Craft Shows: Tips and Tricks, My Booth Setup

I have been selling my work at craft shows for years now and I do over 15 shows a year. Lately I have had a lot of people wanting help getting started with shows so I decided to show how I set my booth up and give some basic info about craft shows as well as tips and tricks. I hope this video helps you out and if you have more question that could be another video topic ask away.
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[@SawDustMakerRJM]

I have done craft shows ever since I met my wife 30 years ago and can fully agree with the advice that Drew gives in this video. One of his best pieces of advice is to have several ways to set up your booth. Great video Drew!!!!

[@oxintheshop]

thanks Richard

[@ManCrafting]

There is a lot of things to think about and consider when doing a craft show. You gave a really good run down of things to be aware of. Having seen your set up first hand, you know what your are talking about. I think a lot of people will get a lot from this video. Great Craft Show Primer.

[@oxintheshop]

Thanks Chad I hope this helps people and I hope this turns into something I can do more of to help people starting out

[@DaveGatton]

Wow!!! That was a fantastic video filled with lots of great information Drew. I am really looking forward to more videos about the craft show topic. Thank you for sharing!

[@oxintheshop]

Thanks Dave I am already working on a few more ideas for videos

[@tylerho1443]

Man I love your design so much. So simple yet so effective. I’m a woodworker myself and I am struggling to design a craft fair booth, but your video gave me so much ideas!

[@oxintheshop]

Thanks Tyler glad to help more show videos coming soon

[@ceemariejaye5453]

Love the woodwork and great tips. Still very relevant

[@cambieblu]

First show ever, indoors, in two weeks! I must be nuts. Thanks for removing some of the mystery.

[@oxintheshop]

Good luck on the show I hope it all goes well.

[@MrsTiffanyGrey]

How nice of you to share this!

[@oxintheshop]

no problem tiffany hope it helps

[@DreadKnotWoodshop]

I have been waiting and waiting for you to put this out! Good job Drew!

[@oxintheshop]

LOL yea I know you have took a me a while to do but I hope it helps

[@ESCAGEDOWOODWORKING]

Great tips Drew!! Thank you for sharing this...

[@oxintheshop]

your welcome eloy thanks for watching and I hope this helps you out doing some shows this year

[@naysworld]

Great set up! Your products are fabulous.

[@donnymcarter]

Great info Drew! Thanks for the shout out of the podcast!

[@oxintheshop]

no problem Donny thanks again for having me on the podcast. It was what jump started the questions that lead me to making this video.

[@spindlesworkshop9744]

Thanks for all your tips!!

[@dianemowery2037]

Great video! I really liked those hinging shelves. What a super easy and quick way to set up!

[@oxintheshop]

Awesome video coming soon on showing how to make your own

[@danthemakerman]

Great video very informative and concise. I liked the bullet points towards the end.

[@oxintheshop]

yes I liked the bullet points part too

[@frankbelli1401]

This is great. I'll definitely make my set up like this. I'm new to the craft show field so I hope setting up like this will make my craft shows go alot better then they have been.

[@oxintheshop]

Awesome glad to help fingers crossed that shows come back

[@victoriadeyot9321]

Awesome video thank you! My daughter has signed us up for our first craft show in October so this should be interesting. I’ll be launching a new company soon and although there is still a great deal to do digitizing the artwork etc. this will be a good opportunity to get some idea of what will sell. I love your work. My dad was an engineer but always did furniture grade woodwork, all of my life I’ve restored antiques or re-invented an existing piece when I couldn’t necessarily afford to get brand new. Whenever I see work like yours on display I have to “pet” it, wood has a warmth to it when handled properly. I still cherish the pieces I refinished all by myself when I was young, it was a right of passage in our house. We’re in Ocala Florida but I have a brother in law in Atlanta and I’m always there in November for an event held by Anna Griffin. It is beautiful up there. I grew up in Gainesville and Tallahassee with a large part of my family living just a few miles from the Georgia line. Thank you for the insight. I’ll definitely check out your other videos.

[@oxintheshop]

tell your daughter i said good luck and if y'all have any other questions let me know i plan on doing a few craft show tip videos soon.

[@countrysideworkshop]

Drew, killer intro into craft shows. I’m looking forward to the checkout station. I’m getting into shows this year and I am looking to build a checkout station to look more professional.

[@oxintheshop]

Thanks Jeremy. hopefully Ill have it soon. good luck this year

[@AndyBirkeyMaker]

That's a lot of good information, dude. Well done!

[@oxintheshop]

thanks Andy I hope it helps some people out

[@kahunawife1]

Thank you for this! Great information and very well presented! You rock! (And your work is lovely)!

[@oxintheshop]

Thanks and I’m glad to help hopefully we can get back to some what of a normal and the show will start back

[@amandagomezperez4868]

Great advice! I'm having my first bazzar! This helps alot

[@oxintheshop]

Awesome let me know how it goes

[@CrossCutCreations]

Thanks for the information! That's an awesome booth set up!

[@oxintheshop]

yes thanks again for talking to me and making me want to finish this video

[@SlapStuffTogether]

This was a great video, very to the point with good reasoning on set up. Thanks for the information!

[@oxintheshop]

thanks for watching let me know if you have any future topic to talk about that could help

[@kristi8484]

This was great !! Thank you so much for sharing !!

[@oxintheshop]

No problem Kristina just glad to help more show related videos coming

[@carinasoria8445]

I totally love your desk

[@oxintheshop]

Lol thanks to me it makes the whole booth look more professional

[@janetchristian5593]

Thank you so much for creating this video (took lots of notes lol). Best wishes and continued success.

[@oxintheshop]

Thanks Janet I’m glad I could help

[@frankbelli1401]

Setting up your stuff on tears like this us definitely a must. It works very well!!

[@oxintheshop]

Yes I think it is the best way to do it so people see everything

[@frankbelli1401]

@@oxintheshop I agree. It works so well.

[@zofoblueszofoblues8339]

TYVM. I learned more than I thought i would !!!!!

[@oxintheshop]

awesome. if you have any other questions about shows that could be a video topic let me know

[@LydiaMay]

Thank you for the info. 👍

[@oxintheshop]

Your welcome Lydia let me know if you have any question too

[@sean09161973]

I was looking on you tube and clicked here nice video great presentation nice bowls good job

[@allandedomingo]

Thank you for sharing your booth set up

[@oxintheshop]

No problem glad to help

[@cathysonlinesales]

Thanks for showing what you use to set up!

[@oxintheshop]

No problem just glad to help

[@agould105]

Very helpful information. Thank you

[@oxintheshop]

No problem glad to help

[@TJSWOODWORKINGSHOP]

Hey bro I hit that bell so I wont miss any more of your videos ok keep up the good work :)

[@oxintheshop]

awesome thanks

[@siriuslysami]

New ga crafter here! I’m doing my first craft show on the 25th here in Dallas ga! I’m so grateful your advice! I’d love to see you at an event one day!

[@oxintheshop]

Good luck hope it went good was it paulding meadows

[@kirstiegreen6557]

Great video!!👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 I learned a lot. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@oxintheshop]

Thanks Kirstie glad to help

[@SouthernGinger]

Great tips Drew!

[@oxintheshop]

Thanks Zack

[@amykeever8527]

Thanks so much for the great Information!!

[@oxintheshop]

No problem glad to help

[@WindsorCraftDesigns]

Excellent video. Just subscribed. Thanks.

[@oxintheshop]

awesome and thanks Chris hope this video is helpful to you

[@LT-ju5ip]

Thanks a lot great info and video

[@oxintheshop]

Glad to help

[@Thom4123]

Awesome information I appreciate it

[@oxintheshop]

no problem hope it helps

[@justinshelly3850]

your video was very helpful. thank you!!

[@oxintheshop]

Glad to help Justin

[@lml241]

Thank you for the info!

[@oxintheshop]

no problem glad to help

[@disabledwoodworker]

Good advice! I am a fellow Georgian who lives about 4 hours from Atlanta. Went up to see Steve Carmichael while I was on a visit to see my daughter. (she teaches in Atlanta) Maybe I'll get back there one day after we finish cleaning up from hurricane Michael. Oh, I subbed your channel!

[@oxintheshop]

thanks keith I hope this video helps you out. also thanks for subscribing im hope to post a lot of videos this year

[@ShogunJimi]

thanks - tons of great information -

[@oxintheshop]

thanks Jimi. I hope your show went well if you have an question just ask my show season starts in a month. then I have one just about every weekend for 3 months

[@dmoss8928]

Nice info and video thanks man... would love to build the check out desk

[@oxintheshop]

thanks David yea be on the look out for the check out desk video soon

[@ucdisoccer]

Great information thanks 👍👍

[@oxintheshop]

No problem glad to help

[@monicasmadhouse9278]

best video...thanks so much🌷

[@oxintheshop]

Thanks that means alot

[@Mitermikeswoodshop]

Nice Drew good info dont know if i would ever do a craft show as i am crazy busy but good info. Keep it up.

[@oxintheshop]

thanks Mike. well if you ever do a craft show. It is here if you need it

[@kevinmay1046]

Good info. I'll need to check out your check out cart.

[@oxintheshop]

thanks Kevin haha hope this helped you learn something you didn't know already

[@HarnealMedia]

Good advice Drew

[@oxintheshop]

thanks steve

[@nickwiegand]

Nice informative video. I’ve only done the one Makerfaire and I was going by the seat of my pants.

[@oxintheshop]

thanks Nick hopefully this helps you for next time then

[@lillianbowen7408]

Hello and thank you, yours is the first video I watched to become a vendor.Im here in Galveston Texas . There is a every third Saturday market in historical downtown galveston. Your suggestion of borrowing a tent and tables definitely what I'm going to do. I have family in Roswell and Woodstock Atlanta. I hope to meet you some day.

[@oxintheshop]

Awesome come to a show if you are in the area and say high. Good luck as well

[@openmindedillustrations7106]

Thanks for the tips very helpful

[@oxintheshop]

No problem let me know if you have guestions

[@openmindedillustrations7106]

@@oxintheshop i appreciate your response i sure will as soon as i get going thanks again

[@poultonprojects]

Thanks for the advise!! New subscriber

[@oxintheshop]

awesome thank you I hope this helps or let me know if you are interested in anything else

[@TJSWOODWORKINGSHOP]

Very good information my brother I like it good job later :)

[@oxintheshop]

thanks Tj

[@VispronetUSA]

Your video has a lot of good information! Thanks for posting this video. We are a trade show supplier that sells pop up tents like the one in this video.

[@oxintheshop]

Thanks for watching

[@FranklinWoodWorks2016]

Nice!

[@oxintheshop]

thanks Rob

[@lbdygy]

Nice set up. Where can I get the black table covers?

[@suzalois1987]

Thank you. I need to get a card reader asap!

[@boat73jr]

$60 at wal mart

[@oxintheshop]

I use the PayPal one just because I like PayPal and I like a few of their features square does not have.

[@hildyvanhefeweizen2762]

Thank-you!!!

[@oxintheshop]

No problem glad I could help

[@barbaradejohn5715]

Thank you so much

[@oxintheshop]

No problem

[@LutherBuilds]

Cool. Thanks for sharing this. I've got to go back and listen to that episode again. I do have a question. How long did it take you to go from thinking about selling at craft shows until you did your first one? So how far in advance should I be preparing, assuming I don't have any of the stuff you mentioned in this video? I'm sure that will depend on each person's drive and desire as well as how much time and money they have to invest. Just a ballpark estimate. Thanks so much and I pray you have a good season of selling this year.

[@oxintheshop]

started wood turning in Dec. of 2013 my first craft show was in May 2014. I actually went into woodturning know I was going to do shows. Stay turned I will have a checklist coming out soon with a lot more information.

[@LutherBuilds]

Ox In The Shop Awesome. Thanks!

[@artsavestheday6054]

Great video! Do you have a link to more about how you built your shelves? Looks like 1x2s with hinges, did you add anything to stabilize that hinge (to keep it from opening wider)?

[@oxintheshop]

I have a video building the shelves and plans on my website

[@dottiemathews6853]

you just reminded me to ask the event host an important question: will we be given a number for the set up space?

[@michaellaico9335]

Great tips! Where did you buy your chairs? Or di dyou make them?

[@oxintheshop]

Thanks glad to help I get my chairs from another vendor that does shows in Georgia

[@russveinot5754]

great video. hope to see more craft show videos. about your weights. add wheels and a handle to them and roll them around instead of carrying them. Do you carry them now?

[@oxintheshop]

I carry them if I have to but I do use hand trucks to get them around most of the time. still a pain tho

[@russveinot5754]

I would think that if you put 2 wheels and a handle on each one permanently they would be easier to move around as needed without grabbing the dolly every time. I have done a few shows before (retired now) and I learned pretty quick that wheels (shop made) on everything (heavy) is handy and cheap. I hope to see more videos on your craft show strategies in the future :>)

[@oxintheshop]

that is a good tip I need to work on that

[@russveinot5754]

might even make a great video :>) FYI, there are lots of shop tips like this on my channel.

[@nitrousblast1]

Do you have a link for the tablecloths you use?

[@esmeartamantesdelatinta3825]

This is a good video for beginners, question Do you guys let people take pictures of your crafts? What rule do you have when people go to your tent?

[@oxintheshop]

I let people take pictures but I know other artist that don’t. It really depends on your craft. As far as rule I don’t have any. You want to make people come in you booth and buy stuff so you don’t want to make it uncomfortable for them.

[@KENMCCRORIE]

Good info. I have been thinking about doing a craft show. But I don't think my stuff is good enough.

[@oxintheshop]

hey you don't know until you get out there and see if people want to buy it

[@moogie3111]

I started out just selling a few things at the local consignment place, and now I'm forcing myself to do my first craft show in a month. Even if I look like a complete noodle, I'm going to learn a lot and maybe even break even on the table fee! What I find is if you stand in front of some stuff at a craft show and ask yourself would I be satisfied if I knew I was the one who had made this? I bet you'll say no I wouldn't be satisfied. Yet people are buying stuff all over the place. It's just working through your own insecurities, I think you should do it!

[@Hatmaker2022]

Hey who do you get your wooden chairs from? I have been looking for those everywhere

[@oxintheshop]

There is a guy that makes them in the Atlanta area and does show

[@lindabrown7374]

It;s been many years since I've done craft shows and am considering doing them again.. My hubby and I recently did a couple of flea markets. A few people came by with fliers for other upcoming shows. One said that we would have to set up the day before. Not sure I'd want to do that - concerns not only of the weather but also theft. How do you or other subscribers feel about this. Thank you.

[@oxintheshop]

Every show I do is set up the day before. It doesn’t really matter to me that is one reason I upgraded my tent though. This way I don’t have to worry about the weather really. It does make Saturday mornings easier and not feel as rushed.

[@lindabrown7374]

Thanks!

[@tyrroo]

Imo, it depends on where you're setting up. Is it a community center or school gym, where the whole building will be securely locked up? Or is it in a public park or school field where anyone could walk by? Also, if it's an outdoor location, I can't imagine the organizers would expect you to set up your actual *products* the day before, I hope they just mean your tent and tables?

[@meghanscoggins4394]

I’ve set up all my tables, display and extras like markers, scissors, tape type stuff. However, I put my inventory and cash out the morning of.

[@barbaradejohn5715]

I have bottles with lights in them, I need to know how I can display them at a craft fair to show off the lighted bottles

[@oxintheshop]

Are they ran with a battery pack or regular power outlet. I would use a table and a stair step design so you can see everything with nothing blocking stuff

[@barbaradejohn5715]

Hoping to get ideas of how to make the area dark so they are illuminated

[@oxintheshop]

Might try to find some black side walls some were that would darken it up

[@denisedeiro]

Nice table cloths. Where did you get them?

[@oxintheshop]

There should be a link in the description where you can get them

[@denisedeiro]

@@oxintheshop, I couldn't find the link.

[@oxintheshop]

Denise Deiro sorry it is in my video where I show how I make my display

[@natashagreen-chillaxedprod7769]

Can the tent roof be dyed / coloured so it’s not white and stand out more

[@oxintheshop]

Yes it can but it depends on the show. Some shows don’t care and some other will not let you in unless you have a white tent. So if you don’t plan on doing any show like that then color it up. If your not sure what shows you are going to do and they might require just white I would only buy one tent. The more pricy booth fee art type shows are the ones that require a white canopy tent. Hope this helps

[@brandenjohnson2980]

What size of tent/booth is that and tables?

[@oxintheshop]

Tents are 10x10 and my tables are 6 feet long but thinking about getting some 8 footers

[@lauraavery3087]

Dose the PayPal swipe accept other credit card?

[@oxintheshop]

Yes all

[@yukomattingly]

Thanks for the info. I decided not to be a vendor because of pandemic and vendor fee (one time fee $50 ).

[@oxintheshop]

Yea I hear hopefully shows are coming back things are looking good here in ga

[@albertledesma5173]

Good info, however I personally don’t think JUST weighing your tent down (even really well) is enough. You should really carry craft show insurance. That’ll not only cover you if your tent somehow ends up on the glass blower’s tent and ruins 40k in product, but it’ll also save your bacon should someone else’s tent ruin your stuff. Overall good info for the beginners though.

[@oxintheshop]

yes this is true but....... most if not all people that are doing their first shows would be able to pay for insurance. So weight are very critical. thanks for the comment

[@melissacavalli8119]

What tablecloths do you use?

[@oxintheshop]

They are from an online display store. They were like $70 each you could get them easier cheaper elsewhere.

[@bernadettegrisham676]

Do you still use PayPal chip reader?

[@oxintheshop]

Yes I do

[@victoriamealer7709]

Good morning. I'm also north of Atlanta....I'm in Cartersville. Where are you located? I just started doing the craft shows full time so I would love any advice you could give me.

[@oxintheshop]

Victoria Mealer hey there I’m in Cartersville as well. Just let me know if you any questions and I will be glad to help you out if I can

[@oxintheshop]

Also I think I know you too. Do you make signs that magnet to posts. I used to do pinelog but still do Roselawn.

[@victoriamealer7709]

Yes!! Thats me!! Will you be at roselawn this weekend? I would love to chat with you for a little bit if you are.

[@artistic84chick84]

Does the PayPal machine accept debit cards as well as PayPal cards?

[@oxintheshop]

It takes debit, credit, and Apple Pay. So you can use a paypal account to pay on it as well but it is tricky. So the customer has to use there PayPal app and search stores near by then select that they are going to come/ buy form you. Once they pick their stuff out then you can charge their PayPal. I have never done this before just taking regular cards. Work same as square but I just like the PayPal here card reader better

[@artistic84chick84]

Ox In The Shop Oh😞. Well I mind as well not buy the machine. And give them my email that's thru PayPal?

[@oxintheshop]

I am not sure what you mean. But if you are selling at show you will need a card reader square or PayPal and there is a couple others too. If you do not have a card reader you will lost about 60-70% of the money bc that is how it is now. Cards and lot of cards. If you try to get them to use your email and spend the money will take them too long and just isn’t practical

[@janirk7831]

Many thanks, been searching for "upcoming craft fairs near me" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Honsaac Qonandon Cure - (search on google )? It is a smashing one of a kind product for getting Fairs And Festival listings minus the hard work. Ive heard some great things about it and my mate got amazing success with it.

[@oxintheshop]

I’m glad to help and I haven’t heard of that one yet I’ll have to check it out for sure. Thanks for watching let me know if you have any other questions

[@mikepeine3898]

what about licenses ? etc...

[@oxintheshop]

All the shows I have done do not require them.

[@natashagreen-chillaxedprod7769]

I’m wondering how you all get paid from KZbin ?

[@oxintheshop]

It’s based on views

[@MeLisaRiddle]

Couldn't finish watching because you don't get to the points fast enough

[@oxintheshop]

sorry

[@MeLisaRiddle]

@@oxintheshop don't b. . . It is very informative. I was just running out of time. Now that my first crafting event is over I have more time and will definitely b watching this vid