How to Prepare for Arts and Crafts Shows?

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How to Prepare for Arts and Crafts Shows?	March 2016
	Fairs and Festivals Staff

Image Courtsey: Shreveport-Bossier / Flickr.com

Arts and crafts shows can be great events for artists everywhere to showcase their pieces, building a fan base, and making some great money. Preparing for the show is very important, especially if you’re an artist just starting out.

An arts and crafts show is not just about bringing your inventory and selling. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you might end up with a booth full of inventory, no sales, and a loss for the investment you made. Consider these points when preparing for an arts and crafts show.

Indoor or Outdoor

Based on the weather forecast and the type of product you’re selling, determine which setting is better for you. Outdoor shows can be great if the weather is mild and no extraordinary weather events are expected. Especially in the spring and fall, outdoor events can be great.

If you are selling perishable items or items that can melt or get messed up with heat, sunshine, or rain, avoid outdoor events or make sure your booth is protected from the elements. Also, consider that not as many people may show up at outdoor events if it rains or if it’s too hot outside.

Fill Out Your Application

In order to get into a show, you will need to fill out an application. Be sure to complete this step as early as possible so you can get the opportunity to choose your booth and not have to take whatever is left.

If you’re one of the first to choose a booth, you can get probably get an area with an expectancy of high traffic and, with this, ensure that more eyeballs are on your products. There are a few steps into securing a booth at an arts and crafts show, so be sure to not wait until the last minute to apply.

Stock Up on Product

Find out how many people are expected to show up at the event to have an idea of how much product you should make. You want to bring as many items as possible, because you don’t want to run out and miss out on potential sales. Knowing an attendance estimate will help you determine what’s a safe number of items to bring.

Booth Essentials

It’s always a good idea to do a mock-up booth at your home or business before the show. This allows you can practice how you want your booth to look. Most booths will have a table, tablecloth, banner, signage, displays, and the items for sale. Preparing for your arts and crafts show ahead of time will save lots of headaches. Start planning as soon as you learn your booth has been approved, and you’re sure to have a better time focusing on selling your products and enjoying yourself.

Comments

Good points! Worth a quick read.

By Pens by Stan on March 2, 2016

Thank you, great advice!

John from Kramer versus Kramer Creations

March 7, 2016

By kramerjt7 on March 7, 2016

How can you tell what you will need if you haven’t been there before?

By will james on March 29, 2016

Do you list
events that don’t have to have a state tax number??

By Nassau Hawkins on March 31, 2016

Do you need a sales tax number ?,

By CandyRosesFromTexas on April 9, 2016

Thanks for the info. Does the state of MI require sales tax number also?
deb

By Deb Johnson on April 10, 2016

I’m new at wanting to sell my crafts. Do I need a tax # and a Square { or whatever it’s called) if I’m not sure if this is even going to pan out?

By reni on April 22, 2016

Very informative, thanks.

By b & b happy craft shop on April 24, 2016

Do I need a state tax ID. How does that work?

By Janie Echols on May 19, 2016

Do you have to provide proof of insurance when applying to the fairs.

By kadoe on May 19, 2016

Is it necessary to have a state of Maine tax ID number in order to participate in a craft show.

By Rodney Corriveau on June 5, 2016

How much is a booth?

By Lucifer on June 15, 2016

It’s my first time, do I need a business tax ID number?

By Graceavor on July 1, 2016

I’m interested in renting a booth, my mother makes doll clothes, She would like to sell, she currently has about 80 pieces made.How much is the rental and do I need to have a business license? Thank you,. Judy Vantrece 968 5025271.

By Judy Vantrece on August 3, 2016

Do you have a brochure with information about pricing, tax information and are there booths that have electrical outlets?

Thank you for your time.

By Lisa Marie Schow on August 20, 2016

I sell Paparazzi. Our sales tax is taken out by the company before the order is shipped. Then do I have a sales tax ID number in that case?

By Carol Boyce on August 27, 2016

How do I apply for booths at different festivals?

By Laurie Law on September 6, 2016

What is the cost of renting a booth? And do I need a business license to sell my craft items? How do I get an application in order to get in the show? Marla Price 773-366-4276. I reside in the city of Chicago and am interested in the arts and craft shows where I reside and also in the surrounding Chicago suburbs.

By Marla R. Price on September 23, 2016

Looking for Arts and Craft Vendors for Global Winter Wonderland.

Contact the Fair office for information

By Tulare County Fair on October 7, 2016

I would love to be a participant of the art shows. As an artist I have all kinds of paintings and art work that I have personally designed and painted. Unfortunately looks like I missed the deadline!!!!!

By Ava Coleman on October 18, 2016

I am doing my first show next month and I appreciate your information. I was told I needed to collect taxes. Do I need a tax ID #. Thank you.

By Debbie Spellerberg on November 11, 2016

Hello
I make miniature gardens and fairy gardens. I never been to any craft show. How do I apply it and where? How does it work?

Thank you!

Feifei

By Feifei Yoder on November 30, 2016

I make lithographs and painting and drawings. I would like to start exhibiting in art and craft fairs. How do I find a list of such events? Your help is greatly appreciated.

By Anne Freed on December 30, 2016

I make lithographs and painting and drawings. I would like to start exhibiting in art and craft fairs. How do I find a list of such events? Your help is greatly appreciated. I live in San Diego, Ca. Thanks

By Anne Freed on December 30, 2016

To all who are asking about tax ID’s. Yes it is necessary. Apply with the IRS for a tax ID number, then contact your state government for information on how to get a vendors license to collect and pay taxes on your sales. Hope this helps you all.

By Sandy Davis. on January 3, 2017

Can I sell pies

By Debra Archie on January 4, 2017

Hello. I am an artist in Broadalbin, NY. I have done craft fairs in the past but would like to get back into it. Is it best to be a member with fairsandfestivals.net to be in touch and aware of the shows in my area? Thank you, take care, Christine

By Christine Wait on January 8, 2017

we sell amber necklace, raw, braclets etc big selection

if anyone knows of anywhere to vend please let me know here in BC or Alberta, 604-338-7599
samll or big we’ll be there

thank u

By jonthon on January 19, 2017

looking to do a craft show soon in the tn area do i need a business license to sell my craft items, how much is a booth , do i need a tax id#

By vashon williams on January 26, 2017

I would like to start participating at some craft shows. But am unsure if I need a Tin# to do so?
Can you advise?
Thank you

By Kim on January 28, 2017

I’m just getting started in the soap business and would like to do some craft fairs. Do I need a business license, tax number, etc? My phone number is: (541) 672-1910, I’m in the state of Oregon and need any information you can give. Thank you, Kathy Brown

By Kathy Brown on February 7, 2017

I’m just starting to think about craft fairs. Do I need a tax ID? And how much is a booth?

By Naturecreationsmaine11 on February 28, 2017

hi i have wooden hand made works and i want to partisipate in an event whas should i do ?

By talin hacopian on March 6, 2017

i am just starting with an object i have created. i think it is awesome but i don’t have any idea how to get it going. i think this would be a good way. do i need a business license to sell at a craft fair?

By kathy on March 15, 2017

I have a lot of the same questions. Do I go to Better Business Bureau to set up my business, get tax #, etc.? How do I find fairs to set up? Do you email us back? Thank you! Sandy

By sandy on April 5, 2017

I really wanted to sell my crafts , do I need to apply for a booth, or if I get a membership I don’t have to pay for it or I do have to pay for it? I never sold my stuff in this fairs , so I really don’t know much about but I would like to learn more….I appreciate if you can help me…. Thank you very much…..

By Solange Aud on April 17, 2017

I want to do craft fairs do I need tax num and how do I get an application

By Regina pitts on April 27, 2017

I would like an application for upcoming fairs and festivals. How do I get one?

By Megan Wascak on April 28, 2017

Where can I find a good list of upcoming craft shows with all pertinent information to contact and submit necessary applications to participate in the show? I’d appreciate any help you could forward to me. Thank you, I await your reply.

By Nancy on April 30, 2017

I am a consultant for Pampered Chef and Arbonne. How can I find out which shows allow this type of product? Thank YOu

By barbscheff0914 on May 15, 2017

hi im a self taught artist and i do paintings and photography and i am very interesting in having an indoor stall to showcase and sell my work could you please send me more info please thankyou s whitmore

By stephen whitmore on June 22, 2017

I have recently relocated to Florida. I make jewelry and I produce floral arrangements. All of my pieces are one-of-a-kind. Where I came from, that aspect of only one helped me at A&C fairs. I have never been juried, so I don’t know how to begin. Can you advise?

By G N Ryan on July 11, 2017

I would like to be in your next arts and crafts show to sell my on product I make Thank You 07/17/2017 if you need more information you can call or email me
Number 436-6616

By Monica Harmon on July 17, 2017

What is the cost of renting a booth? And do I need a business license to sell my craft items (homemade soaps) ?
Fredericksburg,Va

By Barbara Calomeris on July 20, 2017

Hi. I make decorative pillows that I would like to sell at church bazaars. Will I need a tax ID even though this is just an occasional thing? Thanks

By Gail Malave on July 21, 2017

I don’t know anything about selling. I love to make different types of items. Can you give me an estimate of all the money I have to put into to sell? I mean I know how much I put into my items but I don’t know about the selling part how much money I’ll have to put into it I’m thinking of selling next year 2018

By Julie Wander on July 24, 2017

I am an consultant for Paparazzi Jewelry, all of my jewelry is on 5.50; where should I set up, inside or outside.? .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Thank you

By Delores Jordan on July 29, 2017

Hello,
I create costume jewelry and find that internet selling can be dangerous and a hassle. I am so eager to sell my jewelry but as a newbie I’m asking the same question others above “do I have to have a vendors license to sell my jewelry at craft shows and fairs. If no license is needed I would love to sell at your upcoming 2017 fall event in Southington, CT. The IRS makes it so hard for the little people to makes extra money to supplement their income.

Thank you in this matter.

By Carol Anderson on September 14, 2017

I would like to sell for the 2018 cranberry festival. I’m a photographer and would like to show you my photos. My phone number is 856 627 1355. Please call me as to how it works to be eligible for the cranberry festival

By Paula on October 7, 2017

Do I need Seller permit? Tax ID? Where do I get them? How do I determine how many books I should bring for book booth? If I can order books I would like to travel all over Wisconsin cities selling my books so I need to know what to prepare starting in March or April and throughout Summer and Fall. Any information would be appreciated.

By Scott Raether on October 16, 2017

I see the most inquiries are regarding self made crafts and art. I Own a mobile sunglasses boutique and a lot of our product is purchased wholesale through various companies. Is this type of booth allowed at these types of events? Thank you.

By Laura on October 16, 2017

How can I find answers to these questions?
Some of my items are also purchased wholesale, (as Laura on 10/16) is this allowed at these types of events? Is there someone I can communicate with directly?
Thanks,
Marla
ðŸ˜

By Marla on October 31, 2017

To whom this may concern:
Please email me with details regarding what a booth in this event would cost. I mke cards, jewelry, ink drawings and coloring books. It sounds like it will be very fun and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Heidi Olson

By HJ Olson on November 1, 2017

Hello I’m Kurt Begay, I have a small family business in Navajo Arts & Crafts, and would like any information on applications and booth fees. Any help would greatly be appreciated! Happy sales, great atmosphere, and great people!

By Kurt Begay on November 4, 2017

How do I get information about event cost and application phone etc…

By Sandra Hall on December 10, 2017