Apply to Attend a Craft Show

Now that you have chosen which type of show you want to attend, whether it be a large advertised craft show or a smaller arena such as a flea market or bazaar, the next step is to apply for a booth. Every market has its own way of doing things. Some are harder to get into than others, but there is definitely something for everyone!

At most flea markets you can call the office in advance and get all of the information that you need, or some locations will allow you to show up the morning of the market and get a booth. Depending on how busy the market is, you may not want to wait until the last minute to get a spot, however. In my personal experience, getting a spot early virtually guarantees that I will get a booth in a good location with a lot of traffic. Other craft shows with limited booth space usually require you to fill out an application in advance, and they usually have a deadline. The earlier you get the application in, the better.

For smaller markets, usually no application is needed. Many will let you reserve a booth a few days in advance, and you generally have the freedom to decide where you would like to set up depending on availability. It is important that you are very active in the selection of your space. If left up to fate, you may get a lousy space to set up in.

What you really want is a spot with high traffic, or somewhere near the main activity. Locations near restrooms are great, and locations near food vendors or information booths are also prime. Remember, the more people that pass your booth, the more potential sales you have. If possible, check with the market office or their website if they have one and try to get a map or layout of the grounds. That will be very helpful in choosing your space and you will be able to easily see where the best booth locations will be.

For the larger shows mentioned earlier, you will usually need to fill out an application. The applications are usually very simple to fill out, as most ask for basic information about you and what kinds of items you will be selling. Many will want you to include pictures of a booth you had in the past, or a picture of the items you will be selling. An important thing to remember however, is you will most likely not be getting these pictures back. So when you send them in, make sure that you will not need them for anything else or make copies of them before sending them in. Try to send quality pictures of your wares. When taking these pictures make sure you get in close to show the detail and quality of your work. Make sure the lighting is good, so your items will not be hard to see. Having some sort of display is also very helpful. A digital camera is an excellent tool, but 35 mm cameras will also work well.

When you send in your application, be sure to get copies of everything. That cannot be stressed enough. After you fill out your paperwork, make copies for your personal records. Document everything that you include with your application, such as any pictures you take and your check or money order. It will be a lifesaver if somehow your application gets lost in the mail, or is the staff at the show misplaces it. This is rare, but it can happen. It also comes in handy when you record your expenses at tax time. You will know exactly what you paid for everything. You may even consider purchasing delivery confirmation at the post office when you send in your application. It isn’t expensive, and it is a great way to help ensure your application’s safety.

Now that you have chosen the show you would like to attend and sending in the application, please read on for some important steps and checklists to ensure that your show will be a complete success!