Booth layout - wrapping, etc. space

[ImLaughingMyGlassOff]

Where in your booth do you package stuff to go, or make change, or things like that? Since I sell glass I need to wrap in some sort of padding (usually tissue paper) and bag and make change so I need some table space, but that stuff isn't always pretty. Do you just put it on a small table and own it as functional space, or do you try to keep it out of view? Currently I have three display units on my three walls and space in a corner to do something, but what?

[JustMeToo]

I use a white bedroom side table from IKEA. It has a lower shelf to keep bags on, and a drawer, for visa forms, pens, extra business cards, tape, etc. On the top surface, I have my sales book, pen, loose change bowl, and visa stuff.
You might need one with a larger table space for wrapping. They have some great changing tables at IKEA with a large top area, and drawers that might be perfect. Good luck!

[ImLaughingMyGlassOff]

That does sound organized. That's what I need. Organization and discipline to keep it that way.

[BlueTurtleCrafts]

I have one of those rolling plastic bin drawer thingies. I keep all of my packaging & bags, pens and all that in it and I attached a round tabletop to the top. I made it counter height, so i don't have to bend over all the time (hate that :)
It's nice because it has wheels and I just tape the drawers shut and tip it right into the car for transport.

Oh, and I made a fabric 'skirt' for it to make it look nice (with velcro to attach it), I plan to paint my logo guy on it at some point.

[WhimsyBits]

I have a rolling cart that holds some stuff but I set up a 'check out table' for my booth which I used to use a small (maybe 3 ft) folding table with fabric draped over and I kept bins underneath. This past season I created a bar height table from plastic shelving units that I put a cheap table top (from IKEA) on top and wrapped fabric around the sides. It has one shelf under it that I keep stuff on.

I wouldn't feel the need to keep it out of site completely - customers won't care that you are making sure their items are packaged safely.

[JustMeToo]

Suzy. If you pay a little more, and buy something nice, there's no need to hide it away! Mine looks like part of my booth - I have all white walls, and I bought a white table, with a white back on it! Because of the drawer, even when I'm not at a show, I leave business cards, and stuff there, so I'm never searching for it!

[ImLaughingMyGlassOff]

I did find an ikea cart with potential. A drawer and wheels sturdy not heavy. I think this may be worth a try at my next show.

Thanks you.

[ThisLittleKittenShop]

I only do table shows (so far) and just use 2 totes staked on the other, its just below table height so its hidden. I also have some hidden areas behind my display to put stuff.

these are all great ideas too!

[CoquetteBath]

IKEA is awesome for stuff to use.

I change it up every year, but yeah, I normally have a space behind and below where I can do whatever bagging I need. I install a hook on the back of some upright fixtures to hang bags on (out of sight) so that I don't have to dig around for them.

[TigersandDragons]

Most craftspeople I know who sell large pieces of ceramic or glass have a small table specifically for wrapping, they have a large NEAT pile of tissue or newprint, or unprinted newsprint paper sitting right on the table. Plop the piece onto the pile, wrap it, put it in a handled bag or a box. (boxes underneath the table or shelves.
Usually the table is either at the back of the booth, or off to the side.


The point is that at a busy show, they don't want to have to scramble or bend down every time they need to wrap a purchase (and they have to wrap pretty much every purchase!). I guess you could also look for a small desk with a drawer that slides out and put the tissue on that, if you are really adverse to showing packing material.

[stringnstone]

we make change from the aprons we wear and since most of our items are small we keep the bags under the riser DIL uses for her necklace displays.
We also have a roll around cart for big shows for supplies and just use a plastic shoe box at our farmers' market...

[Former_Member]

Margaret brings up a good point about using the space under risers to stash stuff. I use mini CD crates & pine boards to make our 2 shelf soap riser. The entire riser, including the back, is covered with fabric. There's lots of space under the riser where I stash our bags, brochures, business cards, Square Reader, pens, inventory sheets, etc. They're out of sight & only Cindy & I have access since the space is at the back of table which faces the inside of our booth.

[JustMeToo]

Mike. I do some of that, as well, but Suzy needs a bigger flat surface for packaging glass. A combined storage/surface might work better in her case.

[ImLaughingMyGlassOff]

Thank you all. Plenty of good ideas. I'm doing a smaller April show to test some things out before my biggie in August.

[CoquetteBath]

I definitely do the 'bricks & boards' thing with a cloth over it, and I shove/stash everything beneath it.

I need to get new aprons this fall (since my packaging no longer uses flowers and my aprons have flower designs) and in those new ones, I'm going to put in a deep pocket or three for phone/money. Cause I also shove my bank bag underneath. Probably not the best thing.