Have you ever participated in a Craft Show? Maybe you were thinking about it, but you weren’t sure how to get started. I love going to craft shows and bazaars and I also love selling at them too. In fact, I’m preparing for a bazaar as we speak. It’s a lot of work that goes into prepping for these shows. That is why I decided to share some of my tips that I’ve found make it easier for me to get ready for these type of events. Below, I’ve listed 12 tips that have worked for me when I’m preparing for Craft Shows and hopefully, they will work for you too.
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12 Tips To Prepare For A Craft Show/Bazaar
- Make A List Of All Items Needed For The Event
- Decide What Items To Take
- Recruit Help
- Decide How Many Items To Take
- Decide On Packaging
- Vary Price Points
- Take Snacks
- Dress Comfortably
- Have A Dress Rehearsal
- Decide What Payment You Will Use
- Be On Time
- Take Care Of Yourself & Have Fun!
1. Make A List Of All Items Needed For The Event
It is so important to write down everything that you will need to have a successful event. Making a list will help you keep on track as the day of your event gets closer. It can also make you aware of what items you need to purchase that aren’t in your inventory. As you gather your items, you can check them off and it’s such a good feeling to know that you have everything you need.
2. Decide What Items To Take
As you’re deciding what items to take, it’s especially important to keep in mind the audience that will be attending the event. You want to take items that would appeal to potential buyers. If you know that your customers will be looking for deals, you don’t want to take a lot of high-priced items.
3. Recruit Help
I’ve found that recruiting help to sit with you at your table is extremely helpful. I always ask family members who help me out. (They also help packing my car and in set-up and breaking down of my table after the event too). It’s nice to have another person who can assist you with your customers and attend your table when you have to take a break. I’m grateful that my family members have been awesome helping me in every aspect of my preparation.
4. Decide How Many Items To Take
At most Craft Shows/Bazaars, you have a limited amount of space to display your wares. If you have a lot of inventory like me, you want to take everything. However, taking everything is not an option and you’re going to become overwhelmed. Take it from me, more is not always better.
After I decide what I’m going to take, I do include some extra items that I keep under my table just in case someone asks for something that I don’t have on display.
5. Decide On Packaging
Don’t forget how you’re going to package your items once you’ve made a sale. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. Are you going to use paper bags versus plastic bags? You may want to use boxes, but it all depends on the kind of items you are selling.
I chose simple white shopping bags that I purchased from Amazon and bought label making paper that I made stickers with my logo on it. I then put the logo stickers on the bags. Don’t forget to drop a business card in the bag so your customer can remember you for a future sale.
6. Vary Price Points
It’s important to have items at various price points. Selling items at different price points gives you a better chance of making a sale. For example, if you only have very high-priced items, and the attendees of your show are looking for lower priced items, you may miss potential sales. I like to bring items at low, medium, and high price points to give me a better chance in attracting more customers.
7. Take Snacks
Craft Shows can last for hours, and you’re bound to get hungry and thirsty. Your venue may not have food and drinks available for you to purchase. If you have food allergies like me, you’re going to want to bring your own nourishment.
I always prepare a lunch for myself and my helper. I make chicken sandwiches on homemade flat bread. I also make cookies and bring drinks (usually water, drink boxes and hot tea). Don’t forget to bring napkins, sanitary hand wipes and trash bags.
8. Dress Comfortably
It’s important to feel relaxed and comfortable because you’re going to have a long day. I usually try to wear something loose fitting so that my movement is not restricted. I like to wear clothes that have colors that lean toward the neutral spectrum. Then, I like to add a little pop of color with my accessories. Since I sell crochet fashion and jewelry, I like to wear something that I’ve made. It helps to show potential customers how they can style your items. Also, wearing comfortable shoes is necessary because when your feet are hurting, you are not going to be a “happy camper.”
9. Have A Dress Rehearsal
Have a dress rehearsal of how you’re going to set up your space. I usually like to do this about 1 to 2 weeks prior to my event. I can’t stress this point enough on the importance of this step.
When I first started selling at Craft Shows, I didn’t do dress rehearsals. When I got to my event, I felt stressed and overwhelmed because it took so long to decide where to place things. Dress rehearsals help to alleviate some of the pressure on your event day. (I do my dress rehearsal in my living room).
10. Decide What Payment(s) You Will Use
You’ll have to decide what type of payment you will be taking for the purchase of your items. If you will be taking electronic payments, make sure to have all of your devices (i.e. phone, payment station) fully charged and ready to go. If you’re also taking cash payments, bring extra cash with you to make change. (i.e., small bills, $1 bills, and change).
11. Be On Time
Make sure that you know how to get to your event. Get your directions and an approximate time on how long it takes to get to your event. I would add an extra 30 minutes or more to your travel time just in case you run into heavy traffic. Believe me that you do not want to show up late. In some cases, events will eliminate you from their show if you’re late.
12. Take Care Of Yourself & Have Fun!
Last but not least, don’t’ forget to take care of yourself. Try your best to get adequate rest and sleep before your event. Preparing for a Craft Show can be overwhelming and it’s easy to neglect tending to your well-being. You’re not going to enjoy yourself at your event if you’re over tired. Also, make sure to eat and drink something before leaving your house. You’ll need all of your energy to make it throughout the day.
So, I hope that these tips will be as helpful to you as they are for me the next time you’re preparing for a Craft Show/Bazaar. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun too!
P.S. For additional help, I’m going to include a Craft Show/Bazaar Checklist that you can use to help you prepare for your events. Click here to get your checklist now!
Below is a list of some essential items I use for Craft Shows:
- ABC 10×10 Popup Tent
- Tent Weights
- Folding Table
- Heavy Duty Collapsible Wagon
- Anker PowerCore Portable Cellphone Charger
- Paper Merchandise Bags
- Fitted Tablecloths
- Foldable Stools
Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read my blog. ❤️
Have a wonderful day!