Craft Show Booth Checklist: Everything to Pack
Most booth problems on show day come from one forgotten item: no zip ties, no change, no way to charge a phone. Use this list as a base, delete what does not apply to your craft, and keep the finished version in your phone so you pack the same way every time.
Booth structure
- Tent or canopy with side walls, plus weights for every leg (35 to 40 pounds per leg is a common rule; many shows require them)
- Tables, table covers that reach the ground, and risers or shelving for height
- Floor mat or rug if the show is on grass or concrete
- Zip ties, clamps, clips, bungee cords, duct tape and a small tool kit
- Signage with your business name, and a sign for your payment options
- Lighting for early or late hours, with spare batteries or a power source you have cleared with the organizer
Products and display
- Inventory with a margin for the best sellers, since a sell-out costs more than leftover stock
- Price tags on every item or clearly posted price signs
- Bags, tissue or boxes for wrapping, and extras of whatever packaging you use
- Mirror, if you sell anything people wear
- Business cards, a mailing list sign-up and any care or story cards
- A repair kit for the display itself: extra hooks, glue, tape and a spare tablecloth
Payments and paperwork
- Card reader, fully charged, with a backup way to take payment if your signal drops
- A cash box with small bills and coins for change
- Your seller's permit or sales tax license if your state requires one, and a copy of your show confirmation
- Proof of insurance if the show asks for it
- A notebook or app for logging each show's sales, costs and weather, so you can judge whether to apply again
Comfort and the small things
- Chair or stool, water, snacks and sunscreen or a rain layer
- Hand sanitizer, wipes, paper towels and a trash bag
- Phone charger and a battery pack
- A hand truck or wagon for load-in, and a plan for where to park
- A friend or helper for breaks, because leaving a booth alone for lunch costs sales
Keep reading
Keep track of the shows you want
Save listings, keep application deadlines in one place, and read what vendors who have worked a show say about it before you commit to a booth fee in your area.