So, if you're planning to be a vendor at a craft show there are all these little details to organize besides what you make to sell and the booth itself.  Will you accept credit cards?  What will you use for price tags?  What about other marketing tools?  Business cards?  Bags?  Oh my.

Here's my resource list, to save you some leg work...

Business Cards & Price Tags

For starters I decided that business cards should double as price tags!  Heather (oh talented friend!) helped me design a vertical business card that looks "weighted" towards the bottom.  The pinked edge graphic at the bottom was supposed to be golden yellow, but turned out tan.  Bummer.  That's what happens when you can't color proof!  But, whatever, I still like them.



I had them printed by Vistaprint.  Judging from my other experiences ordering from them, I think the color thing wasn't their fault.  I bought the most basic set of cards  - 250 card for $10 including shipping.  What a deal! And they're plenty thick enough too. The backs are blank so that I can write the price (and name of the item, if desired) on the back.



I'm thinking to sew a little fabric loop at the top of the cards when used as a tag.  A fun pop of color and texture!  Then I'd use a small safety pin to attach it to items.  But, I don't know.  Is this too big?  Should tags be so large and in charge?  I could also attach the tag to the back of an item this size, which might be better?



And on wall art, it could hang to the side at the top.  Is that the right placement, do you think?

As far as business cards, I plan to place them in a coffee cup on the table for the grabbing, alongside a sign up sheet for subscribing to my blog, info on my classes, patterns, etc.

Item Tags



Anyone selling sewn goods should also use sewn-in tags to permanently identify items.  These tags really up the professional vibe of your work. They don't have to be expensive!  My Stitched in Color tags are professionally printed on white satin ribbon.  The ribbon edges won't fray and they do wash so well.  I order from gutenTAGS, an Etsy store that is not currently accepting new orders, but will again sometime soon!



Packaging

My items won't enjoy any special packaging while on display, but I eventually came to terms with the fact that I can't just hand someone a journal cover and quilt and expect them to walk away.  Well, I could... but it wouldn't enhance their purchase experience one bit.  And, what would I do if someone said, "Do you have a bag for that?"  I'd feel super lame to say "no"!


The pros say you should offer shopping bags, but those babies are pricey.  After doing some searching, I opted for a set of assorted size bags from Nashville Wraps.  Nashville Wraps is one of the very few places that offers an assortment of sizes.  Usually you have to order a ton of one size from packaging companies.  I need a variety of sizes for my products!  The Kraft Paper 125 bag assortment allows me to keep costs down.  I like the simple brown bag approach.  There's a slim chance I might decorate the bags by sewing a thin strip of fabric on them, or something, but that's not necessary.  Simple is good.  Nashville Wraps does have tons of other bag options, though, should you have another look in mind.  I've worked with this company with my online stores.  They're organized, responsive and nice!

But, guess what won't fit into a bag?  My large wall art pieces.  I'm bringing white tissue paper and baker's twine (also at Nashville Wraps) to provide protection for the artwork as they bring it home.  I'll wrap with tissue, scotch tape closed and then add the twine for an attractive finish!

Payments



Yes, you do want to accept credit cards.  Experienced folks say this will increase your sales, and besides it's easier than handling cash.  Run right over to Square to sign up to receive a free device that works with your smart phone to allow you to swipe credit cards.  Money is deposited right into your bank account and processing fees are minimal (better than I've seen elsewhere).   Square comes with two small signs too, for telling people you do take credit cards.  Perfect!

Since some folks might want to pay with cash, you do need to have change on hand, plus a secure place to keep it.  I'll be wearing a half-apron to keep change at hand.  I'm also bringing a receipt pad to write receipts as needed. 

{To Do}

So, I still need to make a marketing sign for the picnic blankets lightweight summer quilts and a price sign for the journal cover basket.

I also want to make some things to promote my patterns for sale.

I'm trying to decide if I should bring a whole iron/board set up or hope that the wrinkle release spray I bought will work well enough.  My booth is going to be packed as it is (and looks like I'll have lots of helpers) so space may be at a premium.  I'll be sure to bring a needle and thread to fix anything random, but do you think a full fledged iron too?

Alright, I think I'm making good progress.  Thanks so much for your help!  Your advice has been invaluable on so many of these craft show posts!!!