Craft Show Re-cap

Hello!  It's been FOREVER since I posted, and I didn't realize just how long it had been until I logged on.  I can tell you this time hasn't been idle for me; on the contrary!  I start preparing in September for the mass of craft shows I do as well as the holiday season.

It's a good thing too, because that money went to new tires and new shocks on my car this past week!  I really enjoy shows, although they do tire me out a bit after several in a row.  But, I've been doing them for a few years now, and have a system.

So, I thought this post would be about how I prepare, and what I do during shows.  I am going to focus on craft shows in this post, but will chat about vendor shows in my next post.

Before the show
Creation and Cost
As I said, I really start gearing up for holiday shows in September, but I make things all year round. I make several sets of cards (5 per set), and other items based on what I can find.  I like to upcycle materials and make something new out of something old.  So, my table varies a bit from year to year.

When making things, I keep a notebook of materials used, and the cost of these.  That helps me make sure I am charging enough to cover my time and cost.  Here is an easy formula:

Cost of Materials + Time x 2 = Wholesale Price
Wholesale x 2 = Retail Price

Inventory Sheet
I also keep an inventory of everything I made.  This makes it easy to track what's left, and therefore what is selling well, what I might need to make more of, etc.  I've been unfortunate to have a few things stolen at some shows before too, so an inventory sheet is really helpful.  I go through this at the end of the show, but you can also keep a tally sheet of what sells during the show too.

Organization
This is key.  Shows are hectic, busy, and can be hard to keep up!  So, I try to think of everything ahead of time.  I keep a box of materials at the ready for use at the show.  Here's my list:
Signs with prices for each set of items
Double sided tape
Sharpie and pens
Receipt book
Square reader (if you take debit/credit cards)
Bags (I bring lunch size brown bags I stamp on ahead of time and larger bags with handles that I also stamp and pre-staple a business card to with some ribbon.  Marketing technique at use here!)
Stapler
Safety pins in a small sandwich bag
Business cards
Small price tags
Bottle of water and snack

Branding
I want my table to be a destination and to stand out in the sea of other vendors.  So, I to this in two ways.  First, I add height to my table by adding crates/boxes on the bottom of the table before adding the rest of the tablecloths and merchandise.  I also have made some platters with recycles plates and either vases/candlestick holders/glasses that are great for holding smaller items.

Second, the tablecloths, display materials, and everything on my table is consistent so my tablescape matches.  I have generally gone for a shabby chic or vintage look with lace overlays, mason jars, weathered boxes, and more.