Craft Fair Printable Packing List

Get organized for craft fairs with this list of items to bring to a show. Plus, download my printable craft show packing list, so you don't forget to bring anything important to your next event.

Have you ever had a nightmare about showing up at a big craft fair only to realize you've forgotten something extremely important at home?

Do you double and triple check as you're packing for a show, convinced you're going to miss something crucial?

I'd bet almost everyone has experienced some craft show packing anxiety at one point. So, to help keep you calm, organized and on track, here's a list of what to bring to craft fairs so you won't forget a thing, and a printable checklist you can use while packing for craft shows.

Keep Your Supplies for Craft Fairs Organized

When I participated in craft fairs, I did my best to keep all of my show supplies packed and in one place when not in use. That strategy was helpful for items I only used at craft shows, but I found it impossible to keep everything packed because some supplies were used outside of shows.

After a couple of panicky packing experiences, I created a checklist of things to bring to shows and kept it with all of my display items.

I also did home parties when I first started my business. The things I needed to bring to craft shows were slightly different from the things I needed to bring to home parties, so I kept separate lists, one for shows and one for home parties.

If you keep your own packing list for craft fairs, (and any other type of venue you sell at) when you're ready to pack up for a show, you can just pull out the list and work through it to ensure you have everything you need. When you're well organized and certain that you haven't forgotten anything, you can have a much calmer day and focus on your customers.

Craft Fair Packing List

Everyone's list will be slightly different, but there are several common craft fair essentials most people will need to bring to a show.

Display Items

• portable canopy and side walls
• tent weights for your canopy
• portable tables
• table covers
• risers
• shelves, gridwall panels, slatwalls, or other large display furniture (make note of the specific large display furniture you use in your display)
• floor covering
• mirrors
• business card holders
• small signs (i.e. signs that say you accept credit cards if you do, display signs about your product)
• large signs (with your business name and possibly photos of your work if appropriate)
• price tags or other method to mark prices (price everything before the show, but you may want to make some changes)
• clamps
• binder clips (these clips can be easily hidden and are great for holding fabric, such as table cloths, in place)
• lighting - lights, power bar, extension cords, extra batteries if you use any battery powered lights
• chair or stool (if not provided by the show organizers)
• clear plastic tarps (in case of rain)

Promotional Materials

• business cards 
• media folder 
• portfolio of your work 
• guest book

Inventory

• all items you intend to bring to sell at the show
• supplies and tools for polishing, cleaning or customizing your items
• tracking tool you use to track inventory sold

Sales/Payment

• change
• cash box (a discreet, small small bag or fanny pack can be worn, and discourages theft) 
• credit card scanner
• credit card authorization phone number and any other details you need to contact your service provider in case you have problems
• smart phone or tablet, charging cord and extra battery pack 
• calculator 
• receipt book
• order form for custom and/or wholesale orders

Packaging

• bags and/or boxes
• tissue paper

Administrative Supplies

• note pad
• pens
• acceptance letter and any other correspondence from the show organizer
• vendor's permit
• tracking tool you use to track expenses

Tools

• you might find it easiest to just bring the whole tool box
• scissors
• string
• duct tape (solves a multitude of problems)
• tools and supplies to repair or alter your craft items in case someone makes a special request that you can easily accommodate
• dolly to help you transport your display and inventory to and from your vehicle 
• containers to transport display and inventory

Food

• snacks and meals for the day - food that's not too messy and can be eaten quickly and discreetly 
• plenty of water

Personal Items

• change of clothes
• makeup (if you wear it, you may want to freshen up)
• deodorant (particularly for outdoor shows on hot days)
• wet wipes
• sun screen for outdoor shows
• breath mints

Misc

• garbage bag
• paper towels
• camera (so you can take photos of your booth)

Adapt The Packing List to Your Own Needs

Of course, you'll have your own specific items that you need to bring to art and craft fairs. I'd suggest using this list of craft fair essentials as a starting point, and then add to it so you have all of your own specific items listed on your own master list.

If you print up my craft fair checklist PDF, to organize your own packing, you can cross off the list anything that doesn't apply to you. There's also room for you to add other supplies you might need that aren't on the list.

For example, under the display section, I've included risers, shelves, gridwalls, stands, mirrors etc. You won't necessarily use all of those items in your own craft display, and there may be some things specific to your own display that are not on the list.

Use the list as a place to start, and add or remove items to the list to create your own specific list that accounts for everything you'll need to bring to a juried art show.

Get the Printable Craft Show Checklist PDF

Click the link below to download your own copy of the craft show checklist and get organized for your next show.

Keep Your Craft Fair Essentials Organized

You may want nothing more than to put your feet up and relax after a busy day at a craft show. However, a little time invested at the end of a show can make preparing for your next craft fair so much easier.

After a show, take a minute to note whether there's anything you didn't bring with you that you wish you had. If you've forgotten to bring any important items, add that item to your checklist to remember for next time.

Also, be sure to store all of your craft show supplies in an orderly way to make it as easy as possible to prepare for future shows.

A little bit of time spent organizing can go a long way toward helping you feel more calm and making your day run smoothly. You can be very busy during the days leading up to craft fairs, so anything that helps you to be a little more prepared is a welcome resource that will allow you to focus on other important tasks.