checklistpreparationtips
Nothing's worse than arriving at a craft fair and realizing you forgot something essential. Use this comprehensive checklist to make sure you're fully prepared.
🎪 Booth Structure
- ☐ Canopy/tent (check all poles, connectors, and fabric)
- ☐ Canopy weights (25+ lbs per leg)
- ☐ Stakes and ropes (for grass setups)
- ☐ Sidewalls (optional, for weather protection)
- ☐ Bungee cords or clips for sidewalls
🪑 Furniture & Display
- ☐ Tables (usually 6-foot folding)
- ☐ Tablecloths (floor-length)
- ☐ Tablecloth clips or weights
- ☐ Display risers and shelving
- ☐ Grid walls or pegboard (if using)
- ☐ Grid wall hooks and accessories
- ☐ Chair for yourself
- ☐ Small side table or stool
🏷️ Signage & Branding
- ☐ Business banner or sign
- ☐ Price signs
- ☐ Product description cards
- ☐ "About the artist" sign
- ☐ Social media handles sign
- ☐ Business cards
- ☐ Postcards or flyers
- ☐ Email list signup sheet
💰 Payment & Sales
- ☐ Card reader (Square, PayPal, etc.)
- ☐ Backup card reader or phone
- ☐ Cash box with starting change
- ☐ Small bills: $1s, $5s, $10s
- ☐ Quarters (for sales tax)
- ☐ Calculator
- ☐ Receipt book or printer
- ☐ Sales tax chart (if applicable)
- ☐ Sales tracking sheet or app
📦 Packaging & Supplies
- ☐ Shopping bags (branded if possible)
- ☐ Tissue paper
- ☐ Boxes for fragile items
- ☐ Bubble wrap
- ☐ Extra price tags
- ☐ String or ribbon
- ☐ Scissors
- ☐ Tape (packing tape and clear tape)
- ☐ Sharpies and pens
- ☐ Notebook for notes/custom orders
🔧 Tools & Repairs
- ☐ Basic tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, hammer)
- ☐ Zip ties (so useful!)
- ☐ Bungee cords
- ☐ Duct tape
- ☐ Craft glue or super glue
- ☐ Safety pins
- ☐ Needle and thread
- ☐ Extra light bulbs (if using lights)
- ☐ Batteries
💡 Electricity & Lighting
- ☐ Extension cord (heavy duty, outdoor rated)
- ☐ Power strip
- ☐ LED lights or string lights
- ☐ Clip-on lights
- ☐ Battery-powered backup lights
- ☐ Phone charger and cable
- ☐ Portable battery pack
☀️ Weather Gear
- ☐ Sunscreen
- ☐ Hat or visor
- ☐ Sunglasses
- ☐ Rain poncho
- ☐ Umbrella
- ☐ Tarps (for product protection)
- ☐ Plastic bins (keep items dry)
- ☐ Hand warmers (cold weather)
- ☐ Fan (hot weather)
🍎 Personal Items
- ☐ Water bottle (large!)
- ☐ Snacks and lunch
- ☐ Cooler for food/drinks
- ☐ Comfortable shoes
- ☐ Extra layer (mornings can be cold)
- ☐ First aid kit
- ☐ Pain relievers
- ☐ Hand sanitizer
- ☐ Tissues
- ☐ Lip balm
- ☐ Cash for food vendors
📋 Paperwork
- ☐ Vendor confirmation/acceptance letter
- ☐ Copy of business license (if required)
- ☐ Copy of liability insurance (if required)
- ☐ Sales tax permit
- ☐ Event contact info and map
- ☐ Setup instructions
📦 Your Inventory!
- ☐ Products (organized and counted)
- ☐ Inventory list
- ☐ Extra stock (if available)
- ☐ Display samples
- ☐ Testers (if applicable)
🚗 Loading Tips
Load your car strategically:
- Last in, first out: Tent and structure should go in last so you can set up immediately
- Fragile items: Pack securely and load on top
- Keep together: Group items by category (display stuff, inventory, personal items)
- Checklist check: Mark items as loaded, not just as packed
⏰ The Night Before
- Load as much as possible
- Charge all devices
- Check the weather forecast
- Confirm setup time and location
- Set multiple alarms!
- Get a good night's sleep
Print this checklist and customize it for your specific products. After a few fairs, you'll know exactly what you need — and you'll probably add a few items based on experience!