Smart, Honest Tips for Thriving at Craft and Vendor Shows

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Smart, Honest Tips for Thriving at Craft and Vendor Shows

By Shirley Martin

If you've ever lugged folding tables, set up a canopy in the dark, and crossed your fingers while rearranging merch for the fifth time, you know that vending at shows is not for the faint of heart. It’s equal parts art, endurance sport, and social roulette. Whether you're a painter, a soap-maker, a ceramicist, or someone turning salvaged junk into jaw-dropping decor, one truth holds steady: showing up is only half the battle. The rest? It's a mashup of planning, presence, people skills, and maybe a portable fan if you're smart.

Build a Booth That Tells a Story

You're not just setting up shop—you’re creating a little world that people can step into, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Think of your booth as your brand in 3D form. If your work is earthy and handmade, lean into warm woods, linen backdrops, and natural tones. If your vibe is bold and modern, clean lines and pops of color can help you stand out. People want to feel something when they walk up, even if they don't know what they're looking for. Give them a reason to linger.

Lead With Curiosity, Not Desperation

There's a weird energy that people can smell from three booths away: the vendor who's barely blinking, hoping this next browser buys something. It’s tough, because yes, you care about making sales. But the moment you start treating every passerby like a potential transaction instead of a person, the whole energy shifts. Say hi. Ask what caught their eye. Compliment their taste if they pick something up. You’re not a car salesman—you’re a creative human sharing your work with other humans.

Create Easy On-Ramps to Buy

Not everyone who stops by is ready to commit to a big-ticket item. And that’s okay. Having a wide price range gives people options and helps you cast a wider net. A print or mini version of your product might be the thing that helps someone start their collection. Think of it like offering a sample. Once someone buys once, it’s easier for them to come back again—or tell a friend. And never underestimate the power of someone holding your business card next to a $5 sticker and saying, “I’ll be back.”

Make Payment a Breeze

This should go without saying, but it's 2025—if you’re still cash-only, you’re leaving money on the table. Get a card reader. Make your Venmo and PayPal codes easy to scan. And while you’re at it, post a little sign with all your payment options clearly visible. No one wants to awkwardly ask, “Do you take cards?” while fishing for bills they’re not even sure they have. Smooth, simple checkout equals less friction—and more sales.

Track and Manage Your Inventory

Managing inventory at craft and vendor shows doesn’t have to feel like juggling flaming torches. The key is to know what you brought, what you sold, and what’s missing—so you’re not guessing when it's time to restock or reprice. For small to medium-sized setups, using Excel to track inventory can be a viable option, especially if your needs are straightforward and you’re not ready for a full-blown software system. If you’ve got a printed list, you can even use an online tool to convert a PDF into an Excel file—check it out and save yourself a few hours of manual typing.

Know When to Talk—and When to Chill

Some people want the full story behind your work. Others want to shop quietly and not feel watched like they’re trying on jeans. Read body language. If someone’s glancing around, head down, give them space. If they make eye contact or ask a question, that’s your moment. Think of it like hosting guests in your home. Some want to talk. Some just want to browse the bookshelf. Either way, you’re setting the tone for the visit.

Have a Backup Plan for the Weird Stuff

Stuff will go sideways. It might rain. Someone might set up way too close. The crowd might have a totally different vibe than you expected. That doesn’t mean it’s a loss. Bring zip ties, duct tape, snacks, backup chargers, extra pens, and literally anything else you might need when things go off-script. The artists and vendors who thrive long-term are the ones who adapt quickly, not the ones who melt down when things don’t go according to the Pinterest board in their head.

Make Yourself Easy to Remember

Even if someone doesn’t buy right now, you want them to remember you later. That means having a clear, memorable name for your brand. Business cards are a given, but think beyond that—include a QR code that goes straight to your Instagram or online store. Better yet, offer a small incentive for joining your email list. A lot of people will meet dozens of makers at a show. You want to be the one they follow up with because you were thoughtful, approachable, and easy to find.

It’s easy to leave a show counting dollars and wondering if it was “worth it.” And yeah, that’s part of it—you need to make money to keep doing what you love. But some of the biggest wins are the connections you make. The kid who lights up at your table. The fellow vendor who offers to trade. The returning customer who tells you your candle scent helped them get through a hard month. These are the things that stick. The rest is just learning. So keep showing up, keep refining, and remember that what you’re doing—putting your heart on display for strangers to see—is brave. And it’s worth it.

Explore the vibrant world of contemporary abstract art with Lisa Carney and let your imagination soar through her captivating collections of seascapes, mixed media, and garden paintings.