Free Craft Show Checklist (& Preparation Steps)

This article will help you prepare for a craft show and to provide you with printable checklists full of steps to take to prepare for a craft show, as well as craft show supplies you’ll want to have in your craft show booth.

The free craft show checklist download includes:

• A craft show checklist with steps you must take before a craft show to prepare for it.
• A craft show checklist with the supplies you must bring to each craft show.

Printable Craft Show Checklist PDF

You can download your free printable craft fair checklist by signing up for my newsletter below:

Craft Fair Preparation Checklist

The following checklist will help you prepare for a craft show as it outlines the steps to take leading up to the event.

UPON ACCEPTANCE TO A CRAFT SHOW:

• Craft show date marked & reminders set
• Accommodations booked
• Transportation planned
• Craft show helper booked & notified
• Goal setting sheets completed (determine how much you can make at the upcoming event and set goals)
• Licenses, permits, insurance, etc. obtained (find out which ones you need)
• Payment accepting system in place
• Policies defined
• Stock calculations completed (how much stock you’ll need for a craft fair)
• Products planned & materials purchased (you may want to launch a new collection)
• Packaging & wrapping ordered

WEEKS BEFORE THE CRAFT SHOW:

• Display set up determined & props purchased (this will help you plan your display)
• Supplies organized for transporting products (e.g. bins, dollies, etc.)
• Lookbook created and printed (here’s how to create one…great if you hope to connect with store owners)
• Promotions planned (e.g. will you offer a discount for people buying multiples?)
• Craft fair promoted (you need to do your part to market the craft show and get your people to the event…it helps you sell more)
• Swag items dropped off to organizer (consider if it’s worth it to contribute to swag bags and, if so, put something meaningful in them)
• Sales pitches defined (i.e. knowing which selling features to point out, based on what your customers care about)
• Notify boutiques if you won’t be able to restock them until after the craft show

DAY(S) BEFORE THE CRAFT SHOW:

• Finish making stock
• Stock is tagged & packaged
• Display props gathered
• Car gassed up
• Outfit chosen (here’s what you should wear to a craft fair)
• Lunch packed
• Update your Etsy shop to remove items you’ll be selling at the craft show (or put shop in vacation mode until after the craft fair)
• Papers printed
  • Signage
  • Newsletter signup (here’s one you can print for free)
  • Contacts
  • Inventory tracking spreadsheet
  • Directions to the venue
  • Craft show supply checklist

Craft Show Checklist

The following checklist includes items a craft show vendor may want to pack to have everything they may need while in their craft show booth.

FOR GETTING TO THE CRAFT SHOW:

• Directions to the event
• Money for parking
• Bins to pack product in
• Dolly for moving product from your cat to your craft show booth

FOR YOUR CRAFT SHOW DISPLAY:

• Inventory
• Table / chair (if not provided by the craft fair organizer)
• Tablecloth / backdrop
• Props / risers / shelves
• Signage
• Lighting
• Extension cord
• Giveaway items / treats
• Mirror (if craft show shoppers will be trying your items on)

FOR MARKETING AT THE CRAFT SHOW & ORGANIZATION:

• Business cards / Postcards / Flyers (here’s a trick to keep business cards out of the trash)
• Lookbook (here’s how to create one)
• Swag bag items (if not dropped off before the event…here are 10 ideas for swag shoppers actually want)
• Clipboard or iPad for newsletter signup
• Forms
  • Newsletter
  • Contacts
  • Inventory

FOR MAKING SALES AT THE CRAFT SHOW:

• Bills and coins for making change
• Credit card reader
• Required licenses & permits (more on that here)
• Calculator
• Receipt book
• Order forms (in case shoppers place a custom order)
• Bags / boxes
• Tissue paper / ribbons
• Apron / money belt

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED AT A CRAFT FAIR:

• Tape / glue
• Pen / pencil / marker
• Scissors
• Paper clips
• Bag for garbage
• Safety pins
• Extra tags & signs
• Rubber bands
• Lint roller
• Tools for creating or fixing products

PERSONAL SUPPLIES YOU MAY NEED AT A CRAFT SHOW:

• Coffee
• Gum / mints
• Water
• Food & snacks
• Hand sanitizer / wipes
• Hand lotion / lip balm
• Band-Aids
• Asprin
• Kleenex
• Glasses
• Phone / tablet / charger
• Camera
• Purse / wallet
• Erganomic mat (for more comfort when standing all day)
• Layers (e.g. sweater, scarf)
• Chair cushion

SUPPLIES FOR AN OUTDOOR CRAFT SHOW:

• Tent (and tent walls)
• Weights for tent (and ones to hold products down on windy day)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen / bug repellant
• Small fan or heater
• Cooler for water or lunch
• Hat / gloves / scarf

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Erin (Creator of Made Urban)

Hey, I’m Erin 🙂 I write about small business and craft show techniques I’ve learned from being a small business owner for almost 2 decades, selling at dozens of craft shows, and earning a diploma in Visual Communication Design. I hope you find my advice helpful!