Craft Fair Tips and Advice / Starting Craft Fairs / Craft Show Frequently Asked Questions / Markets

Since it's the busiest time of the year with the holidays just around the corner, a lot of small business owners are wanting to participate in craft fairs, craft shows, art shows, and markets alike. So I figured, why not go ahead and give you guys all of my tips and advice to a successful craft fair! Not only do I talk about the things that are a MUST to have, but I also go over things that you don't necessarily need but I recommend having. I even discuss displays, how to prepare for an upcoming event, and how to get customers in your booth to get sales! Lots of good information in this video if you're new to the craft fair world!!!
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[@sheastephens5]

I set up my tables at my home, take a pic and when I get to the venue I take out my iPad and follow what I did. Saves so much time. Great video.

[@drpsych3]

Thats a great idea

[@Name-ot3xw]

That's probably smarter, I just did it freehand everytime. I just did it enough times that I sort of knew where everything went.

[@naturekins604]

Seriously consider using a waist money belt as we know several vendors who have had their cash box stolen . there are groups of thieves that specialize in having one or more keep you distracted while the other seals your money!

[@kerryford1831]

That’s so sad!

[@Swan-rb4yg]

News flash for you, honey. Professional Crafters have cash registers.

[@overtherainbowks]

That’s what I did at my last event! So no worries if I have to run to the bathroom that someone will grab my cash box! Worked great!

[@SGray-ex6gv]

Great video. I have been doing craft fairs for many years and can add a few hints. Many outdoor fairs require you to weight your tent. I would say a minimum of 15 pounds per leg, though 20 is better. I have seen t nets fly across a field and had a high wind demolish a sturdy Caravan tent. It is rare but it happens. Some people buy special weights such bags of sand with Velcro. Others make weights using concrete in buckets or fill large jugs of water; in all cases it is a good idea to bring strong rope and attach your weights to the top frame of the tent as the feet of the tent can pop off in windy conditions. Use your tent pegs if you can (bring hammer). I also recommend plastic tubs for transport in case of rain and the ground gets wet. Bring a receipt book in case someone asks, which they will do if they can claim a business expense. If you run out of smaller plastic bags, or plastic is not allowed, business envelopes can serve in a pinch or even white takeout bags which are very cheap at box stores (usually 1000 in a box). Often good to bring a power cord (three prongs) and a power bar if you plan to use lights. Always make sure your displays are solidly set up; the last thing you want is someone suddenly grabbing a display for support and falling. Good to have an apron with a number of pockets for cash. Sadly, cash boxes have been known to disappear especially in financially depressed times. Also if your vending neighbour tries to get the attention of patrons who are interested in your booth, wait until the customers leave and politely let them know to not do that. Sometimes newbies get a little too excited and make this mistake. Generally I have found vendors to be very willing to help out where they can. It’s a kind of fraternity really. I have often shared gas expenses with other vendors and made lifelong friends. Vendors also often support each other through buying (nice to give a vendor rate) or through trade. Best of luck! Vending is fun!

[@joanwood9480]

I couldn't find a cash box that I liked so my husband welded one for me. It is Very Heavy. Before next season I'll have him fix cable to it so it can be cabled to the table leg.

[@divinelovebath]

Colorado might be different, but here it is 40lbs minimum per leg.

[@Name-ot3xw]

Concrete in PCV pipe works well, you can put on end caps and paint for niceness.

[@jameemaree4602]

This is so jam packed with great tips that it’d be amazing to have time stamps in description to come back for easy reference.

[@sarahneu8349]

Sometimes helpful viewers do that for the KZbinrs in the comments.❤

[@1Letter23Numbers.]

I was going to respond that same thing.

[@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.

[@CreativelyErica]

Such great advice!! Thanks so much for sharing! 🥰

[@wvp07]

The pricing advice is key. I went to fairs the past two weekends and walked away from far too many booths without engaging because vendor was busy talking and we didn’t want to wait for who knows how long just to find out the prices. The one we went to yesterday, no one had prices posted but it was slow so we were able to talk with the artists more.

[@49lucky]

Always put the price on them if I don't see prices I walk away, I don't want to ask and I don't wait around 😊

[@dianarockwell6256]

4:31 some shows are called jury shows where you actually have to have the items that you are going to offer approved appropriate for their show. I worked concessions at a very large regional show the week before Thanksgiving for several years. That was a jury show and everything had to be hand made. You couldn’t buy things off oriental trading and bring them to sell. All wood craft items had to be actually done by you, knitted and crocheted things had to be done by the person that was selling. And they had hundreds of vendors and thousands of customers every year. It was a very well put together show done by the Chamber of Commerce themselves.

[@tarar6926]

That's amazing! We need more of that!

[@denisehutchison9552]

I am a new crafter and seller. This was so helpful. Thank you.

[@bethbale956]

Thanks for all the advice. One from me: be careful about copyright infringement. Any use of tv, movie, book, etc images and titles is copyrighted and not free for us as artists to use for sale. Disney is particularly known for sending legal teams after even small businesses using their images and such. Just worth mentioning.

[@bethbale956]

Your inventory documentation sounds amazing. I should do better at this.

[@jenb9274]

This is true! I was at a craft fair where a lady was selling NFL logo blankets and got shut down. She had to tear down immediately!

[@tinagale7840]

Also, I went to Craigslist and found my tents for a fraction of the price. Sometimes people have visions of grandeur and go all out on their tents. Then i benefit from buying the canopy used.

[@lorim2000]

I went through the awkward No bag thing at a huge event, most of my product already comes wrapped so I didn’t want to also invest in other bags. But people naturally just handed me their items to bag up. This year I’ll just bring the bags anyway!

[@tammyw241]

Excellent for first timers like myself!!!!! THANK YOU!! Jamb packed with need to know information and tips. I was hesitant to do a craft show or social media, but my completed products are taking over my spaces so I really need to.

[@CreativelyErica]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching!

[@kimw4324]

Would love to see you prepare and setup your booth at a craft fair!

[@Planningwith_Jam]

Me too

[@oliviacarroll3588]

What an excellent guide to craft fairs!! Well done and thankyou xx

[@RICOpunch]

Dang. This video is FULL of excellent information! Thank you!

[@joanwood9480]

A friend and I do a weekly farmers market from approximately April thru November-December. Tables are required to have a covering. We have a back wall where a banner goes up along with a simpler banner up at the back side. It is an outdoor market and because it is quite hot in the summer we bring a fan along with a loose weave curtain to block the sun yet still allow the ocean breeze through. My partner wanted us to wear a dress and hat which has distinguished us from the other vendors. We have endured rain by having heavy duty clear and/or frosted shower curtains to put up that kept us and our products dry. The curtains also shield us and customers from the cold and wind late in the year. We are still learning

[@sandracleveland8859]

Thank you so much for sharing your info!

[@debkincaid2891]

So, so helpful!

[@ncapitan1]

Thank you for this great video full of great tips !

[@tinathompson13]

Great tips, and very detailed. Thank you 😊

[@johannareilly8282]

Great presentation and tips. Thanks!

[@sandytoner8561]

Thank you so much! This video is amazing! So detailed, so helpful! You rock!

[@shebahel-amin3127]

This is absolutely what I needed. Thank you for such a detailed breakdown. I look forward to knocking it out the park with your set up tips and more! Thanks so much Creatively Erica! Blessing to you🙏🏾

[@pamcullen537]

Brilliant, I think you covered everything I need to succeed in craft fairs - thanks so much 💕🦆

[@jenb9274]

Craft shows are so much work! Great tips, thank you.

[@RoopaDudleyPaintings]

Your video filled me up with so much inspiration. Thank you for making it. I deeply appreciate your tips and tricks. And I SUBSCRIBED!

[@SnazzyCatAdventures]

Huge Thank You for all the excellent info. I'm so nervous about this. You are awesome.

[@lauraraap6437]

Thanks so much! Getting ready to do my first show. This was so helpful.

[@rondianderson4402]

Great suggestions!

[@darlaavard3318]

Wonderful video for us beginners! I'm so thankful you took the time to explain all the tips and tricks that we need to be successful. Definitely love your no nonsense approach and yes I took notes! God bless you for sharing your knowledge.

[@angelarambert7027]

Great video and straight to the point. Thank you

[@helensonnichsen1173]

Thank you for all the great information

[@sandrakinslow2183]

Great tips. I’m having my first one coming up!! 😊

[@clairet5636]

This is extremely helpful! I’m just getting ready for my first craft fair this Saturday.

[@gramfoxxyy2848]

Great info thank you!!

[@elizabethhammel4446]

Amazing job! Thank you

[@stephaniebutler4781]

Wowww! This is the best and most descriptive video. It has all the details and I took a ton of notes. Thank you!

[@brendarivera4746]

Great video. This is certainly a road map on how to get prepared for a craft fair. Thanks for putting it together.

[@sandrahiebert4442]

Who does your (great) video editing! It kept me watching all the way to the end! What an awesome job, paired with excellent advice and tips.

[@CreativelyErica]

Me, myself, & I babyyy 🥰 this comment made my day!! Thanks!

[@DanaDeeBee]

Lots of information in one video. Thank you! 🙂

[@natim7878]

This is so helpful, I didn't know where to start organizing. Thank You.

[@TheVelvetOne]

I love your make up! Looks so natural and beautiful!

[@ElizabethHuntley]

Great advice. So many things I need to learn. Thank you for making this clip.

[@susanshaffer7473]

Thank you so much for the honest advice, tips, and knowledge! My daughter and I are doing our first craft fair and I had no idea what exactly I was getting into! So thanks for the info!

[@melissamerritt6247]

Thanks for all the great tips Awesome video

[@cherylmeyer9857]

I’m inspired! Thank you.

[@cjayshobbycorner]

Wonderful video, very helpful. Thank You for sharing

[@kiwilliams6410]

Great information put out

[@TheAaval]

Thank you so much for doing this video, It was awesome!! So much information that is 100% needed!! I want to do a craft fair so this was extremely helpful and much appreciated.. thank you so much

[@georgiao.m.m4316]

I really enjoyed your craft fair 101 video. It was full of great advice and food for thought.

[@taylorsackett8000]

So much good advice! thank you as always!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much for watching 🥰

[@allend932]

That was done professionaly . Great job .

[@tamaradavis]

You are a Gem 💎 Desr!! So much valuable information. Thank you kindly ❤️

[@icraftcreations7635]

Thanks for all the tips!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks for watching! 🥰

[@melodyryddner912]

Really great advice, thanks!

[@ettenaejodeveca6707]

Thank you so much! I have my first vendor fair soon and I don't know what to do. Your information helped me so much.

[@Hutchs-hands]

You are so energetic and positive. Thank you for this amazing video, great tips and so very helpful.

[@brendahuggins7994]

Thank you for the helpful information!

[@amberschade6185]

Your advice is just amazing!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you so much!! 💓

[@lwdzns4221]

So clear and full of generous information! Thank you :)

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks for watching!

[@lorimadsen2899]

Excellent! So helpful! Thank you!

[@melodymclean9417]

Absolutely hands down most thorough, well explained craft fair video. Thank you for no chit chat lol.

[@bjeffries3310]

Just found this wonderful video. You are so sweet in sharing all this valuable information for everyone. We are just starting a small business and will be doing craft fairs this year. Will definitely be taking your advice on so many things. Thank you and God Bless you and yours.

[@cynthiadodge3089]

Great tips! 👍👍

[@kateskoolkraftscotten3127]

Thanks so much for all your wonderful advice!😬I’ve been away from doing craft fairs for 20 years and am doing my first one next weekend… I’m a little nervous but excited too.😜😆

[@leelance146]

Thank you for suggesting the popl digital business card. This looks like a very good idea!

[@kristenrichmond5832]

I love all your super practical advice and inspiration! I am preparing for my first craft show, and your video was so helpful! Thank you!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you so much Kristen! 💕 Ah, how exciting!! You'll definitely have to come back & tell me how it goes. Good luck, you got this! 😘

[@breblizz4321]

Thanks for this. Very helpful

[@mrscjdesigns]

This video was so helpful. Thank you so much for sharing this information. I have only done 1 craft show so far, but I would love to do more. So I will use all the info you have given......

[@amandamichelle8776]

Your video was so awesome and so helpful! Thank you!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thank you so much Amanda! 💕

[@lillianharrison9291]

Love the way you presented the info👍

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much!

[@elysegalloway]

Thank you for your tent advice! I'm looking for one now!

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks for watching! Linked mine in my description, comes in various colors 😁

[@angelabontempo9837]

I’ll be rewatching and take notes 🤩 great info thank you!

[@CreativelyErica]

Glad to hear that! Thanks so much for watching! 🥰

[@ChristinasSimpleBlessings]

Awesome! Well done and very helpful.

[@sheilawilson2927]

This is amazing information....thank you thank you thank you!

[@mypawssionbyamoreenaandben9069]

Thank you so much for all important advice.

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@user-ks7gf3pz7t]

Thank you so much for all your tips. I had the same feeling at the2 craft fairs I tried . Out of place. So true. Your words of encouragement are up lifting and may have given me the guts to try again. Thank you Erica.

[@hibiscusbaby1]

I've used baskets that I got from a local second hand store or I would use one of my small totes with a cheap plastic table cloth like you get in the party aisle at Walmart. I really enjoyed this video. I've set up at a few but was acting to do more and expand my craft booth to a boutique type booth with a little more variety.

[@manprod433]

Such great content and love how detailed and transparent with your experiences🙏🏾👏🏾

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much! 🥰 I always try to be as transparent as possible, especially when someone can benefit from my experiences/knowledge - Love helping y'all

[@dannitascrutchions5015]

Thanks so much for sharing craft fair info. This is helping me. I just started my business and I’m very eager to do craft fairs.😃

[@jeffdannenbaum2159]

GREAT VIDEO THANKS FOR SHARING

[@doreenacoleman7061]

Great and informative !! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@generalnewsense5264]

Thanks for sharing, that's a Whole Lotta Excellent Advice! I watched until the very end and I wanted to say, LOVE the Outtakes in Black and White 😂 Yes, I Give You a Round of Applause 🤣

[@brendapellotrosa2214]

You shared some wonderful advice. It really helped me to get started

[@CreativelyErica]

Love hearing that! Thanks for watching! 🥰

[@michellefitzwater2236]

This was extremely helpful! Thank you for sharing!

[@CreativelyErica]

So glad! Thanks for watching! 🥰

[@angelcopes5252]

Such a wonderful video! My city has a downtown market every month and I WILL be utilizing it for my business.

[@dawnbaker9274]

Wished I had this info years ago when I did craft fairs years ago. Agree with all your advice.😊

[@marlenejohnson9849]

Great info and advice thanks

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks for watching!

[@n.d.jonesblackfantasynovels]

Thank you.

[@EzeePosseTV]

Scottish Romany Gypsy Lad here. I know this is off topic but you are wearing my absolute favorite colour of lipstick and it looks _HAWT_ on you big time, I love it. ... As for craft fairs/outdoor market/car boot sales events (we have a huge area of land that is used for all the aforementioned small enterprises with indoor areas for more fragile item sales) I think your advice is absolutely sound and could help out many crafters thinking about starting a mini commercial enterprise retailing the fruits of their labor n love. Keep up the good work Lass.

[@chanelbourdeau1930]

Thank you so much!!! I am getting ready for my first Market! Thank you for this video :)

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks for watching!! Ahh that's so exciting, congrats! Come back & let me know how it goes🥰

[@evarojas2567]

Wow you are so amazing. I love the way you relate everything. I learned a lot. Thank you so much.

[@CreativelyErica]

Aw thank you! I try my best. So glad to hear it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@Azurko]

All a bunch of great ideas & tips! I've only done 2 shows in the past and about to do my third next month (woodworker). Thankfully my wife is a huge math nerd so she told me to make that exact spreadsheet you mentioned. As far as pricing goes, I make trees & snowmen (roughly 6-8" tall) and have an acrylic stand they go on. At the back of the stand, I have a little sign that has the price.

[@andrewsackk]

Thank you!❤

[@kellycottrell9707]

I have participated in 2 craft fairs so far and have my 3rd this weekend!! I always get super nervous before hand lol! I have also teamed up with friends of mine and family that also make and sell crafts so that we have a bit of a variety and until we all get comfortable with how to do them, we can split costs of booth rental that way. We also advertise for each other! We each have our own little businesses but have one umbrella name for when we fair together.

[@CreativelyErica]

I was always super nervous too lol! That's a great idea!! And you save $ on booth fees so that's a bonus! Let me know how your third one goes girl!!

[@kellycottrell9707]

@@CreativelyErica Had an amazing Day!!! Sold sublimated tumblers for the first time. Had 4 30oz skinnys available (still treading water on those lol) and sold two of them!

[@vxgasworld]

This was SO HELPFUL

[@motheroffreaks6879]

That was supper helpful and informative, thank you so much!

[@CreativelyErica]

So glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@pamichele1]

Best advice, thank you for sharing as I learned so many tips that I didn’t know or hadn’t been doing….everyone can learn something here. You are fantastic.

[@CreativelyErica]

Thanks so much for watching!! Glad to hear it helped 🥰

[@StardustRainArtStudio]

Hi there! Have just watched this and found it super helpful - thank you from Horsham in the UK! I love the way you packed this vid with info and didn't waffle lol! First craft fair coming up in just over 2 weeks - eek!! xx

[@CreativelyErica]

Hi! So glad you found it helpful! Ooh, how exciting! Good luck!!

[@eprofengr6670]

Nice points and very nice craft bench area.