How to Set Up and Succeed at Your First Craft Fair
So, you’ve signed up for your first craft fair—congrats! Now comes the big question: how do you prepare to make it a success? Whether you’re worried about what to bring, how to set up your booth, or how to attract customers, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to set up and succeed at your first craft fair.
Step 1: Gather Your Essentials
Before anything else, make sure you have everything you need to set up a professional and inviting booth. Here’s a checklist to help you stay organized:
Booth Setup:
Pop-up canopy (for outdoor events)
Folding tables
Tablecloths (fabric looks more professional than plastic)
Display shelves, risers, or racks
Banners and signage with your business name
Battery-operated lights (for dimly lit spaces)
Portable fan or heater (depending on weather)
Sandbags or canopy weights (for stability)
Sales & Business Supplies:
Cash box with small bills and coins
Mobile card reader (like Square or PayPal)
Business cards or flyers (bring A LOT)
Price tags and labels
Shopping bags (consider eco-friendly options)
Notebook for tracking sales and customer inquiries
Email sign-up sheet or QR code for digital sign-ups
Discount wheel spin to encourage email opt-ins
Personal Essentials:
Comfortable chair or anti-fatigue mat
Phone charger or power bank
Snacks and a refillable water bottle
Hand sanitizer and wipes
Trash bags for cleanup
Toolkit (scissors, tape, zip ties, safety pins)
Step 2: Set Up an Eye-Catching Booth
Your booth is your storefront, and first impressions matter. Here’s how to make your setup stand out:
Create different display levels - Use shelves, risers, or crates to elevate your products instead of laying everything flat on the table
Keep it organized and inviting - A cluttered table can overwhelm customers. Arrange items neatly and leave space for browsing
Have clear signage - Prices should be easy to find, and your business name should be prominently displayed
Use branding elements - If possible, match your booth’s color scheme and setup to your brand’s aesthetic
Make it interactive - Consider a small demo or sample station to engage customers
Have an eye-catching attraction - A spinning discount wheel, free samples, or a raffle can bring people to your booth
Step 3: Market Before and During the Event
The key to a successful craft fair starts before you even set up your booth. Promoting your attendance will help bring customers to your table.
Before the Event:
Announce the event on social media with details about when and where you’ll be
Share behind-the-scenes content of you prepping products
Offer a special incentive (like a discount or freebie) for customers who mention your post at the fair
Send an email blast to your subscriber list about your upcoming event
During the Event:
Post live updates and tag the craft fair organizers
Encourage customers to take photos of your products and share them
Run a small giveaway to collect emails or boost engagement
Hand out business cards with a discount code for future purchases
Step 4: Engage with Customers the Right Way
Your setup is important, but how you interact with customers is what will turn browsing into buying.
Greet people warmly - A simple “Hi, how’s your day going?” is better than an aggressive sales pitch
Ask open-ended questions - Instead of “Can I help you?” try “What kinds of handmade gifts are you shopping for today?”
Share quick product stories - If an item has a unique process or inspiration, mention it! Customers love a personal touch
Make checkout smooth - Have multiple payment options ready and pack purchases neatly
Build an email list - Offer a small discount or entry into a giveaway if they sign up
Step 5: Follow Up and Keep the Momentum Going
Once the fair is over, don’t let the connections you made fade away. Here’s how to keep your new customers engaged:
Post a thank-you message on social media and tag the event organizers
Send a follow-up email to those who signed up for your list
Restock your bestsellers based on what was popular
Take notes on what worked and what didn’t so you can improve for next time
Offer a post-event discount to encourage repeat customers
Final Thoughts
Your first craft fair can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can also be an exciting and profitable experience. Use this checklist to stay organized, market your booth effectively, and create a welcoming experience for customers.
Got any craft fair tips or questions? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about your experience! And if you’re looking for booth essentials, check out these Amazon craft fair must-haves to get fully prepared. Happy selling!