Top 20 Vendor Market Event Tips: Plus Free Checklist

If you have never done a vendor market before, or if you are on the fence about doing one to sell your crochet wares, the following tips are to help you get started in the right direction. I have done many vendor events and these are just some things I have learned along the way (some the hard way LOL). My hope is that my experiences will help you be more prepared than I was when I first started doing these events. I have also included some affiliate links to some of the items I use. Don’t feel obligated to use them, but these are some items that I thought would be beneficial for you to begin your journey into doing vendor marketing events.
Check out my blog post on this topic here: daysck.com/crochet-for-days/t...
Download my Free Vendor Event Checklist here: daysck.com/s/Vendor-Event-Che...
Finally, for a comprehensive guide to getting the best vendor market results check out my Vendor Market toolkit. It's packed full of tip and tricks. Plus it has my 10 best Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer patterns. As a bonus it also has a pricing calculator & printables.
To take advantage of the exclusive sale price of my Vendor Market Toolkit, click this link:
dayscrochet.lpages.co/vendor-...
Square Reader: amzn.to/3ejQTV3
Canopy: amzn.to/2BNWdmx
Fitted Table Cloth: amzn.to/2ALnOnG
Money Box: amzn.to/2ZUsv7q
Apron: amzn.to/2W3uOnd
Mirror: amzn.to/3iQkWHl
Mini Chalk Boards: amzn.to/3gIROjx
Kraft Paper Tags: amzn.to/2Zjln5s
Kraft Shopping Bags: amzn.to/3iRwx9e
6ft Folding Table: amzn.to/3fdbvj0
Receipt Book: amzn.to/2Dvnc6N
JBL Speaker and Battery Backup: amzn.to/3eltjqW
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[@DraGunnTiss]

I'm including a tip my daughter and I have done: not everybody pays with a credit card, so ALWAYS make sure you have enough cash/change on hand! We generally start with $100, most of it in $5s, $20 in ones, and at least $20 in change - quarters usually. We try and keep our prices where there isn't much change needed, but sometimes someone only has a $5 and are buying a $4 item and some people ask for quarters back (laundry, lol) We've upped our prices to be $5 and above, small items are generally 3 for $5 or something along that line. My daughter works 40-60 hour weeks now, and we haven't had the opportunity to do Vendor events in at least 3 years - there just aren't any in our city anymore, sadly! But TY for the tips here! When we do events again, we will definitely get a Square reader!

[@DaysCrochet]

Oh yes, I definitely agree with you! Great tips, thank you!❤️

[@lorrieruss4439]

Im about to take part in my first market event, so I'm scouring youtube for good and helpful videos! Yours is super helpful! Thank you for making and posting this!

[@curedgirlz]

Even though this video is almost a year old...it came up on my feed. This is probably one of the best I've seen. I've been doing shows for several years now and just a few more pointers... know your area...this is anything from local School mascots to if the show has a theme...just did a bacon fest...made quirky little bacon items in addition to my normal product...sold out of almost all of them...also know your worth...never undercut and never gouge. Also keep in mind pet themed shows and food shows...a lot of the time its only a place to show off your cute little fur baby or to eat your way around a festival...people aren't always there to buy unless they see something that really catches their eye...which brings me to another point...consider a show special...a combination of items sold as a deal...I sometimes will sell my leftover Christmas product in July at a reduced price...frees up my storage space and usually pays my booth rental. TENT WEIGHTS...cannot stress this enough! the very last thing you want is to have a beautiful display... only to be knocked down by an unexpected wind. Trust me no one needs that added stress. And last but not least...always get to know your event coordinator...make sure you're on their mailing lists for future events and save the flyers from past events in a calendar (WAY before the deadline to register) makes it so much easier to plan. THANK YOU for letting me jump on these comments like this...even us seasoned ones can learn a thing or two...just added a trash can to my show list

[@DaysCrochet]

Excellent tips! Thank you so much for sharing your insight and experience ❤️

[@JeannieGrayKnits]

Had never thought about my booth being claustrophobic. Good point to keep in mind. As for making lists, I check things off as I put them in a tote, then check the totes off as I put them in the car. Learned that lesson the hard way after accidentally leaving an important box sitting by the door at home.

[@JamieHertter]

I just did my first show, it was small, I don't know if my neighbor even made her fee back. I did pretty good compared, and she gave me a few tips on setting up my tent, and was a great neighbor during the event. I loved your tips and many applied, but I learned a lot from today and your video!

[@michellerussell5436]

I cannot express how helpful your video has been. So many things to consider that I would not have otherwise thought of without the trial and error -- which I may not afford to get! Excited to have you you and your work :)

[@firdowskruger9896]

Thank you for this. Love and greetings from Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦

[@catherinemelnyk]

These are such common sense, practical tips and advice. Thanks so much!

[@tracylitsinger]

thank you sooo much, I absolutly LOVE watching your videos, another tip, make yourself look fresh, shower, iron clothes, make yourself look crisp and clean, you don't want to look like you just jumped outta bed and ran lol, and do NOT wear a ton of perfume, some people are sensitive to smells,

[@susannepyle58]

Thank you for listing the items that would be beneficial to have as a vendor and where to get them. That was so helpful! I also appreciated the timeline of your video so I can jump to the spot that I might need to see again. Your video was great!

[@DaysCrochet]

Thank you!

[@craftykscollective5360]

Thank you, very helpful tips. I'm just starting in the fair scene and your advice is great.

[@katherinehaney9430]

Thank you for ALL the wonderful and useful tip tips for craft fairs. I have never thought of all the prep that and work involved in setting up and running a craft book. Thank you for your tips.

[@lonestarladytyler1980]

Thank you for sharing! Nice tips for anyone who wants to sell at vendor markets.

[@qaqueen59]

I cannot thank you enough for sharing all this info! I’m even more excited about my show this fall. I have purchased your patterns and am super excited to be able to show the items I’ve made from them!

[@DaysCrochet]

Thank you so much! I wish you the very best at your markets❤️

[@PhilbrookHandcrafted]

This is so helpful! Thank you for all the tips.

[@curlyrae3380]

What a great video of tips! Some really practical info here and I'm grateful. Displaying crochet is so different from my handcrafted soaps. Thank you!

[@DaysCrochet]

Ypu are welcome! Good luck!

[@amandadavis4638]

This is gold! Thank you!

[@angelagrace2741]

I like the way you explain things :) Straight forward with little or no 'fluffing' around or over explaining, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I also love your crochet ideas, glad I subscribed. Have a good day :)

[@DaysCrochet]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback! ❤️ And thank you for subscribing ☺️

[@kimkemeys9563]

I used some of your helpful tips over the weekend to sell my crochet items. Thanks so much.

[@DaysCrochet]

I’m so glad!

[@debkincaid2891]

Super helpful. Thank you!

[@opalreneedavis8569]

You are one of the best. Thank you it was so enlightening for me!!

[@DaysCrochet]

Yw and best of luck to you!

[@jeanrsmith]

This was awesome. Terrific info.

[@menawatiethannoo7010]

Thank you very much. I have been thinking of doing a craft sale with my crochet but have been hesitant. I definitely will use all your suggestions.

[@nirkkonen5371]

Ok, now I want to start my own craft business. 😅 You have such inspirational videos, thank you! ❤

[@marianmorley]

Excellent tips, thank you 👍

[@jasminelockhart8476]

Very helpful! Thanks for making this video!

[@DaysCrochet]

You’re welcome and good luck to you!

[@Hobbiesandhomeschool]

This video was very helpful! I will be doing my first event in just 5 weeks

[@DaysCrochet]

Good luck!!

[@jakenda1978]

Thanks for all of your insight. I want to try to make a vendor apron tonight - the event is tomorrow after work. LOL. Pray for me!

[@DaysCrochet]

I hope it went well🙏🏻

[@n.d.jonesblackfantasynovels]

Very helpful. Thank you 😊

[@amariiah]

Thanks for these tips! Theiyre really helpful. I need to watch this again and take notes! I want to try selling my bags and stuff in person at my local farmers market in a couple months

[@beauisrael9724]

I realize it is quite randomly asking but does anyone know of a good site to stream newly released series online?

[@ettenaejodeveca6707]

Thank you so much. Great information.

[@vivianhayes4896]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ❤

[@maryritchie1028]

Fantastic video on tips. Excellent tone & you fully had my attention. I have already used about 13 of them in my estate sales & yard sales. However I will watch again withmyhusband. I will be doing a flea market primarily with vintage jewelry & glassware, purses, etc..This is my first in a "vendor market" at our towns annual festival. My biggest fear is learning to charge taxes. Again excellent video & I don't even crochet!

[@DaysCrochet]

What a kind thing to say, thank you ❤️ I wish you success in your markets☺️

[@okaycrochet2589]

Thank you very much. These are very great points!

[@DaysCrochet]

You're very welcome!

[@polly7515]

Thanks for sharing!!im going to have my first time pop up stall and I’m really nervous,this is helps me a lot!thank you !

[@DaysCrochet]

Echo Chuang good luck to you! I hope you do great!

[@rhondaeaton4708]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@tmm4828]

Very useful tips.thankyou

[@LadyValkyri]

Thank you so much for these tips. A few I've never thought about! What has been especially helpful is the list of item you've included so I can see "Ok, exactly what type of mirror? Oh, ok, I actually really SHOULD have one of those! Cool." I appreciate the time and work you put into this. Hugs!

[@DaysCrochet]

You are very welcome! I wish you great success ☺️

[@brendafleming6596]

Wow your video was sooo helpful! I’m a newby and am pretty nervous but man you answered many questions! Thank You so much!

[@DaysCrochet]

I'm so glad to help! I also have a vendor market toolkit that has a ton of resources in digital format if you're interested. It may help you. Best of luck to you! www.etsy.com/listing/1274883827/

[@tanysims]

These tips are soooo useful thank u so much

[@DaysCrochet]

You’re welcome! Best of luck to you ☺️

[@SelenaVanHout]

This is a great video! My husband and I do craft shows together and we have made an investment in a few things that have helped us tremendously! We invested in a square reader that has the receipt in it. It was a little pricy, but we used business funds to buy it. So convenient when folks want a receipt. We also invested in an enclosed trailer. We have all of our business stuff in there. There is no packing the night before, everything that is for our booths, are in the trailer. We will be adding our logos on the trailer soon. I have a work in progress box that I use during the week to make for our shows and the only thing that isn’t in the trailer is that box.

[@DaysCrochet]

I would LOVE to have a trailer but my hubby says no. Lol

[@SelenaVanHout]

@@DaysCrochet aww man that is a bummer! It makes it so nice to not have to unload stuff and reload stuff all the time. I hope someday you’ll be able to have one. It’s so convenient!

[@DaysCrochet]

@@SelenaVanHout it is really nice! But vendor markets are not my main source of income in my business, so we couldn’t justify the expenses. My husband is a financial genius so I take his advice about these things lol

[@RICDirector]

Yes, but do you rent him out? 😄🤣😁 Excellent video, extremely handy, highest marks!

[@cclaussen]

I’m a baker who vends at shows. So many great tips here for all sort of business! Thank you!

[@DaysCrochet]

Awww thank you! I’m so glad I was able to help in any way☺️

[@kendilehman6348]

Soooooo helpful! I’m trying to get the nerve up to sign up for a market and this really helped !

[@DaysCrochet]

I am so glad! I also have recently created an e-book on vendor market prep that you might be interested in. You can learn more about it here if you’re interested: www.etsy.com/listing/1274883827/

[@kendilehman6348]

@@DaysCrochet wow!!!! This looks amazing and so helpful. Hopefully I will be buying it today 🤞🏻

[@margaretkathol8841]

Thank you!

[@GG-ne9bb]

Great Tips! You have some very attractive hats. I'd love the pattern for the beautiful black and white one.

[@DaysCrochet]

I filmed this video so long ago, I’m trying to remember even showing a hat lol. Do you know about which minute I show the hat you’re referring to?

[@ashp2503]

In saying about taking your crochet bag there to work on, I've accidentally fallen into the habit of still crochetting while talking to customers. As in my hands keep going as my attention is on the customer 🤣 I have had quite a few people comment they wish they could do that 😂 I always just said I've always been envious of people who can ride a bike with no hands instead 😂😂

[@indiaamazon5111]

Great video 😍

[@marvam1414]

Thank you so much

[@georgiacorey954]

Great tips ty for sharing. I never thought about closterphobic shoppers.

[@Strawgie]

awesome thank you so much

[@carolinek220]

Good stuff!!!!!

[@DaysCrochet]

Thank you!

[@nataliemarie2528]

Thank you 🌹❤️🌹

[@reignajoyce]

Thank you for the apron idea. I ordered two from zazzle with my logo for me and whoever helps me. They turned out great! First event is this weekend and so nervous and excited. Peace and blessings

[@DaysCrochet]

Best of luck to you! I hope you sell out ❤️😘

[@LifeNStitches]

I'm about to do my very first event 🙈 Thank you so much for sharing!

[@DaysCrochet]

Have fun and good luck! ❤️

[@vicvega5971]

Good luck!

[@samidetar4557]

This is a great video. I’ve found crocheting at my booth draws people in. Having a mirror is great as well. I’ve gotten sales from people using the mirror to see how a product looks from a neighboring booth then they come check mine out. Sadly, my mirror doesn’t weigh a lot, so if it’s too windy I can’t set it up without it blowing over.

[@RICDirector]

Consider a small folding ladder to fasten the mirror to, and sandbag the rungs for stability.

[@frankieroberson3398]

Thank you

[@jaimeshooked4590]

Thank you for all of your tips! I subscribed to your channel. I hope that I eill be able to start working the craft fair circuit in my area. I have been wondering about how to go about it and been looking up videos to prepare myself for it. Thank you!

[@DaysCrochet]

You’re welcome! Good luck to you!

[@madmommy]

Even though it’s not really a vendor market tip, I’ve found that having Square card reader with chip reader useful at a yard sale we did! Giving people the ability to purchase even if they aren’t carrying enough cash is a perk for making a sale.

[@DaysCrochet]

Absolutely! I definitely recommend using a Square chip reader at markets☺️

[@Miraclecultart]

I am a ceramic artist and I go to my first event this July with my partner. I am so excited but definitely need to get change and a card reader and print out my qr codes

[@DaysCrochet]

I wish you the best of luck! ❤️❤️❤️

[@1979RoadFan]

I am submitting my application next week for my first craft fair in October. I attended last year to see if anyone did crochet and knitting. Not much competition. I have been working a lot to make my crafts and look for ideas. I would rather have too much craft made than not have enough. Thanks for the tips you left, they have been quite useful.

[@DaysCrochet]

Best of luck to you!

[@barbaraokeefe423]

Thank you for the valuable tips! I do most of them already except for the live video and the "giveaway" to draw people in. I have been thinking to do the giveaway item in order to build a client list. I can build a clientele contact list for invitation to special events or to announce new arrivals. I sell used clothing and I do pretty well. Im wanting to set up a special area in my 2-space booth area for gift items. I think I need to do a mock set up as you mentioned.

[@DaysCrochet]

Mock set ups are seriously the best way to feel less stressed on the day of the event. Not only does it make setting up SO much faster, it makes your booth look more cohesive and less thrown together. Best of luck to you!

[@TaraibleThings]

When you were on tip 16 my immediate thought was “the only benefit to having unsupportive family” 😅 I know that sounds horrible of me but it’s kinda true. My family is the kind that definitely would crowd my booths if they were supportive of it and not take hints. Sorry just had to share that 😅

[@SelenaVanHout]

Another comment because I hadn’t gotten to the end for the bonus tips. Off season market items is a huge tip! We do a farmers market during the summer and it is every Saturday. My husband was wondering if he should put out his wooden pumpkins out. I was like heck yes! You can’t sell it if people don’t see it. They sold great! Here in ND fall weather comes earlier than others and people start decorating for fall earlier. I also put out my ear warmers and beanies and people have been buying them early. So that is such a fabulous tip!!

[@ninofromcanada4296]

(( 👋🏼 )) All I Can Say Is WOW 🏆 YOU JUST GAVE A LIFETIME OF CRAFTING / SELLING / SETUP TIPS & MORE ,,, YOU DESERVE THAT TROPHY ,,, 👉🏼THANKYOU 🤓

[@DaysCrochet]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ArianaSoft]

Wow

[@kaaytie84]

a note regarding taking payments with square or other ways to take credit card. Fill out a receipt or something to Prove the buyer got the product they paid for. I was set up at a sports card show a man spent $200 on my cards with his CC through Square. one month later he filed a complaint with his bank claiming he did not receive the items and now wants his money back . This was an in person show and he used my dolly to move the cards to his car. He also left me a positive feedback. I may only take cash at the craft shows this year.

[@DaysCrochet]

Oh my goodness! How horrible. I’m so sorry that happened to you 😔

[@crochetdethuongsaigon2989]

Wow, very much !💐🇻🇳

[@walnutcreekwoodworksofjack3520]

🥰🥰🥰

[@3772550]

Your tips are so useful. Thank you for sharing your experience. A question- how do you handle refunds? Do you have a sign? I wonder if having a no refund policy turns off buyers. Thanks very much.

[@DaysCrochet]

I have never had anyone ask for a refund in the 12 years I’ve done markets. I have had little girls come ask to exchange a headband for a different color after they just bought one a few minutes before, but that’s about it. I wouldn’t worry about it too much ☺️

[@3772550]

Thank you, again! I will not worry. I will not worry…

[@crochetmelovely]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@sailorgirlk1]

How much stock do you suggest to bring to a craft sale?

[@RICDirector]

And how much total stock should you have, to make it a reasonable booth?

[@mznisha]

Ok I literally stopped watching in the beginning and checked my table cloth ..!! Thank you so much for all the tips, I've only just started so these are so helpful

[@DaysCrochet]

I’m so glad you found my video helpful 🤗 I wish you the best of luck with your vendor event!

[@mznisha]

@@DaysCrochet thank you so much for being so cool 🧡

[@DaysCrochet]

❤️❤️❤️

[@rachelrush1977]

You know most kitchens have a junk drawer, I have a mini/small tote with miscellaneous items… take that thing every occasion…

[@DaysCrochet]

I’ve got one of those too lol 😂

[@orangetigerlilylane1111]

I take custom orders. Do you have any recommendations for an order book?

[@DaysCrochet]

I actually just bought one from the office section at Walmart. It has carbon paper so you can tear a copy and give to them as a receipt and it stays in your book for personal reference. It works great!

[@orangetigerlilylane1111]

@@DaysCrochet Thanks

[@HannahPlays]

For the square reader it requires a Tax ID number did you have to establish yourself as a sole proprietorship and establish your assumed business name to get a business tax ID number? Do you have experience with this? If so do you have any advice :)

[@DaysCrochet]

I just used my SSN as my tax ID. ☺️

[@HannahPlays]

@@DaysCrochet I’m currently a college student so how would that affect me since I don’t necessarily pay taxes yet, or with the business funds would I start having to pay taxes that way

[@DaysCrochet]

@@HannahPlays I would do some research. I honestly don’t know. I’m sorry!

[@HannahPlays]

@@DaysCrochet no worries! Im making a trip to my local court house soon to try to get some information

[@HannahPlays]

@@DaysCrochet thank you!

[@melanieweir9161]

Hi, I'd really love to know where you got that black bag holder at 7:35? I have no idea what it's called. thanks

[@DaysCrochet]

Are you talking about the triangle grid itself?

[@melanieweir9161]

Yes! Would you mind sharing how tall the grids are and where you purchased them? I’ve watched your vendor videos and I love your content by the way!

[@DaysCrochet]

@@melanieweir9161 thank you! I believe it’s about 5' tall because it’s not much shorter than me and I’m 5'9". I actually purchased this one on Facebook Marketplace locally. I get a ton of my stuff from Facebook and Craigslist. Old Navy is notorious for selling their old display pieces on Craigslist when changing out their display, so definitely keep an eye out there. I do also get a lot of my display items from a company called ULINE (I believe), but I haven’t had to buy anything in years. I will say I wish I had purchased shorter grids originally from them. They are nearly impossible to put in my car because they are too long. I would recommend the 5' ones and under. Good luck!

[@jodidowns60]

Hi! Where did you get your grids from?

[@DaysCrochet]

To be honest, I can’t remember. I bought them about 11 yrs ago 😬 I recommend typing “grid walls” in google and see if anything comes up. I think there are 2 popular supply companies that sell grids and the accessories to go with them, but I can’t remember which one I used. I will say I regret getting the taller ones. They don’t fit well in my vehicle for transportation. But if you have a trailer you should be fine!

[@jodidowns60]

@@DaysCrochet thank you!

[@jasminemercedes978]

what if i dont have a tent only a table

[@DaysCrochet]

If your event is outdoors, I highly recommend investing in a canopy. The weather is not always nice and it’s very easy to get sunburned.

[@gailsmith9282]

Can i ask how you are pricing your boho line

[@gailsmith9282]

I have had so many compliments on these items

[@DaysCrochet]

Gail Smith what do you mean by my “boho line”? I just want to be sure I understand your question ☺️

[@gailsmith9282]

@@DaysCrochet I'm sorry, I mean the hammock and towel ring, and tissue box, oh and the plastic bag holder. They are so nice and I don't know what they normally would price at. If you don't mind.

[@DaysCrochet]

Gail Smith ok, no problem! I sell the towel ring for $10, bag holder for $20, tissue topper for $15, and the hammock for $15-$20, depending on the size.

[@gailsmith9282]

@@DaysCrochet thankyou. That helps so much

[@msyanicat19]

Thank you!

[@carolray6765]

Thank you

[@DaysCrochet]

Welcome!