Joyful Abode

I guess this should really be called “Craft Show Checklist - What I bring to my shows”

I can’t tell you what to bring… we all have different needs and sell different things in different parts of the country and the world. So while sunscreen and bug spray might be necessities for an outdoor show in Pensacola, FL, you might not need them in … wherever you are.  You might not be able to survive without earmuffs, but I wouldn’t know what to do with them at all! So… here it is, in all its glory.

Step 1: Take care of yourself. I don’t know about you but if my hands are dry, I can’t concentrate on ANYthing… let alone smiling and trying to sell my wares! Same goes for germs, headaches, sweat, bugs, etc.

1.  Allergy Medicine
2. Tylenol/Advil/Ibuprofen (pick whatever floats your boat)
3. Lip balm
4. Lotion
5. Baby Wipes / Wet  Ones
6. Hand Sanitizer
7. Bug Spray
8. Sunscreen (I bring face moisturizer with sunscreen in it, so I won’t irritate my skin with thick stuff…)
9. Tissues
10. Jacket, if weather may call for it
11. Cooler with lots of water and easy-to-sneak snacks (baby carrots, goldfish crackers, pretzels… nothing greasy or messy).
12. Hairbrush and ponytail holders, especially if you are outdoors and it might get windy
13. Makeup for touch-ups
14. A nail clipper, for loose threads on clothing or in case you break/rip a nail.
15. Feminine hygiene products … even if you don’t need them that day, you might save another artist’s life (just about).
16. Camera… because I didn’t know what category to put this in.

Step 2: Be prepared for a sale. If you bring all of your merchandise, but aren’t prepared for a sale, it won’t do you any good. It’s better to be prepared for a sale, and forget half your merchandise. At least you can sell what you have!

1. Cash box with change
2. Tax information / Business license
3. Calculator
4. Credit Card Imprinter
5. Sign saying you accept credit cards
6. Business Cards
7. Mailing list sign-ups (great to offer a raffle prize to entice people to give up their information)
8. Bags for purchases
9. Receipts - the carbon copy type so you can keep one and give one to the customer
10. Pens
11. Show Schedule fliers… If you don’t catch them this time, you might make a sale next time!

Step 3: Bring your things and your displays!

1. Tent / Tent Walls / Stakes / Hammer / Weights for the legs (if outdoors)
2. Gridwall / hooks / shelves
3. Poles for improvising clothing racks between gridwall
4. Hangers
5. Price tags or cards
6. Mannequins / Dress Form
7. Any other specialized displays (I have baskets, stationery racks, and a card spinner)
8. Mirror for customers to use
9. Tables
10. Chairs
11. Tablecloths
12. Banner or sign
13. Any seasonal decor. I’m not bringing my little Christmas tree to this show, but I’ll bring it to next week’s show!

Step 4: Be prepared! Keep things tidy and be prepared for emergencies.

1. Small trash can
2. Binder clips
3. Sticky lint roller
4. Paper towels
5. Clothespins
6. Clothesline
7. Stapler
8. Tape - scotch and duct
9. Scissors
10. String
11. Extra Price Tags
12. Toolbox

Put everything by the door or by the car the night before (if you’re setting up the day of the show) so you won’t forget anything!

Get a good night’s sleep… which obviously I’m not doing, because it’s about midnight and I’m setting up at 7am tomorrow (half an hour drive to the show and we haven’t loaded the car yet!). Which means I’m going to cut this short. Goodnight!

If you’re in Meridian, MS, I hope to see you at the MOPs Christmas Stop at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church tomorrow!

Related posts:

1. Friday Feature is Delayed due to Craft Show Frenzy
2. Craft Show tomorrow - Merry Meridian
3. Craft Show Set-Up Mock-Up
4. Meridian MS MOPs Christmas Stop
5. Crafting up a Storm for my First Show!