My Craft Show Mojo - Part 1

Good Morning all!
I have seen so many people asking questions about booths and tables for shows that I started a thread in the forums yesterday to get a compilation of tips from sellers for those looking for help, advice or to refresh their views on shows.
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5776655
As you can see there is a LOT of information on there.

I decided I would like to help by adding my own post of tips, tricks and how I do things with my routine.
I would like to start by saying first that I have always had help. From my best friend to Mr. RedMarionette... someone has always been there to help man the booth or table, help set up and tear down and be a second set of hawk eyes for sticky fingers. I think it is vital and I highly suggest having a what I call a Wingman.

Tip #1 - Set up BEFORE your show. At least two weeks in advance so you can see how it will really work. Do you need more display area? Time yourself. See if you really do need a second or third set of hands to help with setup and a tent? Make sure your product will fit and not look too crowded or too sparse. Can you easily nagivate in the space you have allotted? Do you need to rethink your setup?

I will start with the basic checklist that I take to a show. This is for my displays and my product, it will vary for everyone of course, but at least it gives you an idea of how much goes in to it.

- Tents and Weights. Not always applicable, but definitely nice to keep out of the sun. Get good weights! We have concrete blocks to sit on the "feet" of the tent. I have seen a lot of information on how to make hanging weights from the rafters down the leg of a tent.

- Tables and Table Cloth. I recommend floor length so you can use the underneath of the table to hide the boxes you used to move product, store extra product, hide your cooler and your purse!

- Chairs one for each person at least! We have to collapsable camping chairs. I prefer seeing Director chairs I think they look better as you are closer to eyelevel with customers.

- A Cooler with plenty of water and snacks. Also include Advil or another pain reliever as you never know when you or your neighbor will need it.

- Misc Box. A plastic box or a tote bag of the misc items you might or might not need. Scissors, tape, thread and needle, ribbon, twine, wet naps or some cleaner cloth, hand sanitizer, extra pens, stickers for pricing, sunglasses and sunscreen, safety pins, paper towels/kleenex, and bug spray (a MUST).

- Your display. Your display will be the props, shelves, lights, bowls, risers, walls, business card holders, etc. Anything that you will use to display your product. I have little while shelves that I found at a garage sale (Garage Sales are perfect for finding those little props and doodads that you use on your table) I also have a hand cart to help move everything.


- Product. This is the photo of my first Red Marionette craft show. We were allowed one table space worth. I had PLENTY of stuff. Since then I have organized it more into groups of items. Take more than you ever think you will need. It can be stored under the table for when you sell items and need to restock.


- Branding/Logo. Your name recognition is VITAL in having repeat sales and people recognizing you. Have a ton of your business cards ready. Have a logo somewhere. I did not have a banner for my first couple of shows so I purchased wood letters and a little train letter set spelling out Red Marionette.

This worked well because it was eye catching and did brand myself. I do not have a guestbook or mailing list book, but I do know some people rely on that for advertising.


- Money. Or a means to accept it. I do not accept checks, only cash and Credit cards. Bring plenty of change. Price your items so it is easy to make change to patrons. For medium shows I have at least 150 dollars in small bills for change and at least a roll of quarters.
I use Propay.com to accept credit cards. I purchased an inexpensive imprinter through ebay (Mr.Imprinter) that came with slips. Very easy! I recommend keeping your money in a vendor apron or your pockets. For the credit cards I have a clipboard that I keep with the imprinter. If there isnt table space to imprint the card I can put it in my lap and do it that way. There will always be a hard surface to write on. Tie a pen to the clipboard with a ribbon so you never have to search for one.

- Consumables. Tissue Paper, Bags, boxes, freebies, advertising. When someone purchases something, are you going to have all of that handy in a tub to package it up safely? Make a tub or box specificially for packaging. It will save time.







Tip #2 - LABEL!!!! Not only do I individually price items, I also have signage that says what the items are. Not always is it clear what a boo-boo bag is, or a finger puppet may not look like it til you put it on your hand. Make it easy. Some people dont want to ask questions.

Thats it for now! I will go in to more tips and tricks later. But for now I hope this helps get you pointed in the right direction for all that you will need to get started and prepare for your show!