While this year I only plan on doing the Christmas at Central Park show, I’m still thinking ahead to what I need to have ready for the show. This year it has been expanded to a two day event and I’m very excited to participate. Since there is no time like the present to get prepared, I thought I’d participate in the Etsy Bloggers Street Team posting this week on preparing for a craft sale.
You may not think it, but getting ready for a show is a big job! It’s not as simple as bringing your stock and saying”Here I am!” (If only!) While I can setup by myself, it does take some careful planning on my part along with a checklist to make sure I haven’t misplaced anything I might find of use during the show.
For me, that list consists of:
- tape
- table cloths
- tables
- mirrors
- nameplate frame (describes what I do)
- cell phone (to process credit card orders during down times)
- 2 chairs (in case a friend stops by)
- pens
- sales book
- business cards
- displays
- easy cleanup snacks (because when you’re alone you never know how long until your next break)
- water
- scissors
- supplies and tools (to make new items and pass the time)
- small dinner table (to use as a working area)
And that’s only if it’s an indoor show!
That may seem like a lot, but I can fit all of that in a small collapsible rolling file folder carrier (got mine at Office Depot for $9 during Christmas) and a rolling luggage bag. Generally works well enough that I only have to make 3 trips to the car: 1 for each of the tables and then everything else.
Now, you’re probably wondering, since many of my pieces are one-of-a-kind or limited edition, how do I handle having the Etsy or here at my site. Originally on Etsy, I used to pull down all my items and leave them in edit mode so that no one could make any purchases. I also put a note in my store header and my informational email.
As it turns out, I never had any issues with anyone buying anything online during a show. However, I’ve also made a disclaimer in my policies section about craft shows and under my profile on the Etsy site. I do make all efforts to recreate items if I can and if I cannot, I offer a new piece or refund the money. Customer’s choice, as always.
So, that’s what I bring to a show. If you’re interested in seeing how others get ready, check out Alicia Mae’s blog next week to see a post on what others do to prepare for a show.
Wow, your display and jewlery look GREAT!!! I hope made lots of sales = )
Thanks! This was a first time show from the same coordinator that does my Christmas show. I really like her and how she takes care of us, so I threw caution to the wind and signed up!
Not very many sales in the beginning, but towards the end they came like a storm. Enough to cover the cost of me purchasing a tent and then some! I was very pleased. :)
Congratulations on a successful fair!