Craft Show Checklist
A Craft Show Checklist is useful for remembering items that are commonly (or not so commonly!) used at craft shows. I've posted a copy of my checklist - feel free to print it out and add items of your own!
Some of the items on my checklist bear a little explanation. For instance, what are table leg extenders and why do I want to pack them? And a stress mat? And while my list may look long, I fit EVERYTHING in three large plastic tubs and a Craftsman rolling tool chest (excepting tables, chairs and canopy supplies if I'm doing an outdoor show.) And believe it or not, with careful packing, I can fit the entire list, including the outdoor show items, my twelve year old son, and myself into a 2-door sports car. In these days of high gas prices, I like to keep all of my expenses low!
Now, on to the explanations, section by section.
Display Materials. If the show doesn't provide tables, I bring two 4'x2' tables and a 5' x 30" table. I always bring one of the 4' tables to use for my transaction materials, and depending on my set up, I might even be able to use it for a display table if I'm on a corner!
Tape, T-pins, extension cords and a spare three-outlet plug reside in my Craftsman tool chest all the time, so I have them if I need them. I use the T-pins to "skirt" my table covering so that it doesn't drag, as well as to hold other items in place. A small mirror on your table is needed for clients who are trying on necklaces or earrings.
Lighting is ESSENTIAL for indoor shows if you are selling jewelry. I have six small halogen desk lamps with flexible necks - they are perfect for aiming my light just where I want it, no matter how I'm set up. Next time you are at a show, look at the difference between a booth that is lit up and one that is not.which one draws you in and shows the sparkle and true color of jewelry pieces? My lights take up about 1/3 of a large tub and stay in the tub with three extension cords until my next show.
I keep two sets of table coverings in my boxes - one set of grey, one set of black. I'd recommend having 2-3 coverings in the same color - no matter your table configuration, you want to have your tables covered to the floor on all sides. Sloppy table coverings detract from quality jewelry work.
The table leg extensions are my "show secret" - I have two different sets of 4 because table legs can vary in size and shape. One set is simply 1" PVC pipe that has been cut to approximately 18" length. They can be slid right over the bottom of most table legs. The other set are the plastic cones that can be put under beds - I've found them at Bed, Bath and Beyond as well as at Wal-Mart. Especially for jewelry crafters, the extra lift you get for your display is worth the investment - raising your table up 4-6" means that your client doesn't have to bend way over to look at your treasures!
For Outdoor Shows, be sure you have an easy-to-assemble canopy that you have practiced putting up before hand. Especially during the summer months, no shade cover means potential burns from your shiny jewelry reflecting the sun's rays! Additionally, you and your clients will be much more comfortable under a canopy. Don't forget weights or stakes or a gust of wind might take your canopy for a ride.
Transaction Materials are the basics that you will need to conclude a client's sale. Bring plenty of change, please. Most show promoters or craft neighbors will gladly make change for you at some point, but try to be prepared in case your first two customers have large bills!
Under the Miscellaneous section, I've listed "stuff" I bring with me that usually has to be packed last minute (up until now, everything lives in a tub or the tool box until it's show time!). Always, always bring jewelry projects to work on, something that's portable and easy to put down if you get busy. And I've blogged about the importance of bringing some basic tools and supplies for quick changes or repairs. Business cards and flyers with your upcoming shows or new product lines are essential for promotion
A stress mat will aid in your comfort if you are like me and stand on your feet for most of an 8+ hour show. If you don't want to invest in an actual foam stress mat, a semi-padded kitchen rug or any other non-slip rug that you can put down where you are standing will help reduce fatigue.
I like to have a spiral notebook to write up custom orders, inquiries and ideas. During the last 20 minutes of a show or at take down, I also jot down what I'm low on (colors, styles) and need to make up before my next show. And don't forget some small bags (I use plastic grocery bags) for trash!
Finally, a few Personal items I find pretty critical to my success.I tend to forget to drink water and put on lip balm or lipstick during a show, so I put water out on my transaction table and put a small tube of lip gloss in my change bag. I was told by a beauty consultant recently that people remember significantly more of what you tell them and pay more attention to your words if you are wearing some lip color.so wearing a nice subtle color will not only keep you from having chapped lips, it might even help sales!
And food.all important! If you choose to bring food to a show, and I usually do to save on my expenses, you MUST bring appropriate food. Bring something that is already assembled or is easy to assemble. Bring something that is not messy or has an unpleasant odor. If you are working by yourself, it's advisable to bring something you can easily put down if you get busy. If you have a helper or partner, I'd advise you to take a short lunch break away from your booth. My best bets: single serving yogurt, grapes, cheese and crackers, sandwiches cut into quarters (deli meat and cheese work best), dry cereal.
Preparation and having most of your checklist items stored away just for shows is important to keeping pre-show stress down. Once you have worked a few shows, you may find additional items you think are essential. Work them into a permanent list so that when you have long gaps between show seasons, you don't forget something!
Craft Show Checklist |
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| Display Materials | ||
| Chairs (if not supplied) | ||
| Display fixtures | ||
| Earrings |
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| Bracelets |
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| Necklaces |
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| Rings |
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| Watches |
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| Other |
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| Duct tape | ||
| Extension cords | ||
| Extension plugs | ||
| Guest book and pen | ||
| Lighting | ||
| Mirror | ||
| Scotch tape | ||
| Signage | ||
| Small card table or side table for conducting transactions | ||
| Table coverings | ||
| Table leg extensions | ||
| Tables (if not supplied) | ||
| T-pins | ||
| Outdoor Shows | ||
| Folding canopy | ||
| Stakes | ||
| Sunglasses | ||
| Sunscreen | ||
| Weights | ||
| Product | ||
| Bagged by color or style for display | ||
| Overstock | ||
| Transaction materials | ||
| Calculator | ||
| Cash box or bag | ||
| Change | ||
Five dollar bills |
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One dollar bills |
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Quarters |
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Dimes |
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Nickels |
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Pennies |
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| Credit card imprinter | ||
| Credit card slips | ||
| Organza bags or gift boxes | ||
| Paper or plastic bags for multiple purchases | ||
| POS terminal | ||
| Receipt book | ||
| Small plastic bags for sold items | ||
| State/Federal Tax ID card | ||
| Two ball point pens | ||
| Miscellaneous | ||
| 2-3 projects to work on during slow periods | ||
| Basics box for repair, restringing, etc., Should include: | ||
Basic tools |
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Clasps |
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Crimps |
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Rings |
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Stringing material |
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| Business cards and holders | ||
| Extra pricing cards, earring cards, display cards | ||
| Flyers with upcoming shows listed | ||
| Notebook to write custom orders, questions, inventory needs for next show | ||
| Ruler or tape measure | ||
| Trash bags | ||
| Personal | ||
| Bottled water | ||
| Cell phone | ||
| Chapstick or lipstick | ||
| Cooler | ||
| Facial tissue | ||
| Small snacks or meals | ||
| Soda | ||
| Stress mat or rug | ||
| Wet wipes | ||
