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How to Prepare for a Craft Show as a Vendor: A Complete Guide- craft show vendor application near me

Writer's picture: Deniz KarmonaDeniz Karmona

If you're a craft artist, maker, or artisan, participating in a craft show can be an exciting opportunity to showcase your work, connect with new customers, and grow your brand. However, preparing for a craft show takes more than just gathering your products. It involves careful planning, organization, and strategy to ensure that you have a successful experience.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for your next craft show as a vendor, with some real examples from Dreamers Markets:


1. Choose the Right Craft Show for You

Not all craft shows are the same, so it's important to select the one that best aligns with your products and target audience. At Dreamers Markets, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive space for artists and makers of all kinds, from jewelry designers to painters, to vintage clothing curators. Some shows may have a specific focus, such as handmade home decor or natural skincare, while others feature a more eclectic mix of products.

For example, last fall's Autumn Artisan Fair featured everything from handmade ceramic mugs to artisanal woodworks. Choosing a show with the right audience can make a huge difference in your sales and connections.


2. Create a Product Inventory and Pricing

Once you’ve chosen your craft show, it’s time to decide what to bring. At Dreamers Markets, we’ve seen vendors thrive when they focus on curating a thoughtful selection of products. For example, Luna’s Jewelbox, a jewelry vendor at Dreamers Markets, does a great job of offering a variety of items: from dainty everyday pieces to statement necklaces. This approach attracts a wide range of customers.

When it comes to pricing, consider offering different price points. Many customers appreciate having options, whether it's a smaller, lower-priced item for $10 or a higher-end piece for $50. Clear, visible pricing is key, so make sure your price tags are easy to read.


3. Design an Attractive Booth Display

Your booth is your first impression, and an eye-catching, well-organized display can make a huge difference in attracting customers. Dreamers Markets vendors are known for their creative and unique setups. For example, The Plant Boutique, a local plant vendor, arranges their booth with plants of varying heights, rustic wooden crates, and plenty of greenery. This creates an inviting, cozy feel that encourages visitors to stop by.

If you're looking for inspiration, check out how Barefoot Crafts sets up their booth. They use a minimalist approach with clean white tables and product stands, allowing their handcrafted candles and soaps to be the main focus. Make sure to have a balance of attractive displays and clear signage for your booth name and product info.


4. Prepare Your Sales Tools

A successful craft show requires more than just beautiful products; you also need to be ready to make sales. At Dreamers Markets, many vendors use mobile POS systems like Square or PayPal Here, which make accepting credit card payments quick and easy. Don’t forget to bring plenty of small bills for cash transactions, as not everyone will be paying with card.

Sugar & Spice Bakery, a local bakery vendor, always makes sure to have her POS system ready and a cash drawer organized, ensuring smooth transactions throughout the event. Be sure you’re prepared for all types of payments.


5. Plan for Setup and Transport

Logistics play a key role in ensuring you're stress-free on the day of the show. At Dreamers Markets, we encourage vendors to arrive early to secure parking and have plenty of time for setup. Last year, Whimsy Vintage came prepared with labeled bins, easy-to-move display racks, and all of her pricing materials organized. She was ready to go as soon as the market opened, setting the tone for a smooth and stress-free day.


6. Promote Your Presence Before and During the Event

Craft shows are an excellent opportunity to build your brand, so make sure people know you’ll be there! Dreamers Markets vendors often share sneak peeks of their products on social media, along with details about the event. For example, Wanderlust Prints, a local printmaker, shared a behind-the-scenes look at how they prepare their custom prints, creating excitement for their booth well before the show.

Before the event, share your booth number, date, and location on Instagram and Facebook. You can even offer an exclusive deal for customers who mention your post at your booth—something that’s worked well for Flourish & Co., a boutique home decor vendor.

Dreamers Markets Free Photo Service

To help our vendors stand out even more, Dreamers Markets offers free professional photo shoots at select events! This service allows you to have high-quality images of your booth, products, and brand that you can use for future marketing efforts. The photos can be a powerful tool for promoting your brand on social media, your website, or any promotional materials you create.

For example, Luna’s Jewelbox took advantage of this service during the Spring Pop-Up event. The photos they received were stunning and helped them create eye-catching social media posts that boosted their online sales significantly after the event. It’s a great way to capture the energy of the market and share it with your community!


craft show vendor application near me
Dreamers Markets- craft show vendor application near me

7. Engage with Customers -craft show vendor application near me

Once the event is underway, make sure you’re prepared to engage with your customers. Dreamers Markets is known for fostering a friendly, community atmosphere, and vendors who are approachable and personable often see great results. Crafty Kids Station, a DIY station for children, was a hit last year thanks to its interactive approach—encouraging children to create their own crafts while their parents browsed.

Being personable and sharing your creative process is a great way to make lasting connections with customers. For example, Stitch & Thread, a knitting vendor, tells customers about the materials she uses and the techniques she employs in making each scarf, which adds a personal touch to her sales.


8. Prepare for Post-Show Follow-Up

After the craft show ends, don’t forget to follow up with customers and prospects. Dreamers Markets vendors often engage with customers by thanking them for their purchases and inviting them to future events. Collect email addresses with an easy sign-up form or offer a special discount for repeat customers.

Moonlit Creations, a local artist who sells paintings and prints, sends a heartfelt thank-you email to customers who purchased her work, along with details on where they can find her at future markets. It’s a great way to build brand loyalty.


Conclusion

Preparing for a craft show takes time, effort, and strategy. But with the right planning, a well-organized booth, and a friendly, approachable attitude, you can make your craft show experience a success. At Dreamers Markets, we aim to create an exciting, welcoming atmosphere for both vendors and customers. By following these tips and learning from our community of talented makers, you can turn your next craft show into a rewarding experience!

And don’t forget—if you’re a Dreamers Markets vendor, take advantage of our free photo shooting service to boost your brand’s visual presence!

Good luck, and happy crafting!craft show vendor application near me

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