Craft Show and Art Fair Preparation Checklist

A reliable industry standard is to bring inventory worth approximately four to five times your booth fee to ensure your sales potential justifies the cost. If your work consists of high-ticket fine art, focus on a curated display of ten to fifteen cohesive pieces supported by a selection of lower-cost prints or reproductions. Always ensure you have enough stock to keep your booth looking full and inviting even after making several sales.

You must secure your canopy tent with professional leg weights weighing at least 40 pounds per leg to prevent damage from sudden wind gusts. Additionally, pack clear plastic tarps or drop cloths with spring clamps to quickly shield your artwork from unexpected rain showers. A basic first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher are also essential safety items that many juried shows strictly require.

Before the show begins, configure your mobile payment processor to accept offline payments, which will queue transactions and process them once you reconnect to Wi-Fi. It is also wise to bring a backup mobile hotspot on a different cellular network than your phone to increase your chances of finding a signal. Always keep a physical receipt book and a secure cash box with plenty of small bills to easily accommodate cash-paying customers.

Your emergency kit must include heavy-duty zip ties, duct tape, floral wire, scissors, a multi-tool, and extra S-hooks or hanging hardware. You should also pack extra price tags, fine-tip permanent markers, and glass cleaner to keep your displays looking pristine throughout the weekend. Finally, add personal essentials like safety pins, headache relief tablets, band-aids, and a water bottle to keep yourself healthy and energized.