Panic mode

[Former_Member]

I just signed up for a one night craft/art show near my house because the booth fee was only $25, and I've been itching to do a craft show. Now I'm in complete panic mode realizing all the things I need in order to do the show that I don't have. Like a table, and a banner, and bags, and a way in which to display my merchandise, and I have till July 9th to figure all this out. I'm going to go sit in the corner and hyperventilate.

[Former_Member]

I wish I could help but I have never done one myself.

[ForgedMettleJewelry]

There a team for craft fairs
http://www.etsy.com/teams/8070/craft-fairs-its-a-living

And this thread was helpful when I did my first show, hope it helps.
http://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/business-topics/discuss/8520245/

I'm only just CONSIDERING doing a couple shows this year and I'm panicking myself...

[Former_Member]

Take a deep breath and relax Erin!

Break down what you need to do into small pieces.

Think simple for your display! Sheets work wonders for tablecloths. A fanny pack is a great thing to use for your cash.

Your bags can be very nicely displayed on a soft coloured table cloth.

Don't worry about a banner. You don't have to have one.

If you take it in small steps you'll do fine!

[christmasangel]

Deep breaths Erin :)

I am the queen of panic. But I have learned some things to help myself with that. First is to ask myself what's the worst that can happen? In most cases, I find that the things that I'm worrying about are trivial.

I haven't done a craft fair or show, but have done many antique shows and the greater percentage were outdoors, one location being high risk weather.

So let's see if I can help you out a bit.

1. Your fee to do it is minimal, so even if you didn't sell a thing, nothing ventured, nothing gained. And consider it a good time to advertise. Have business cards, or if you don't have those, make up flyers that you can hand out.

2. I agree with crochetgal, you don't need a banner and table covers can be simple sheets that you can pick up at a thrift store for a song :)

3. Tables can be rented. As a matter of fact, any venue I have done have had table rentals available. Ask if they do, if not, you should be able to find a local rental company. In a pinch, if you know anyone who has card tables, they will work.

4. If you go to a local business supply company they may have bags, or they may be able to tell you where to get them. In a pinch, use bags that you have purchased things in, just straighten them out the best you can. Most customers don't really care.

5. For display, I always figured that I had to stand out and figured the way to do that was to go for height. To accomplish that I used old wooden advertising crates. The rustic look of them would work well with crafts as well. In a pinch, use STURDY cardboard boxes, covered either with tablecloths or wrapping paper.

6. Things you will need...

A pen, as a matter of fact take more than one in case one runs out

Receipt book, these can be obtained from that business supply store.

Change, you don't want to be searching for that when you can sell.

Tissue paper or bubble wrap for their purchases, you don't need a lot.

Scotch tape.

And if I think of anything else, I'll let you know, it's been some time since I have done one.

Most important, enjoy the customers and have fun. A smiling face is contagious.

Good luck with it :)

[Former_Member]

I won't add to the good advice you've already received...but I will tell you that once you get your "craft show gear" in place, it'll be much easier to do them in the future. First one is ALWAYS a learning experience, and you will change things, add things, tweak things at future shows...but GO...get your feet wet...and have fun!!

[Former_Member]

relax, it's a small booth fee, and you'll be OK :)

table covers- just get some sheets, use the ones you already have

you have any bookshelves around?, those make great displays!

banner: unnecessary, wait for vistaprint to have their small banner for free sale

tables I generally use a pair of sawhorses and some wood boards I have laying around. first show I did, I used a picnik table :)

bags: if push comes to shove, use bags from the grocery store :)

height on tables: get some boxes and stick them under the sheet


you will need a pen and a receipt book, a calculator is nice, change is a must

take a look at my booth from the last show I did, I have a shelf from my living room, a pair of sawhorses with a board over them (salvaged from a projection TV), a borrowed camp table, hangers, a sheet,

and the weirdest part, i didn't even have the tent until i was already setting up! that was borrowed too :) (dude who organized it is a friend)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.385836061463471.84793.137780066269073&type=3

[JewelrybySkye]

Have fun with it.

[Former_Member]

ok, breath. You can find a table not too bad if it's one you want to keep for long run that has legs folded up, Sam's club, walmart, home depot, lowes, go to a church and ask if you can borrow one, even. Your purses are small you could buy some little craft lunch bags at sams, grocery store...maybe stamp them with your name...buy some sponges and cut out the letters and make it really cute, or punch a hole and sting your business card though it or staple it neatly to your bags, or stamp them with just a heart or star or something to decorate-or keep them plain. Keep simple, don't worry about a banner. Nice white table cover with your sexy little purses will be enough.

oh, steph has good table. I brought a screen door (found in rafters of garage new old house) last minute and hung jewelry off it from home made wire hangers. Everyone was gushing over it.

[Former_Member]

If you want a hanging display for your purses, chicken wire works wonders. Just bend it into pillars, and hang your purses from it useing clothes pins, paperclips, s hooks, etc. I use it to hang earrings. Just make sure to fold over any sharp corners.