List of Things to Bring to Art and Craft Shows

by Sheri Stroop
(Altruistic Treasures)

Christian Biker Bracelet by Sheri Stroop

In planning for my first Arts and Crafts Show (ever!) I decided to make a list of items I thought I would need to make the show as stress-free as possible.

I also wanted to make the list to make sure I didn't forget anything!

I am so nervous and completely feel unprepared, but hopefully I have covered everything, and in my anxiety can help someone else in their Arts and Craft Show ventures!

List of Things to Bring
When Selling Jewelry at
Art and Craft Shows

$50.00 Change

Baggies for Earrings

Bandaids

Banner

Basket for Rummage Items

Batteries for Lights

Bead Board

Beads, Findings, Tools

Blanket (outdoor shows only)

Bottled Water

Business Cards

Calculator

Cash Zipper Bag

Cell Phone

Chair

Clipboard

Credit Card Pad

Gift Boxes

Handtruck

Handwipes

Jewelry

Jewelry Cloth

Jewelry Stands

Jewelry Storage Boxes

Lights

Magnetic Beads (for the kids)

Mirrors

Notebooks (for booking shows / fundraisers, and collecting
contact information)

Pens

Poncho (outdoor shows only)

Price/Cost List

Price Dots (for rummage bin)

Price Tags

Rubber Maid Containers (to carry everything)

Sales Bags

Signage and Holders

Snacks

Table Cloths

Table Skirts

Tables

Tent (outdoor shows only)

Plastic bags (for trash)

Hope this list is helpful!

Sheri Stroop
Altruistic Treasures
Altruistic Treasures Jewelry Fundraising

Comments for
List of Things to Bring to Art and Craft Shows

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Great list
by: Rena

I'm glad you put "jewelry" on your list - in the flurry of getting displays and everything else ready, and packing it all into your car, it's actually surprisingly easy to forget the bring the jewelry itself!

Also, I think you've got a great idea for a hot market niche with your Christian biker bracelet - I know there are lots of Christian bikers, and that bikers tend to be avid jewelry customers.

Thank you for sharing your list, Sheri - and I hope your first show was a success! :o)

If you thought of bandaids
by: Anonymous

Then you are in the " ZONE" my friend.
You have nothing to worry about now as long as you bring the product.

You'll do well !

Some other things...
by: Anonymous

Your list looks good.

When I began selling at craft fairs I had a bunch of $7.00 earrings. I created a spreadsheet and figured the tax for 1 pair, 2 pair, etc...

Bring a copy of your business license. (I don't remember if that was on your list or not.)

Since I am in comments, I cannot remember if you had breath mints - if not, add those to the list.

another thing I forget and need sometimes...
by: Nancy B

Hi - it was nice to see someone else's 'list' for a change to see if there might be something I often forget - haha. I've found a need for tape and a stapler - sometimes for signs (or banner?) and am glad I packed a small tape dispenser - other times I've used duct tape to hold things where I put them when it's windy - so, to me perhaps rope to tie down a shade overhead is also helpful outside - always just as a 'perhaps' need tho - and normally don't need it TG! haha Good luck with your sale! I hope you do well!
Nancy B

Great List
by: Kim I.

I really liked your list as well, the only other things I would bring are either two sided tape or sticky sided Velcro, also a lint brush. If you have the tiem, get one foot lengths of 1 3/4 inch wide PVC tubing to raise the legs of your table. I found this raises the level of the display for the ease of viewing the jewelry items. Just make sure it works for the way the table legs are constructed.

Your Christian biker bracelet is great! If you have other items as unique as that, you will have carved out an interesting niche. I, too, sell jewelry for a Christian niche market, which has its challenges but also its "followers".

oops! I forgot,,,,,,,,
by: Donna

Yes, do remember to bring your jewelry. I laughed at that one because I actually DID forget to bring mine to a show once. Fortunately, I lived only about on hour away and my husband was king enough to run it down to me. phew!!

Thanks
by: Kamilah

Thanks for this list, I'm going to post it by my desk. I always forget something when doing shows.

also bring...
by: Barbara

- an assortment of bungee cords for outdoor shows. I keep them in a small see-through ziplock bag with extra tent pegs, rope, tie-downs, etc.
- gallon+ water jugs, to drink from and fasten your tent down (using the aforementioned bungee cords), if you don't already have cement blocks/weights -- mandated by most outdoor markets now, especially since gusty winds can come up out of nowhere with no warning. I was in a tornado one gorgeous sunny day. It lasted ten minutes, six tents were completely destroyed, monsoon downpour, everything was blown into instant mud puddles -- and I am serious there was NO warning -- 20 minutes later the sun was out and it was a lovely evening.
- bulldog clips to hang/move things quickly
- a nice-looking cotton shower curtain to temporarily block the sun, mine is white cotton with a lace ruffle -- and I use the bulldog clips to quickly change its position on my tent.
- very important -- a box of kleenex.
- very, very important -- a comfortable folding chair, two if you have room -- makes it easier to invite someone to sit down when you're discussing a potential commission.
- I keep my tools and extra jump rings, different earwires/clip-ons and findings in one of those three-drawer plastic boxes
- all my miscellaneous "market stuff" goes into a plastic bin and sturdy carry bags and lives there between markets
- the night before, I move everything beside the door and mentally unpack, set up and go through the selling process to make sure I haven't forgotten anything.

If hauling all this stuff sounds intimidating, it's not. Everything on the list will fit into a couple of bags/boxes. And if nothing else, if someone near you has forgotten something they will be profoundly grateful if you offer them whatever they need. The bonus is they'll probably be over buying from you before the day is out.

B

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Submitted by: Barbara

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- an assortment of bungee cords for outdoor shows. I keep them in a small see-through ziplock bag with extra tent pegs, rope, tie-downs, etc. - gallon+ water jugs, to drink from and fasten your tent down (using the aforementioned bungee cords), if you don't already have cement blocks/weights -- mandated by most outdoor markets now, especially since gusty winds can come up out of nowhere with no warning. I was in a tornado one gorgeous sunny day. It lasted ten minutes, six tents were completely destroyed, monsoon downpour, everything was blown into instant mud puddles -- and I am serious there was NO warning -- 20 minutes later the sun was out and it was a lovely evening. - bulldog clips to hang/move things quickly - a nice-looking cotton shower curtain to temporarily block the sun, mine is white cotton with a lace ruffle -- and I use the bulldog clips to quickly change its position on my tent. - very important -- a box of kleenex. - very, very important -- a comfortable folding chair, two if you have room -- makes it easier to invite someone to sit down when you're discussing a potential commission. - I keep my tools and extra jump rings, different earwires/clip-ons and findings in one of those three-drawer plastic boxes - all my miscellaneous "market stuff" goes into a plastic bin and sturdy carry bags and lives there between markets - the night before, I move everything beside the door and mentally unpack, set up and go through the selling process to make sure I haven't forgotten anything. If hauling all this stuff sounds intimidating, it's not. Everything on the list will fit into a couple of bags/boxes. And if nothing else, if someone near you has forgotten something they will be profoundly grateful if you offer them whatever they need. The bonus is they'll probably be over buying from you before the day is out. B

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A few more things!
by: Sue

I forgot my table one time! Luckily, my friend brought his for me and I was fine (after the heart palpitations stopped.)

I bring a tape measure as some people want to know the exact size of everything. Also, if you are doing a future custom order, it can be helpful.

I bring my jewelry tools: Cutter, crimper, needle nose pliers, crimps, and 22-24 gage wire. I've shortened things on the spot and made sales that I wouldn't have made without them. I also change out clasps or add extenders on the spot. People want custom stuff!! I ask the person I'm working with to "watch" the table while I'm working, too. If they are talking with the new customers about what I'm doing, no one feels left out.

Good luck. You are very prepared and you will do great!

show time list
by: Bailey

I always bring asprin or some type of headache medicine and sunscreen. Also sunglasses!

Ready to Go
by: Bead Queen

Several years back I purchased a Large (25") suitcase on wheels. It is packed with bags, tissue paper & boxes for packaging, table covers, office items (stapler & staples, sissors, credit card sign, business card holder, calculator, pens, etc), and display items. When I get home after a show I replinish giving me one less thing to worry about when getting ready for my next show. I keep a check list of "WHAT TO BRING TO A SHOW" in one of the outside pockets.

What to bring to a show
by: Donna

I don't go anywhere with out zip ties and clear duct tape.

Also a good reminder. Have your show supplies in a container and never take anything out of it to use in your office, etc. That will save you a lot of time when getting ready for a show and you won't forget anything. In the summer I have a show pretty much every weekend and my car stays packed and ready to go for the next show.

I also find that bringing Ensure and some (unsalted) trail mix is good for busy shows where there is no time to eat.

My thought on chairs... ok to have one for customers, but the rule in my booth is no sitting! And don't forget to dress for success. Shows are hard work. Hauling, setting up displays, etc. and sometimes in rain. But when the show starts you are on! Make sure that you are as pulled together as your booth and beautiful work. So don't forget to pack your show clothes.

chairs
by: Barbara

Hmm... for those of us who are gimped up with bad backs and knees, forgetting a chair is an utter DISASTER. I've managed to do it three or four times in the past few years, but no more. I have a folding chair that now lives year round in the truck.

Also, if you show in big halls or arenas, particularly with cement floors, you might want to also bring a cushion or even a thick mat to stand on to help you stay warm and protect your knees and back if you do stand the whole time. If you're in your 20s it probably doesn't matter, but once you're north of 40, well... reality bites.

More stuff for your checklist
by: Cheryl Feyen

When I'm doing outdoor shows I bring clear plastic covers for my merchandise. I bought a box of contractors plastic at the home improvement store 100' by 8' that I cut to table length. Because it's clear, people can still see through but the merchandise and displays stay dry. Just having a canopy doesn't really help when it's raining sideways.