r/CraftFairs • • 21d ago

Share your stuff - October

21 Upvotes

This is a place where you can promote your wears and items that you sell, any apps or services that can be useful for people selling at or running a craft fair, or any upcoming craft fairs that you are putting on or attending.

Please remember that this subreddit does have a no AI rule and any use of generative Ai will result in your comment being removed.


r/CraftFairs • • Jul 23 '26

Craft Fair Essentials List (Vendor Must-Haves)

64 Upvotes

Full credit goes to the founder and former mod of this subreddit pleasuretohaveinclas who is unfortunately no longer on Reddit. They were the one who created and wrote this post, I am simply reuploading it.

................. 

As this sub continues to grow, I keep seeing the same questions over and over:

“What do I actually need for my first craft fair?”

“What am I forgetting?”

“What’s worth investing in vs skipping?”

So I put together a checklist.

Please note that None of these links are Amazon affiliated links. Not to mention, but while Amazon can be quick and easy especially if you are in a pinch, you don’t have to purchase these things off Amazon. You can easily find some of these things within your local craft, dollar, or even theft store. Facebook market place and even Facebook groups can be a great place to find things. Some of this stuff you can find lying around your house or if you have some spare time, you can make it.

🏕️ Booth Setup Basics

These are the non-negotiables. If someone skips these, their booth suffers immediately.

·        10X10 Pop-up Canopy Tent  (10x10 white is standard for most fairs) Crown Shades comes highly recommended from many other vendors.

·        Canopy Weights - REQUIRED at most events  — don’t be that person whose canopy flies away!

·        Weights for Standing Displays so it's harder for them to get tipped over

·        Folding Tables (6ft or 8ft) - this one folds in half and is super easy to carry.

·        Fitted Tablecloths (stretch or branded for clean look) - they also don't blow away in the wind.

·        Tablecloth Clips and Weights if your tablecloths aren't fitted and you're doing a show outdoors.

·        Folding Chairs (lightweight but sturdy)

·        Sidewalls for Tent (for wind, sun, or privacy)

·        Tall chair for when you have to sit down. Being up high while sitting gives the perception that you're active in your booth.

Now, for the thing that has come in clutch most recently is a rolling tool box. I'm always leaving my scissors here and zip ties over there or I can't find a sharpie when I need one. I keep all of the non-product items in there and I'm a huge fan.

🧱 Display & Merchandising (What Actually Makes You Money)

This is one of the biggest differences between booths that browse vs booths that sell. Eye level is buy level!

·        Display Risers Wooden Risers (create height variation = more sales)

·        Iridescent Risers - super eyecatching!

·        Tiered Card/Sticker Display

·        Standing Grid Wall

·        Rotating Display Stand for Jewelry

·        Acrylic Sign Holders

·        Business Card Holder

·        Mini Chalkboards for Pricing

·        Locking Display Case for Smalls

·        Bracelet Display

·        Necklace Display

·        Earring Display Cards

·        Acrylic Jewelry Display

·        Elegant Jewelry Display

·        Wire Cube Storage

·        Portable Heavy Duty Pegboard Display - Has locking wheels

·        Bamboo Tabletop Crate Display

·        Price Tags w/ String Attached

·        Bed Risers to make your tables higher

Find more display options here.

Truth: Flat tables = lower sales. Height = attention.

💳 Payments & Checkout Setup

Make it stupid easy for people to pay you.

·        Card Reader (Square, Stripe, etc.)

·        Backup Payment Option (Venmo / PayPal QR sign)

·        Locking Cash Box with small bills for change

·        Receipt Book (optional but useful)

💡 Pro tip: Always have 2 ways to take payment.

🪧 Branding & Signage (Build Trust Fast)

People don’t buy if they don’t understand what you’re selling.

·        Business Banner (name/logo) - I print all of my banners same day at Walgreens as there's usually always a coupon that knocks the price way down. CVS also has same day banner printing and usually always a coupon.

·        Custom Neon Sign - you want eye catching? Here's eye catching!

·        5x7 Acrylic Sign Holders

·        Price Signs (clear + visible)

·        “About Your Product” Sign (your story sells)

·        QR Code Sign (website / Instagram) - my go-to for creating QR codes is Canva. In Elements, search QR code generator and you can create one easily.

·        Business Cards

·        Packaging Stickers / Labels

💡 Most vendors underdo this. Big mistake.

💡 Lighting (Your Secret Weapon)

·        Clip-On LED Lights (for tent frame)

·        Clip On Spotlights

·        Battery-Powered Light Strips

·        50 ft. Extension Cords (for indoor events)

·        Portable Power Station (game changer)

·        More craft fair lighting ideas here.

💡 Dim booth = invisible booth.

📦 Inventory & Packaging Supplies

Smooth checkout = more volume.

·        Shopping Bags

·        Plastic Thank You Shopping Bags Cotton Tote Bags

·        Tissue Paper

·        Thank You Cards / Inserts

·        Jewelry Tags

·        Storage Bins - These are extra durable!

Much more here.

🔧 The “Oh Crap” Kit (Most Underrated Section)

This is what saves your day when things go sideways.

·        Pop-Up Trash Can - some shows I've been to had inadequate trash cans or they were in a really inconvenient spot.

·        Portable Rechargeable Fan - it can be sweltering inside those tents (even indoors!) when there isn't enough airflow due to sidewalls or neighbors.

·        First Aid Kit - paper cuts and sore feet are bound to happen!

·        Sturdy Work Gloves for setup and takedown

·        Duct Tape

·        Masking Tape

·        Extra Pens

·        Markers

·        Counterfeit Bill Marker

·        Cardstock

·        Calculator

·        Paper Towels

·        Notebook

·        Measuring Tape

·        Velcro cable ties

·        Glue Dots to keep paper tags from flying away. Double sided tape works too.

·        Shims to put under your table legs if the ground is uneven. Definitely looks more professional than folded up cardboard.

·        Baby Wipes

·        Hand Sanitizer

·        Toilet Paper just in case...

·        Tarps in case of rain

·        Sunscreen

·        Change of Clothes

·         Personal Belt Clip Fan (also doubles as a portable charger)

·        Zip Ties (absolute lifesaver) - I can't even begin to count the times I've asked if anyone has zip ties I could use. Use them to zip tie your tables together, attach things to your canopy like your banner/signage, and so much more that I'm forgetting because it's one of those things you don't think about until you absolutely could use it.

·        Scissors

·        Game Changing (for me) Electric Scissors - I've used these to cut everything from single sheet thickness of butcher paper to furry fabric to delicate fabric to layers of cardboard. I can't believe it took this long for someone to come up with these.

·        Multi-Tool - need a screw driver? Got it. Need needlenose pliers? Got it. Blade? Bottle opener? Ruler? Got it all.

·        Portable Phone Charger - my personal favorite. The cable is attached to the charger so you're not hunting for one as you're stressing out that your phone is about to die.

·        Anti-Fatigue Mat - your feet will thank you!!

·        A foldable dolly/flat bed cart is a must when you're hauling stuff from your car to your spot. Don't kill your back! This one is small but mighty. I sold candles for a while at local markets and loading my stuff into the booth was by far the suckiest part.

·        If a flat bed or dolly isn't your thing, a Hulken Bag works well too!

Another great recommendation from a member: Motorized Utility Wagon

If you're an Etsy seller or do any shipping of your crafts, a dedicated label printer makes your workflow much smoother! This one is great!

💡 Something WILL go wrong. This keeps you selling anyway.

If there's anything I forgot.... you might find it in here.

Final Advice (From Experience)

Your booth is a store, not a table

Make it easy to see, understand, and buy

Don’t overcomplicate—but don’t underprepare

If you’re just starting, focus on:

1.      Clean setup

2.      Clear pricing

3.      Easy payment

4.      Good display

Everything else builds from there.

Don't forget to bring lots of snacks and water!

Edit: If anyone has any other suggestions, must haves, or ideas then feel free to leave a comment.


r/CraftFairs • • 1h ago

Inventory Planning Advice wanted on Holiday craft fair

Thumbnail
gallery
• Upvotes

Hello! To be upfront, I'm legally blind. I can see basic colors and shapes. If you see something that looks off or needs fixing, please point it out. I know the book charms have no imagery on them yet. They are prototypes of concept.

I'm trying to plan what to sell at a holiday craft fair at my local library in December. I'm mainly focused on Christmas ornaments. My goal is to use up as much of my acrylic yarn as possible, and then make a bit of cash for it. I'm also trying to use up old beads and craft materials I've accumulated.

My prices are gonna be $15 for the large (white with red beads) tree, $5 for the medium trees, and $2 for the smaller trees. The sweaters I was gonna price at $5. The hats at $2. I'm also going to make keychains and earrings of these book charms where I design the custom art book covers with generic Christmas/holiday titles. Or just imagery of the holidays. No copyrighted book covers. But I don't know the price of the keychain books or book charm earrings just yet.

Bc my goal is to move inventory, are there any other ideas or suggestions on how I could best move inventory. I'm trying really hard to just price things at what will sell.

Q1. How much of each should I make? Should I include trees with trunks? No trunks? All trunks?

Q2. Are my prices too high?

Q3. Should I add a tip jar?

Q4. Would it be unwise to mark everything 25¢ the last hour to move all the inventory?

Q5. Any other ideas of what I could make as Christmas ornaments? My main goal is to use up my stash. Second goal is to get money back. But I don't want to make wearables or things you'd need to wash frequently bc acrylic releases microplastics.

Q6. Would packaging them increase the sellability?

I'm disabled. My time in this country isn't considered valuable bc no one hires people who are blind. I know there's a formula to "work out" how much items should ethically cost. But they never sell at that price. And I'd rather have the $2 than the 30 min of making the little doo-dad. I just want to move inventory and make a little cash.

Thank you in advance!


r/CraftFairs • • 1d ago

Wins! My first custom Dollhouse sold for $350

Post image
208 Upvotes

r/CraftFairs • • 15h ago

Beginner Help need some feedback

Post image
31 Upvotes

I am considering whether they're suitable for booths. I made these beads with only herbs. Will these things sell? How do you set your prices if it takes at least half a month to make one?


r/CraftFairs • • 22h ago

Beginner Help First Fair - looking for feedback

Thumbnail
gallery
83 Upvotes

My dad and I wanted to do a market together since we both craft. He makes paper art and I make perler bead keychains and greeting cards.

this was at a weekly farmers market in Houston on Thursday from 2-7pm.

We only made about $20 but we learned a lot.

Would love some feedback on our setup and products.


r/CraftFairs • • 1d ago

Rant/Vent Just venting about having to condense this down for an upcoming event

Post image
63 Upvotes

We feel like we have a fun and inviting booth and the plan was to have the whole set up displayed on Halloween at a local oddities and alternative market. Unfortunately it seems that at the last minute whoever owns the parking lot where we were supposed to be set up jacked up the price way above past events so in order to keep the event on we are having to pivot from the parking lot to a nearby sidewalk. So we have to condense this down to 3 tables (2 6' and 1 small table) plus we can't block sidewalks so they will have to be in a line and no canopy. It's during the day at least so I can get rid of the lights but wet specimens need to be shielded from sunlight so that will be a concern too.

If it wasn't an oddities market I would probably just bail but we have done events with this group several times and it's always fun and a decent turn out because we don't get a lot of oddity markets locally. Plus one of the other businesses that used to host alternative markets closed a few months ago so we have lost those annual events too.

I figured y'all would understand the frustration trying to come up with an alternate set up that will still show off your stuff and not just look like a sad shell of the booth.


r/CraftFairs • • 1d ago

Event Selection Alt/goths… What are your most trustworthy craft fairs and markets?

8 Upvotes

My roommate and I recently went to Grimoire Academy’s Gothic Market. we enjoyed selling our stuff a lot, but know from a business standpoint it wasn’t the most amazing results for how expensive it was! We definitely learned a lot (the lesser profit we made was def influenced by our mistakes) and still made some profit! I’m just wondering A) what are you fav reputable companies that run gothic/alt craft fairs that tend to have good turnouts? And B) for smaller markets, what are some things you all look for to predict the turnout and decide if a fair is worth doing? (ps we sell chainmaille and beaded gothic jewelry and accessories and local to southern california)


r/CraftFairs • • 9h ago

Feedback Needed Handmade sellers: Can I pick your brains about something I'm building?

Thumbnail
0 Upvotes

r/CraftFairs • • 1d ago

Beginner Help Naming your business

2 Upvotes

I’m at the point where it makes sense to do an LLC. I’m having trouble coming up with names for my DBA. I sew and quilt. How did you all go about coming up with ideas for baking your craft business, regardless of medium? I’m just stuck with this.


r/CraftFairs • • 2d ago

Show & Tell Sharing Positive News!!

Thumbnail
gallery
487 Upvotes

A little info first. I had 2.5 months to prepare for my first event. I am a romance and paranormal romance writer and a crocheter. I am trying to pair my crocheted items with my books in some way (mostly), but sometimes I like a cute pattern and make it. Long story short, I moved and lost all of my booth setup (it was a lot). So all I had was some books and a 4-foot table.

I chose a 2 day event as my first one...on a pure whim and because it was 5 minutes from my house. LOL! Dumb on my part to be sure. 2 day event as my (second ever and my first as a writer) re-introduction into vending after multiple years was a doozy.

We used it as a..."Did we get this right?" Working out the kinks. Finding what didn't work.

The table cost was pretty okay for a 2 day event.

So here's the kickers:

  • Prepacking my crocheted ornaments was a hit, but some people didn't like it. I offered them the chance to open the boxes if they wanted, despite the circle sticker I put on to keep them closed. Some people still didn't like it.
  • The pumpkins were commented on a lot, but no one bought them. It was a Halloween-themed (Mystics and Oddities) event. That surprised me SO much.
  • The mushroom dolls were COMMENTED HEAVILY ON! They loved them, but didn't buy. Until the second day, when the teal one was snapped up with a teal mushroom ornament I had.
  • The item that was purchased the most and that drew people in was my blind date book packages. One of my books, annotation tabs, a tally bookmark, a pen, and either 2 tea bags or a Ghirardelli hot chocolate. These drew people in like bees to honey.
  • I didn't like how I displayed my crocheted ornaments so I bought a new display.
  • I didn't like the room the boxes of ornaments (prepackaged) took so I bought new displays.
  • I didn't do a good enough job tailoring my items to that event. I had more Christmas ornaments (to pair with one of my books) than I had mystical or odd things.
  • My mushroom things were ALL the rage.

Despite all that, I made back 6 times my table cost. There were tons of positive things that came out of it including suggestions for events (hosted by me) that appealed to readers. I had tons of people take business cards and use my QR codes. I even had a moderator to a romance book group stop by and ask me to join her group because she liked the look of my books and thought it would be a good place to advertise them.

My feet hurt. My back was hurting. And my next event is in 2 weeks (a 2 hour event) that is 100% free to me beyond the cost of gas. It's all women.

And then 2-3 events in December!


r/CraftFairs • • 21h ago

Feedback Needed Would you pay for a weekly list of vetted markets near you?

0 Upvotes

I vend at markets and spend way too long digging through Instagram and Facebook to find good ones. If someone sent you a weekly list of upcoming markets near you, with booth fee, deadlines, and what other vendors said about turnout, would you pay for it? If yes, roughly how much a month? And if you've tried VendorsMap or similar apps, did they stick? Why or why not?


r/CraftFairs • • 2d ago

Booth Setup/Displays what would you change about my booth?

Post image
31 Upvotes

hi! so, i’ve been doing craft fairs about a year now. my booth started off super simple but as time has gone on, i’ve started making so many new products and i just haven’t really reconstructed it.
here are some ideas i have:
- get solid grid squares to create some contrast opposed to the see through ones.
- get another tiered sticker organizer for my worry stones (currently just sprawled out on ten table)
- create more tiers for more height and visual interest.
i’m also aware i need to revamp my signage.. this past year ive just been introducing so many new things for different markets so ive been sticking to simple signage that’s easy to change.

i’m also considering switching away from self serve for items like stickers to make more room for more designs !

anyway thank u for any constructive criticism! looking forward to hearing from you alll <3


r/CraftFairs • • 2d ago

Booth Setup/Displays Need help with my setup please!

Post image
14 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

I need some help and insight over my setup, how can I improve, what should I change, what should I focus more on?

I am a bit of a jack of all trades and I value the authenticity of my items a lot. I don't follow tutorials nor patterns for any of my items, only some of the pins are made using silicone molds I bought. Everything that has art on, it's my own, drawn by me. People are usually impressed, compliment my originality, my skill etc.. and even want to take photos of my stuff but I don't sell much or at all.

I also made nearly all of the display pieces I have

I am aware that it's also a problem of target audience, but that I can't control :/

Any feedback is welcome, thank you!


r/CraftFairs • • 2d ago

Beginner Help Chair for plus size person

13 Upvotes

I'm just getting my own booth to more fairs, but I help booth for something else and found that chairs are often quite small and uncomfortable. I'm a fat person, I have back and neck pain, so I am looking for something that is comfortable enough to sit in as needed, sturdy enough for 300lbs and won't sink into the ground. I mostly have been at tables that are not up higher, but my booth eventually will. I doubt there's a chair like this that's height adjustable. Even better if it has cup holder, a little table, or pockets but mainly going for stability and comfort!

Been looking around but no luck finding one myself, thanks in advance for any help!


r/CraftFairs • • 2d ago

Show & Tell My First Festival 😅🥰

10 Upvotes

So I signed up for a local art festival. It was my very first one. I’ve never had my own booth before, and wasn’t sure what to expect. I got juried in. And had a great time.

Now for context I did go to YouTube university and watch a couple different people talk about their experiences, expenses, set ups, and considerations I should have if I’m going to go for it. I kept it simple and sold 8x10s for $25 dollars. I had 20 images across 100 prints. The event was in the New York metro area, and my agenda was to gain proof of market … like what of my art do people like. And for reference my art is digital collage, abstract, and I’m transitioning into mixed media.

It was a juried art festival. I saw a lot of crafts there too. Seemed like there wasn’t a ton of sales festival wide. I talked to other artists, and they gently explained that “I shouldn’t let this discourage me”. The festival is new -in its 2nd or 1st year. I had fun, so I’ll be back if they have it again -and get selected.

I technically sold 5 pieces … three I’m not counting because they’re family -though a win is a win. The other two purchases were by other artists -which is high praise in my book. I sold one of my fav abstracts, and a piece I mix media-ed right there on the spot.

I can’t wait to showcase again. I’m struggling to find crafts fairs or art festivals to vend at, though. And I bought some stickers to add to the table.

I’ve got two adjustments for my display, but what do you guys think? Keep in mind Im just getting started. They said the gear was pricey but golly 😅. I definitely need to add a price sign. I think people were afraid to ask, and it wasn’t my intention to make them feel like they had to. And I’m going to add a QR code for my socials. People don’t like to type that in. You can’t see it in this shot but I did add business cards to the table.


r/CraftFairs • • 2d ago

Booth Setup/Displays Think it’s time for more of a grid wall

Post image
10 Upvotes

So I just started getting back into selling my full range of stuff and looking for some CC. My vibe is “ I’m a weird punk”

I’ve been debating on getting those grid cubed to do an overhead type thing.

I’m also at a loss of the best way to display my canvas patches. Right now I have them on boards and I get the ones people want out back , but I know lots of costumer feel too nervous to interact. I was thinking of a wipeable board people can check off.

I could individually package them like I do my buttons but I also feel like while it looks good I’m using a lot of plastic.

I do have price signs and well as labeled on each item but I feel like I still get way to
Many pricing questions


r/CraftFairs • • 1d ago

Beginner Help considering doing craft shows

1 Upvotes

hi! i make pocket journals that have a variety of cover options and i’ve been lurking to learn about craft fairs and such. i have a good number of cover options (~15) but that’s currently the only product i have. i’m really interested in in person sales as etsy isn’t getting tons of traction and could be a good way to figure out what covers sell. how many products is recommended before applying to events? i’m just not sure how to fill out a booth with only one product. i’m thinking like brochure stands/holders with tester journals laid out so people can try the paper with different pens.

any advice for someone considering becoming a vendor is greatly appreciated.


r/CraftFairs • • 2d ago

Logistics Anybody here have experience with selling at markets in other EU countries?

Thumbnail
0 Upvotes

r/CraftFairs • • 3d ago

Payment & Tech [Tiny Store 1 YEAR update] i'm building the free platform for local preorders and pickups at your booth (and it's live!)

37 Upvotes

[EDIT] If you create a Tiny Store today, DM me and I'll upgrade you to the Humongous tier for free.

Hi craftfair community!

It's officially been a year since I posted here to get feedback on tiny store, and there have been some really cool updates since... and that's all thanks to YOU here!!

To catch you up, I was a maker/vendor before and I disliked how much i had to depend/gamble on markets and issues with inventory. I didn't want to ship. Just sell locally, be flexible, and emphasize human-made goods. That's why I genuinely want to build Tiny Store.

here are a few tiny merchants! many of them found tiny here:

In just the last few months, tiny store has added custom QR codes, variants, improved seo/discovery for merchant stores, analytics, inventory management, and more! All free!

And even though, we have a good amount of merchants on tiny now, I am not making any money. Just a tool/platform I believe should exist so I'm working on it at night. Hopefully, it will one day be my full-time job.

our website: www.tiny.store
app store: download button
desktop/web portal: sign up/login

Let me know what you think!


r/CraftFairs • • 3d ago

Rant/Vent Organizers...I'm begging you...

159 Upvotes

To measure your venue and do the math on how big the booths will be before you put out your application!

I signed up for an event that said they would have 10' booths. I've been there before and was pretty sure there was no way to fit 10' booths in there. But hey, maybe they expanded to the next door building and I wasn't aware. NOPE! They just emailed the acceptance and said the booths might be 10' wide but the depth would be 5'-8', but they aren't sure just yet. SMH! I guess the name of this event in my notes will be "Be Flexible".


r/CraftFairs • • 3d ago

Booth Setup/Displays 2023 vs 2026

Thumbnail
gallery
67 Upvotes

hello I wanted to share some of my recent displays and I would like to know which one you think I should use from the 2026 pics. Thank you!


r/CraftFairs • • 3d ago

Booth Setup/Displays Finally feel like I’ve mastered the setup!

Thumbnail
gallery
33 Upvotes

r/CraftFairs • • 3d ago

Booth Setup/Displays Need advice on table cloth colour

Post image
47 Upvotes

I'm getting a new table cloth but I'm struggling with deciding on the colour (the black one in the picture belonged to the fair). Should I go with a neutral grey, a pale green or something else?


r/CraftFairs • • 3d ago

Booth Setup/Displays Progress photos

Thumbnail
gallery
14 Upvotes

I know I still have a long way to go, but I wanted to show my progress pics. These are about a year apart! I plan on making a sign to hang on the back of the tent and perhaps some curtains as well but what do you all think? Any other recommendations as I go forward?