🛍️ Craft Show Prep Checklist: What I Bring to Every Event
- jennscraftycreatio
- Jan 9
- 3 min read
One of the biggest parts of running a successful craft business is showing up to markets and craft shows prepared. Whether you’re vending indoors or braving the elements outside, having the right tools and supplies can make your day go so much smoother. After years of attending markets with my plushies and handmade creations, I’ve developed a tried-and-true checklist that I bring to every single event.
Here’s everything I bring to ensure my setup is smooth, my booth is inviting, and I’m ready for anything the day throws at me!
🌦️ Booth Setup Essentials
Tent/Canopy (for outdoor events): Provides crucial shade and shelter from the sun or rain.
Tent Weights: These are a must—many events require them for safety. They help keep your canopy stable, especially on windy days.
Side Walls for Canopy: Great for additional shade, privacy, or protection from rain and cold wind.
Banner Stand: For indoor events where you can’t use a tent but still want to prominently display your branding.
Business Signs/Banners: Make sure people know who you are! Signage helps grab attention and build brand awareness from afar.
⭐️ Display Items
Folding Tables: I usually bring 1 to 3, depending on how much space I have and whether I’m using grid walls.
Tablecloths: These keep your setup looking clean and professional, and you can hide your storage underneath.
Grid Walls + Accessories: Perfect for displaying plushies vertically using hooks, shelves, or baskets.
Wooden Crates: These help add height to your display and create visual interest.
Signs with Prices: While most of my items are individually tagged, it helps to have price signs for bundles or featured items.
🪑 Comfort & Convenience
Rechargeable Fans or Heaters: Depending on the season, staying comfortable is key to surviving long event days.
Portable Power Station: For charging devices or powering fans/lights when you don’t have access to an outlet.
Cooler with Snacks & Drinks: Events can get busy! I always pack a cooler to stay hydrated and have snacks on hand.
Bench or Folding Chair: You’ll be on your feet a lot—give yourself a break when you can.
Trash Can: Handy for cleaning up without needing to leave your booth.
📱 Tech Gear & Payments
iPad: I use this to process all payments quickly and easily.
Square Card Reader: I prefer the tap version—it takes cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Chargers for All Devices: No one wants to lose power mid-sale or content shoot.
Phone: For taking photos/videos for social media content throughout the event.
✨ Customer Experience
Clear Shopping Bags: When customers carry their purchases in see-through bags, it’s like free advertising!
Business Cards: Always have plenty on hand. You never know who’s browsing for a future purchase.
Hand Sanitizer: Helps keep things clean—especially when people are handling plushies or handmade items.
✂️ Tools & Supplies
Scissors: I offer to cut off the tags for the little kids who just want to hold their new plushie. Besides this, scissors are always a must.
Zip Ties: For securing grid walls, banners, or hanging decor.
Extra Tags: Just in case you need to replace or add any last minute.
Totes for Supplies: I love the black totes with yellow lids from Lowe’s. They stack perfectly in my car and garage.
Moving Bags for Plushies: Lightweight and easy to carry large quantities.
Utility Wagon: A game changer! Makes transporting heavy or bulky items a breeze.
Cash Box: Yes, people still use cash! I always bring at least $100 in small bills, depending on the size of the event.
⭐️ Bonus: My Market Planning Notebook
I highly recommend using my Market Planning Notebook to stay organized before, during, and after your events. It’s especially helpful for:
Keeping track of event dates and application deadlines
Managing inventory before and after shows
Designing and sketching out your booth layout
Making checklists and tracking to-do items
Reviewing each event to improve your setup and sales for next time
🛍️ Shop My Amazon Favorites
Many of the products I bring to every market are listed on my Amazon Storefront. If you’re prepping for your next event or just getting started, you’ll find lots of my go-to tools and supplies there.
Whether you’re a seasoned vendor or just starting out, being prepared makes a huge difference. I hope this checklist helps you feel more confident and ready for your next craft event!
Do you bring something not on this list? Drop a comment and let me know—I’m always looking for ways to improve my setup!
Thanks for being here and being part of this journey. 💕
With love and yarn,
Jenn
Jenn’s Crafty Creations, LLC
Comments