One of the biggest challenges for makers preparing for a craft show is deciding how much inventory to bring. You don’t want to sell out too quickly and miss out on potential sales, but you also don’t want to overproduce and end up with too much leftover stock. Finding the right balance takes a bit of research, organization, and experience.
How Much Inventory Should You Bring?
The amount of inventory you need depends on the type of craft show, expected attendance, price point of your products, and how many different items you offer. Here are a few factors to consider when planning:
Size of the event: A small local market will have a different foot traffic level than a large festival or holiday bazaar. Research past attendance numbers if possible.
Sales goals: Set a realistic revenue goal and estimate how many products you need to sell to reach that number.
Price range: If your items are lower-cost, you’ll need a higher volume. If your products are higher-end, you may need fewer but well-curated pieces.
Past sales data: If you have attended craft shows before, review previous sales to estimate demand.
A common rule of thumb is to bring at least five to ten times your booth fee in inventory value. For example, if your booth fee is $100, aim to bring $500 to $1,000 worth of products.
Diversifying Your Inventory
Offer a mix of price points: Have a range of products from budget-friendly items to higher-ticket pieces.
Vary your selection: Bring a mix of best-sellers, new releases, and limited-edition pieces to attract different customers.
Stock up on popular items: If certain products sell out quickly online or at previous events, make extra.
Keeping Track of Inventory
Good inventory management prevents last-minute panic and helps you stay organized for future shows.
Pre-Show Inventory Tracking
Use a spreadsheet or an inventory management app to track how many of each item you’re bringing.
Label and organize items in bins for easy setup and restocking during the event.
Keep a separate count of items that are already priced and packaged for sale.
Tracking Sales During the Show
Use a simple tally sheet, point-of-sale system, or inventory app to mark each sale as it happens.
If you accept cash payments, have a backup system for tracking, like writing down what was sold.
Pay attention to trends—are certain products selling faster than others? Make notes for future reference.
Managing Raw Materials
Planning inventory also means making sure you have enough raw materials for production.
Keep a running list of materials needed for each product.
Order supplies in bulk if possible, but don’t overstock on items you rarely use.
Use storage bins or shelves to keep raw materials organized and easily accessible.
If you make products on demand, have a system for quickly restocking or fulfilling orders after the event.
Final Inventory Check Before the Show
A few days before the craft fair, do a final inventory check:
Confirm all products are labeled and packed.
Double-check that you have enough business cards, price tags, and packaging supplies.
Bring an extra stock of any items that typically sell out quickly.
By planning ahead, tracking inventory carefully, and monitoring sales trends, you can make sure you have the right amount of stock without overproducing. Over time, you’ll get better at estimating demand and fine-tuning your inventory strategy for each event.
Next up we’ll cover how to prepare to go to the market!
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