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You?ve done it! You?ve signed up to do a craft show?.now what!
Where do you start? This is a dilemma most first time craft show
participants (sometimes even us veterans) feel shortly before
the show. I am going to give you a few basic tips and some
tricks of the trade to help make your show go smoothly and
hopefully successfully. The first and most important thing is to
be sure to read the rules and regulations of the show. The last
thing you want to do is show up and set your table up with fancy
lighting only to find out that you weren?t allowed to use 1000
strings of lights. Take careful note of whether or not they
supply an electric source, exactly how much space you are
allowed to use and whether there are any display restrictions.
While you are preparing your display area, it is a great idea to
tape off the size of your allotted space either in your basement
or garage (use your living room if you have to) and set up your
entire display prior to going to your show. Especially if it?s
your first show. Be creative! A flat table with your hard work
displayed on it isn?t going to draw much attention. A nice
display doesn?t have to be expensive either. Cover some shoes
boxes with fabric, get some plastic crates and put some moss and
twigs around them, use small shelving units you can pick up
cheap at a discount store?use your imagination. Scatter smaller
items randomly throughout your display, people are more likely
to notice a small item they see several times rather than many
small items in a basket. Once you have your display set up how
you like it, you now have everything you will need for the show
right there and ready to pack. You will be less likely to forget
things this way too. Label your boxes or totes and load them
into your vehicle in the order that you?ll need them. You won?t
need that box of bracelets before you need the box with the
table decorations. Some other items you will want to bring are:
tissue paper to wrap your items in (even if they aren?t fragile,
some people prefer to have their stuff wrapped); bags to put
sold items in; shims (you never want a wobbly table); scissor,
tape, extra pens; markers; sales pads; tape measure; string;
glue; first aid kit; extra price tags; rubber bands; paper
clips; mints; copy of your inventory; small stapler;
screwdriver; small hammer; business cards; business card holder;
extension cords; extra bulbs; power strips; duct tape (tape
cords down); notepad; calculator; display wire; a sign with your
company name; and a copy of your sales tax certificate. I know
some of it sounds strange, but you?d be surprised. Now, for
yourself, you are going to want to bring some things too.
Aspirin, tissues, paper towels, camera (take a picture of your
booth after its set up); cooler with soda and water; small
snacks; comfortable shoes; cell phone; chair cushion; deodorant;
extra socks; jacket or sweater; sunscreen; water bottle; wet
wipes; and extra change of clothes (you never know what could
happen) and a GREAT attitude. I also recommend buying an
inexpensive canvas apron and sewing or fashioning some pockets
that can be Velcro?d shut to put your money in. That way you are
more free to move around and not tied to a table. Make sure you
bring PLENTY of change. It is a good idea to price your items to
include tax and round up to the nearest dollar ? that way you
don?t have to worry about coins. Another great thing to have is
a guestbook. You can make your own or use one similar to those
you see at wedding receptions. It?s a great way to sign people
up for your mailing list. You might think about having samples
to give away with your business card attached. Everyone likes
something for free. If you do a newsletter, print some to give
out in your merchandise bags. Hopefully you?ve found some tips
here to help you and remember you started crafting because it
was fun and you enjoy it, your show should reflect that. Have
fun! Share your love of crafting! And smile?you are on your
way!!!
About the author:
My name is Lauren and I am the owner of
www.heartsdesiregiftables.com. I feel so blessed to be able to
be doing something that I love in crafting and writing.
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