Craft Show Checklist

Now that you are ready to attend your first craft show, there are many items that you must bring to be sure that you are prepared for what is ahead. Below is a checklist that may help you decide what is good to bring to your show. Although there are many things in this list that are useful to bring, there are of course items that won’t be on this checklist that you may want to bring that are important to your particular business. For ease of reading, this checklist has been broken up into sections as follows:

Setup and Display Equipment:

• Inventory
• Dolly or cart to make setup easier
• Tables and chairs
• Tent, canopy, or some other covering if setup is outdoors
• Display cases, signs, shelves, display racks, etc.
• Table cloths, or some other coverings
• Bringing extra coverings is also a plus. They will allow you to cover up your items if you must leave your booth, or if you are set up outdoors and it starts to rain, you can cover your items so they do not get wet.
• Hanging hooks, or other hanging equipment
• Light bulbs, lamps, and extension cords
• Tape (duct or masking), extra wire, pins, glue gun, etc.
• Paper towels, glass cleaner, other cleaner, garbage bags, etc.
• Broom and dust pan for easy clean up

Sales Equipment

• Cash box or something to hold cash. Some prefer having cash boxes. It is good if there is another seller with you at your show. If you are alone, it may be prudent to have a fanny pack or something else along those lines that will stay with you. If you have a cash box and you are alone, make sure you keep a close eye on it. You do not want it to “walk away” if you are busy helping customers.
• Change for customers
• Receipt book
• Catalogs
• Samples, sample equipment, or demonstration items
• Price tags
• Bags, boxes, tissue paper, packing material, etc. You need something to let your customers carry home what they purchase.
• Business cards and holder
• Pamphlets or other advertising
• Sales tax chart
• Credit card machine if you accept credit cards
• Extra order forms

Office Supplies

• Notebook or notepad. These have so many uses. You can write down new contact information, take orders, and other endless possibilities!
• Calculator
• Stapler
• Rubber bands
• Extra pens
• Scissors
• Glue
• Misc. tools if needed: hammer, nails, wrench, etc.

Personal Items

• Cooler
• Food or beverages
• Ice pack
• Suntan lotion if outdoors, hand lotion, baby wipes, pain medication, etc.
• Paper towels or napkins
• Cell phone, laptop, emergency information
• Fan
• Hat if needed outdoors
• Stain remover wipes for clothing. These will come in handy if you are eating or drinking and have a spill.

A few last things to consider:

Wear nice but comfortable clothing and shoes. Remember, you will be on your feet for most of the day, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Do all of your last minute preparations the night before. Fill up your gas tank, load your vehicle, go over your checklist one last time. This will save you time, and will not make you late if you fail to get it all done the morning of your show.

You may want to bring something to work on or read during the slow times during the day. If you have unfinished crafts that you can work on, that can make the time pass faster.

In all the time you spend preparing for your show, sometimes things can get hectic. One of the most important things to remember is not to let too much stress get to you. If you need to take a break and relax, do it. Sometimes a 5 minute break will refresh you and make stressful situations easier to handle. Getting ready for a show can be a hassle sometimes, but the payoff is worth it! Always remember to have fun while you work!