Many jewelry artisans and other crafters have their own system for creating a comfortable booth with all of the necessities that doesn't require a U-Haul to get all the items to the show. If you have a setup you love, but want some new ideas, or if you're preparing for your first show (or trying to correct mistakes from previous shows), this article may be of help to you. Here is my Craft Show Booth Survival Kit.
Water
You must absolutely have water in your tent or booth. If you are at a show, they usually run at least four hours, and if you're sitting there, talking to people all day, nervous, and especially if it's hot, you will become dry very quickly. It is essential to take a bottle of water with you to every craft show. If you know that it will be very hot, stop by the 99-cent store and get bottles of water (sometimes they sell a pack of 16 for $2 or so), and maybe take a cooler. At the very least, have water available for your customers. Even if it goes quickly, it's an idea to drive some traffic.
Tent
Unless your show is inside, I highly recommend bringing a tent. Whether it's 100 degrees or 40 degrees, a tent is a refuge for your customers. If they are comfortable inside your booth (or at least more comfortable than they would be exposed to the elements), they will stay longer, and this also helps your safety, as well. Trust me, I speak from experience when I say you can make a good day bad very quickly by getting too much sun and having not enough water or shade.
First Aid Kit
It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but I like to take a pouch or a zip-up container with Band-Aids, some small scissors, cough drops, sun block, aloe vera, anti-bacterial solution, etc. You never know when something might happen, and it's best to be prepared.
Scissors
Especially if you are offering free gift wrap, this one is important. That may seem very common sense now, but in the craziness of preparing for a craft show, the most minor and seemingly obvious things can be overlooked very easily. (I once went to sell my jewelry and didn't bring a single mirror). Speaking of which ...
Mirrors
When you're selling jewelry, you really need to be able to let your customers see it on themselves, or see how it would look on them. Mirrors are absolutely essential. I have one at each end of the table, for every table I bring.
Cash
There are few things as humbling as making a $30 sale, and then having your customer pay with a $100 bill, and not having any change. I always bring $100 in change to start the day: a $20 bill; three $10 bills; four $5 bills; twenty $1 bills; and the remaining $10 in quarters, dimes, nickels, and about 50 cents in pennies. Speaking of cash, have a cash box, too. For the longest time, I was exchanging money in and out of my wallet, and finally it dawned on me how unprofessional that probably looked. Now I take a recipe card box with me. Hey, whatever works!
Music
I don't always do this, however, especially if it's a themed event, such as for Christmas, I like to have some music going. Be careful with Christmas shows, though. Especially if your show is right before Christmas. It is my experience that by about the 20th of December, most individuals feel that if they hear a crooning version of "The Christmas Song" or "I'll Be Home For Christmas," they might strangle themselves with the Christmas tree lights. So if you're going to have holiday-themed music, make sure it's a little different, such as your favorite artist singing their version of Christmas songs that are clearly in the holiday spirit, but not necessarily the same 20 songs we hear on a continuous circuit for 30 straight days.
Also, make sure that your music is appropriate for your booth. If you're selling rosaries, death metal might not be the best choice. If you sell beach-themed jewelry, country music probably won't make a lot of sense, so put on some Marley or Beach Boys. If done correctly, music can be very essential and beneficial for the overall atmosphere of your booth.
One last musical note (no pun intended), don't play it too loudly. It's both disrespectful to other booths neighboring you and can be a big turn-off for customers.
Gift Wrap
Especially around the Holidays, this is essential. However, really, any show you go to should include your offering of free gift wrapping. You can purchase boxes very inexpensively. Take along some curling ribbon to make the box look beautiful without too much hassle. You never know for what your customer is buying. It could be a random show in the middle of May, and someone might be searching for a birthday or anniversary gift. Always offer wrapping.
Bags
If you go to the section of the craft shop that revolves around gift wrap or party supplies (not the ones you purchase for parties, but the ones you purchase to create your own party favors), you can find paper bags for inexpensive prices. Usually they are bundled together, and usually they offer a small version. A middle-sized paper bag (stamped with your logo or information, if you can) can be a great way to complete a purchase. At a show, people usually don't want to walk around holding a piece of jewelry, even if it's gift wrapped, so providing a paper bag can help make their day easier and make you look more professional.
Digital Photo Frame
Of course this one is more of a "nice to have" than a "must," but it is a fact that in this day and age, people become almost entranced by digital photo frames, wondering what will come next. Showing your pieces, pictures of you creating your pieces, information about the materials, etc. can be very helpful in drawing your customers in and telling them more about you.
Hand Sanitizer
More often than not, you will most definitely be shaking peoples' hands, dealing with money, etc. The best way to ruin a great show is to get sick from it, so take some instant hand sanitizer, and use it frequently. Perhaps purchase a pump container of it and set it on your booth table. Others might be grateful for the health consciousness you display, and feel more comfortable with you.
Business Cards, Pamphlets, Paper Information
Business cards are important to bring, and if you think this is a no-brainer, think again. I've gone to a show and left my business cards at home before! Guilty as charged. Also, any pamphlets or paper information you may have (don't look like an information booth, but two or three isn't bad) should be brought with you, as well. Additionally, bring a clip board with a paper attached to it for email sign-ups. The more information you hand out, and the more information you gather, the better. If someone stops at your booth just for a moment, even if they aren't interested that day, something made them stop, so kindly hand them a card and say, "Thanks for stopping by! I have a website, as well, if you'd like to check it out," or something like that.
Signage
Sometimes, there are things you want to say to people, but you feel a little rude saying these things, or you're afraid that you will come across as rude. This might include, "Please don't try on the earrings unless you are purchasing them." Nobody wants to buy earrings that someone else has worn, but you also don't want the customer to think you're being rude, singling them out, or being offensive. Signage can get all of the uncomfortable moments out of the way. A small, polite sign in front of the earrings display saying, "For health reasons, please do not put the earrings on until after purchase. Feel free to hold them up to you using the mirrors provided," or something like that can really be helpful. Also, get a banner! Banners look very professional, and many places have very wonderful banners you can create at inexpensive prices.
Although there are many other factors that go into a show, and everyone brings different things, this is my collection of items.I bring these items to every show to create a professional look, stay health conscious, keep the customer in mind, and stay comfortable during the show. I hope this has been helpful for you!
