How to Set Up for a Craft Show
If you're beginning a small business to sell your handmade crafts, chances are you'll participate in many craft shows. Creating enough work to stock your booth is challenging, but for a successful show, you must design an attractive booth that draws customers in. This can be challenging for many first-time show participants, but if you follow the tips below, you can create an appealing display.
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Things You'll Need
- Folding table(s)
- Chair
- Pedestals
- Props
- Tablecloth
- Sign
- Covered tent for outdoor events
- Inventory
- Tools of your craft
- Promotional materials
- Mailing list sign-up sheet
Instructions
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Figure out what you will need to bring and what the venue provides. Many craft show organizers expect you to bring your own tables, chairs and tents, but some may provide one or all of these things. Know ahead of time what you will need and plan accordingly.
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Create a unique sign. In her book "Craft Inc.," Meg Mateo Ilasco notes that a well-designed handmade sign can make your booth stand out among the others at the show. Just make sure your sign is large enough to be visible from a distance, and use bold, easy-to-see color schemes.
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Cover your tables with cloths. A plain white tablecloth will give your display surface a polished look. You can also use lengths of patterned fabrics to add color to your display. Seam any raw edges to ensure a professional look.
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Use pedestals and platforms to create levels. Arranging your work at different levels adds visual interest and encourages craft show customers to scan your display with more care.
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Use props. Mateo Ilasco suggests using props to illustrate the usefulness of your items. For example, if you make knitted headbands, display a few on mannequin heads and wear one yourself.
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Display the tools of your craft. You can give customers insight into your creative process with a few well-placed tools. You might also want to demonstrate your skill, as this will draw interested customers to your booth.
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Place promotional materials in a visible spot. Even if a potential customer doesn't make a purchase, if she signs up for your mailing list or takes a business card, she may buy from you in the future.
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