A well-organized and visually appealing booth can make all the difference at a craft show. Your display should attract customers, make shopping easy, and reflect your brand’s personality. Preparing ahead of time with a pre-show setup can help you avoid stress and make setting up on the event day smooth and efficient.
Why Do a Pre-Show Setup?
Setting up your booth at home before the event allows you to:
Ensure you have all necessary materials.
Experiment with different layouts to find what works best.
Take photos of your setup to use as a reference on the day of the show.
Reduce stress and setup time when you arrive at the market.
What You Need for a Craft Show Booth
Before you start setting up, make sure you have the essential elements for a professional and functional booth.
Booth Essentials
Table(s): Check the show guidelines for size restrictions. A standard folding table is usually six feet long.
Tablecloths: Choose a fabric that fits your brand’s aesthetic and fully covers your table for a polished look.
Tent (if outdoors): A 10x10 pop-up tent is common for outdoor shows. Get one with sidewalls and weights to protect from wind and weather.
Signage: Have clear signage with your business name, logo, and social media handles. Price tags should be visible and easy to read.
Selling & Payment Supplies
Cash box or money belt: Bring plenty of small bills and coins for making change.
Card payment system: Use a Square, PayPal, or another mobile card reader. Make sure it is charged and tested before the event.
Receipts or order forms: If you take custom orders, have a way to record customer details.
Packaging & Display
Bags and wrapping: Paper bags, tissue paper, or small boxes for purchases.
Display stands: Use shelves, crates, or risers to create levels and maximize table space.
Decor elements: Consider string lights, small plants, or fabric backdrops to enhance your setup.
Other Important Items
Business cards: Place them where customers can easily grab one.
Notebook & pen: Jot down sales, inventory notes, or customer requests.
Snacks & water: Keep yourself fueled throughout the day.
Garbage bags: Keep trash contained.
Staging Your Products for Maximum Impact
The way you display your products can influence sales. Customers are more likely to stop at a booth that looks inviting, organized, and easy to navigate.
The Psychology of Staging
Best sellers out front: Place your most popular or eye-catching items at the front of the table. This draws people in and encourages them to browse.
Create height variations: Use risers, shelves, or crates to create different levels so everything isn’t flat on the table. This makes your booth more dynamic and visually appealing.
Group similar products together: Organize items by category so customers can easily find what they’re looking for.
Use clear pricing: Customers may hesitate to ask about prices, so make sure every item is labeled.
Creating a Show Day Checklist
Having a checklist ensures you won’t forget anything on the big day. Here’s a basic list to start with:
Display & Booth Setup
Tables
Tablecloths
Tent with sidewalls and weights
Signage (business name, pricing, social media info)
Product displays (stands, shelves, risers)
Decorations
Selling & Payment
Cash box with small bills and coins
Mobile card reader, charged and ready
Receipt book or order forms
Business cards
Packaging & Supplies
Bags for customer purchases
Wrapping paper, tissue paper, or boxes
Extra product tags and labels
Notebook and pen for notes
Personal Items
Water and snacks
Phone charger or battery pack
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen or an extra layer (if outdoors)
By preparing ahead of time and staging your booth before the event, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and successful craft show experience. A well-thought-out booth not only makes selling easier but also creates a positive shopping experience for your customers.
Next is day of event extras that will help make it a successful show!
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