. 4. Have a range of priced items. Ex: 50 cents up to whatever. I have seen most people look for items that are $20 and less. 5. New items. Unless you are selling an item that can be used up, like soap, candle, bath bomb, etc. Then consider adding a new item to your craft booth each year, while removing the least selling item. 6. Mindset. Stay happy and positive. When people come into your booth greet them with a warm and friendly smile. If they seem interested in an item, tell them a little bit about it. Like if it is from recycled materials, how you made it, or where you got your inspiration from.

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you so much for sharing!! This is all amazing advice!! 💕

[@rachaelt3294]

All great tips! Fellow Ohio seller here! HI!

[@tommyjones1357]

Opening a modular coffee shop. My fiancé was selling items at the craft fair and I really enjoyed helping her setup. I looked around and thought: “Someone should really sell coffee here.” Then I thought: “I should sell coffee here.” Spoke to the guy who runs the craft fair. He said I would need a food license from the health department. Been down the rabbit hole ever since: Formed an LLC, got my trademark, been building my kiosk/stand, establishing relationships with a local roaster, baker, and other businesses and having a blast! Met up with the guy who runs the craft fair a month later explaining that I’m building a coffee business. He was excited and told me I could have my booth space for free. :) I’ve learned to always ask for help. “If you don’t ask, the question is always no.” Is a sign up at Jimmy Johns Sandwich Shop and it’s so true. People are happy to help when it’s a project they care about. My goof friend is a professional graphic designer and was happy to create a logo for me. My colleague is a developer and started running with design ideas for a website. Fiancé is a professional visual merchandiser so I’ve been asking for her help on layouts and color choices. Place across the street prints business cards so I walked over there and they’re happy to do business. Found a roastery in an old town I know and love and those dudes have been cool as hell. Working with my church to upgrade their kitchen and certify a proper commissary. I think they’re going to put my on the council. In exchange for using their kitchen, I’ve agreed to maintain it, keep the bathrooms clean, keep cleaning supplies stocked, and donate coffee to the congregation. Everyone benefits in business. The good lord loves a cheerful giver and one of the easiest things most of us can give is our time. Doesn’t matter if it’s for charity or just working a job. The whole system works because people are willing to labor. Business creates jobs and provides us with all necessities and luxuries of life. Business is actually the best way a person can “give back to society”. God bless. :)

[@KraftingWithKandace]

I love this! Thank you for sharing your story! I hope it inspires others! Best of luck!

[@comfortandjoy9489]

My sisters and I have sold baked goods at market for about 15 years, we are glad for the coffee sellers!

[@comfortandjoy9489]

I think I’m gonna steal that business card/ price tag idea!

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Good luck! 💗

[@carolynwalker9920]

I’ve just found your video. It’s very helpful. One thing like you said with pricing I find hard too as some people say is that all you’re charging and then another will pick it up and put it down and walk away. ❤❤❤

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you! Yes, I've tried to stay steady, knowing my crowd will find me with time, but it is hard! I keep my prices as "fair" as possible. And with that, even over a year later, I still get people on both sides.

[@Jah-tv6pm]

This was very helpful. I sell jewelry and I have my first craft fair in a few weeks. So I’m very glad that I found this

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Glad it was helpful! I hope your craft fair went/goes well! 💖

[@ginnycook9224]

this was very helpful!!! I am just starting my journey into the craft fair aspect of things. I always sold to coworkers. Now I have moved and retired from that job. thank you for sharing!

[@KraftingWithKandace]

I'm so happy it was helpful! Happy retirement and best wishes for your crafting journey! If you have any quey I might not of covered, I'm happy to answer any you may have, to the best of my ability! ❤️❤️

[@susanlemee564]

Thank you so very much for all your tips! You gave great ideas as I’m just starting out with fairs. I did work in a small family store for years so I know about people but your tips were excellent! Thank you

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you so much! I'm happy you found them helpful! Best of luck! 💕

[@ahnagirl04]

Hi, how did you make the printout of your Venmo code?

[@KraftingWithKandace]

I opened the app on my phone, screenshot the QR code, emailed it to myself and then cropped it and added wording in Word! 💕

[@kathleenholt6008]

Thank you for your tips. I wish there were more pics of what you were talking about/your setup instead of you talking. I’m visual, I guess.

[@KraftingWithKandace]

I am happy the tips are helpful, but I do understand being a visual person! I do wish I had more pictures of everything at the time of filming.

[@coastalcraftystudio4448]

Great information! Thank you.

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful! ♥️

[@correnawills9419]

Thank you so much! Doing my first show in a month and this helped so much, especially the lattice for wreaths!

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you! I wish you the best of luck! Do be careful with the lattice, though mine was sturdy, we had a massive wind storm come through and it blew mine over and broke it! Fixable, but broke nonetheless! On typical days, even with some wind, it helps up fine! 💗

[@oldfart269]

You're spot on about craft show pricing! In my area I have seen prices from $25.00 to $100.00 for a 10x10 space! I try to be unique in that I try not to duplicate what others have. Why should people visit me when two others have the same things? I do small wood projects (refrigerator magnets, coffee mug trees, tea light holders and cell phone charging stands, to name a few), and I have recently begun lamp making which for me isn't hard at all. I make lamps out of a variety of materials and try to be as unique as I can. I have several made of wood, a couple wood/metal lamps, one jug, a vintage syrup bottle and a plastic Folgers jar. I also have a log lamp. I have not heard a single bad comment about what I have to sell. People are interested enough to stop by and look, but they don't want to take the plunge to buy. I'm approaching my wits end!

[@marvam1414]

Excellent ideas thank you ☺️

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank YOU! ♥️

[@shawnas464]

Super helpful. Thank you. I’m so nervous!

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you! You got this! 💕

[@Risharnec]

I’m currently looking for my first market to attend. These tips were super helpful, thank you! I’m so worried I won’t have enough items to sell

[@KraftingWithKandace]

I'm so happy you found this helpful! I definitely remember that feeling when starting out! Be kind to yourself! Good luck!!

[@lorikorstanje2964]

Great information thanks for all the suggestions

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@jasminesjourney9318]

Thank you for all of your tips!

[@KraftingWithKandace]

You are so welcome! Best of luck! 💓

[@ayoung1821]

Great info! Thank you!❤️

[@KraftingWithKandace]

You are so welcome! Thank you for the feedback! 💕

[@anacalderon6321]

Thank you very much for the information, very helpful the way you explained.

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you for your time! I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@SharonRStudio]

Thank you. This was very informative. I love the lattice for display idea. I do watercolor paintings and notecards, as well as jewelry and crafts. I’ve only done shows in my neighborhood community building, but I am looking to try other shows. I love the portability of everything you use, and the tips about display, demeanor and process are very helpful. ❤

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you so much! I will say, the lattice piece is a bit heavy, so keep that in mind! I want to try and do a similar display but with wiring, I just haven't quite come up with anything yet. Best of luck to you!! 💕

[@peliciablackmon8200]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Absolutely! I'm glad it was helpful! ❤️

[@talnyshernandez4884]

Thank you for sharing your tips

[@KraftingWithKandace]

My pleasure 😊

[@cammycarruthers138]

These were great tips, just what I needed, heard a few more ideas, I also need a wreath display like your lattice idea. I was looking for a old wooden ladder, but haven't found one yet. Also liked the pretty non cash looking box, for your cash.

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you! The lattice works very well, but an old ladder would be beautiful! Best of luck at your shows! ❤️

[@darlinespring4066]

Nice video. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you 💗

[@Gustavo-dm2zh]

You helped me a lot with your advice even I'm not from the USA. Thank you!

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad this information was helpful! The best of luck to you! 💗

[@LyricTheAlicorn]

This video is very helpful.. my mom and I are considering being a vendor in a local craft show in November (she makes wreaths and I do keychains)

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you! I think you should give it a shot! Good luck, if you do! 💗

[@shays_creations]

I put two business card holders on the table. One on each end of the table. They take them too. I also have freebies but no one knows the price to buy or that I have them. I always have $1 items.

[@sandrawhitaker8008]

Thank you,I have my first flea market sale this weekend,lots of great info❤

[@KraftingWithKandace]

No problem at all! Good luck!! 💗

[@desireedolder4873]

this was so helpful because i have a craft fair next month and im so nervous but now that i watched you explained everything i can perpared myself for my craft fiar and im new to your channel thank you for sharing this wonderful information and i also followed you on tiktok

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Wishing you the best of luck! Thank you for your support! 💕

[@tracywykoff1308]

I just found you. I am new to craft sales but not to crafting. I am trying to start marketing my work to help support family finances. Your video so extremely helpful! Thank you for all your insights ❤ I subscribed to be able to look at your other posts to get more helpful information.

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Welcome and thank you so much! Best of luck on your journey! 💕

[@GoTips]

😊😊

[@jennyreynolds30]

This was so informative and enjoyable to watch Kandace thankyou. Do you have ideas of how to display stuff esp bags, makeup bags, tote bags, purrses etc?

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you! I'm not sure! I have seen others use small risers, large spice rack type of shelves (for a lack of a better way to explain it) or possibly wide set, clear plastic mail sorters. If you have ones with handles, you could make a framed chicken wire display to hang them from with small hooks. I'm sorry I can be of more help! 💗

[@jennyreynolds30]

@@KraftingWithKandace that's fabulous, thankyou so much x

[@sweetolie1]

I agree!! If no price shown on item . I walk away. I do not have time (who does) to wait and ask price especially if they are talking to other people. I will go to next vendor, and walk in to flip over to price. Plus like you said, it gets me INSIDE their area to maybe buy MORE.

[@sweetolie1]

Another thing I will walk away from...is OVER CLUTTERED AND STUFFED FULL TO BRIM tents or areas ...not taking chance on breaking something with my purse or small tight area...plus it seems grungy and dirty to me.

[@KraftingWithKandace]

I absolutely agree! I'm a bit of a clutz, no thank you! 😅

[@JessicaSalasS]

LMAO 30:50 🤣🤣🤣 You need a different item. but II get it and love the idea thank you

[@KraftingWithKandace]

My little hot mess of a box! Haha I have since upgraded! I have another video planned to show my upgrades and changes, but havent quite put it together yet! Ha

[@sheenadavis5422]

Thank you for all your help. I do a tent and 2 tables set up every Saturday but I will be doing a fall event inside where I set up two tables. Do you have any information that can help with how to do that set up? Thank you in advance for any helpful information. Sheena

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Just make sure you have things that help elevate items to different heights! It will be more appealing to the eye! Target Dollar spot usually have some choices of "risers"! Wooden crates also are a great choice! Or, smaller cardboard boxes that you can wrap in nice plain crate paper! Or a wrapping paper that isn't super busy, that may clash with your items. Also, be sure to use tBle clothes! They make a huge difference! Even if it is just plastic ones from Dollar Tree! I tend to like neutral colors, without designs on them! Again, to avoid it being overwhelming to the eye! 💕

[@bettysue52]

I'm watching one year after you posted. I'm a pretty old Nana who is going to do her first show and I don't have a hundred things to put out (I've seen this so often) I'm not sure how to fill the gaps. I'm making toddler jackets from old quilts and don't even know what would compliment them. eeeek

[@KraftingWithKandace]

That's ok! I'm not sure how you plan to display them. If you plan to hang them up on a rack then I would just have a small table for cashiering and maybe your information! Also stating if you happen to take custom requests. Or maybe print out pictures of the quilts before, if you have them! That way you can show the transformation! If you plan to just lay them around the table I would just have some of it spread out and maybe in her mixed with pictures and information 💕 I hope this makes sense. Not having a ton will allow you to keep your space very open and welcoming! I sometimes have issues with it being too cluttered and people not being able to enter the booth because not many people can fit in at one time! I wish you the best of luck! 💕

[@bettysue52]

thanks so much for the quick reply, I got so much out of this vid I would have surely forgotten. And the before pics is a great idea. @@KraftingWithKandace

[@jacquelinemuntz5903]

Hi. What's your opinion on which is better, inside or outside set ups? I have my first pop up shop on 6/25/2023 and I can choose where I would like to set up. Thank you! Love the video, I learned a lot!

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Honestly, I think it depends on where you live, the time of year and your items! For me, I love setting up outside, when I know the chances for nicer whether are around. However, many of my items are meant for indoors, so I have to choose wisely depending on the time of year because I've had disasters happen before that ruined many of my pieces. A massive rain storm one time and an insane wind storm another. Indoor is always safe, how we, people like to be outside when whether permits! Can I ask what you will be selling?

[@jacquelinemuntz5903]

@@KraftingWithKandace I do sublimation, so I'll be selling clothing apparel, tumblers, tote bags, etc. It's summer in Michigan so the weather will be nice. I think I'm going to set up outside. Thank you so much for the input. I greatly appreciate you!

[@laurielarue7776]

Very wonderful information. I have done many shows in the past... My girlfriend and I did jewelry... And of course everyone else did too. So we tried to change our market to something entirely different... Lol so did the other vendors... Also when we changed it to something else they had basically copied us... This happened often... Became very frustrating... How would you handle this situation?

[@KraftingWithKandace]

I absolutely know that feeling! Though "imitation is the greatest form of flattery", it's really not when that person is copying everything you do, especially without credit. I've learned to just focus on myself, my items and staying true to what I love! It will keep you successful in the long run as those other people (most of the time) drop off because they aren't in it for the right reasons. Just keep going, dear! 💕

[@hopefoster2868]

This was excellent!! Any advice as to best way to tag items? In guild shows we use a 1inch tag with description, price, guild club ID number. Do you think some small items like earrings look better with mini tags? I strive to highlight the item and not the price💜

[@KraftingWithKandace]

At shows, I use business cards and right the price and information on the back. I just like knowing everyone is leaving with my information. However, I do think mini tags are a great idea for earrings! I think it is more important to showcase the piece over the price as well! Possibly a small price sticker on the back of the individual earring holders?

[@shelbygilliam6281]

Hi I’m watching 10 months after you posted this video but I am now a month away from my first show! I’m very excited and trying to do whatever I can to get things done early. I had a question about your Venmo and PayPal options. I personally would feel more comfortable messaging you privately if that’s okay.

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Oh best of luck! I'm happy to chat! You can email me [e-mail] Or message me on my FB page!

[@chandanederostek6206]

Hi. U wouldn’t believe how many times I have watched some of your crafting videos especially this one. You have been so helpful. But I’m having an issue that I don’t know how to figure out and I’m hopeful that maybe you may be able to help. I’m newer to crafting so I do not know people. There have been coordinators that have lied to me. Like one woman said they’ve been running their show for 25 years but when I got there I found out it was their first year. I didn’t expect the coordinators not to be truthful. Most of the shows around me are annually so it’s not a weekly or monthly thing. I know there are some that are more regular but it’s too late for me to get in this year. It’s been really disheartening. This year I had 1 good show that I thought I was good show but it’s an annual show. All the others were a total fail. Do u have any advice for people looking for shows. I make soap and other bath and body products. I know this is an older video so I hope u see this. Thank u for ure help in ure wonderful videos.

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Thank you so much for your support! I'm so sorry to hear that you've been going through that. Typically when I look for a show I try to do some digging to see if they have a past Facebook page where they've posted and seeing how much interaction that gets. I also like to ask around to people I may know personally, and other vendors that I might stumble upon from different Facebook posts. Unfortunately a lot of it is just trust. Finding what fits best for you does take a little time. I will say I do best in fall and winter. People are shopping for the holidays and I always tend to do better then. Springtime, specifically this spring, I've been breaking even with my fees and taking home just a bit more. It's been a bit tough lately. But just trying to gather as much information, before signing up, is all I can really suggest. Unfortunately, you are putting your trust in others. 😔

[@chandanederostek6206]

@@KraftingWithKandace thank you! This really does help me understand a bit more. It has been seeming that way. That I have to put my trust into others and that’s been so hard because I’m realizing there are people out there that are not honest at all. I realize now that the shows I’ve responded to on Facebook haven’t had much interaction at all. I will def keep an eye on that. I didn’t think how important that would be. I’be heard before that fall to winter time is the best time with leading up to Christmas so it’s nice to hear you confirm that. Something to look forward to. Thank you for taking the time to respond. It’s nice to talk to people that have a lot of experience.😊

[@dianarockwell6256]

Having a candy dish or pens to give away or buttons to give away always draws people to your site. People love free things and you can get pens for literally pennies with your logo on them.

[@KraftingWithKandace]

Love these suggestions! I have noticed many smiles and interactions made solely on people get a sucker from my booth! 💕