Craft Fair Vendor Checklist: Everything You Need to Bring
The Setup Essentials
Table setup is the foundation of your booth. If any of this goes wrong on market day, your whole day is harder than it needs to be. Go through this list the night before every show:
- Folding tables (6-ft or 8-ft depending on your space)
- Table covers or tablecloths — pressed and wrinkle-free
- Tent or canopy (for outdoor shows — pop-up 10x10 is the standard)
- Tent weights or stakes — wind is undefeated, weight your tent
- Folding chairs (at least one for yourself)
- Display shelves, risers, grid walls, or pegboards
- Zip ties, bungee cords, S-hooks for hanging displays
- Tablecloth clips to prevent billowing in the wind
Your Products and Packaging
- All inventory packed securely (bubble wrap fragile items)
- Extra inventory beyond what you plan to display
- Bags, tissue paper, boxes for purchases
- Price tags or labels on every item
- Business cards or postcards
- Email signup sheet or QR code to your list
- Branded signage with your business name
Payment Systems
This is non-negotiable. If you can't take cards, you're leaving money on the table every single show.
- Square, Stripe, or PayPal card reader (fully charged)
- Phone or tablet for processing payments
- Phone charger and portable battery bank
- Cash box with starting float ($50–100 in small bills and coins)
- Receipt paper if your reader uses a printer
Pro tip: download the offline mode for your payment app before every show. Cell service at venues can be unreliable.
The Vendor Toolkit
Small things that save the day when something goes wrong:
- Scissors and a box cutter
- Tape (duct tape, painter's tape, and clear tape)
- Zip ties (always more than you think you need)
- Rubber bands and binder clips
- Sharpie and a notepad
- Safety pins
- Command strips or poster putty for signage
- A small level (if you're particular about your display)
Personal Comfort
You're often on your feet for 8–10 hours. Take care of yourself:
- Comfortable shoes (non-negotiable)
- Water bottle and snacks
- Sunscreen for outdoor shows
- Layer-able clothing for temperature changes
- A small cart or dolly for hauling gear
- Ibuprofen — your feet will thank you
After the Show
Before you pack up, do a quick audit: How many of each item did you sell? What ran out? What didn't move? Jot down your income for the day and any notes about the show — traffic, weather, what worked. This data becomes invaluable when you're deciding which shows to return to next year.
A good show post-mortem takes 10 minutes and saves you from making the same mistakes twice.