How I’m Preparing for My First Craft Fair of the Year (and What You Should Bring Too!)

Brittani Kasper
Sep 17
3 min read

Craft fairs are one of the best opportunities for makers to share their work, connect with customers face-to-face, and build community. But they also take a lot of planning! This weekend, I’ll be setting up at my first craft fair of the year, and even though I’ve done them before, I always find myself juggling excitement and nerves.

I only committed to two shows in 2025 — this one and another in November — so I want to make sure I’m fully prepared. To get ready, I’ve been doing a mock setup in my living room. This helps me visualize my booth, check how my displays look, and make sure I’m not forgetting anything. I’d recommend this step to any vendor, whether you’re brand new or seasoned — it’s surprising how often you catch something you’d otherwise overlook.

Step 1: Take Stock of Inventory

One of the most common worries before a fair is: Do I have enough product?

Right now, here’s what my tables will look like:

Fall-Themed Display Table:

2 pumpkins (5” tall)
2 cauldron creatures
3 eyeballs
1 Squid Game character
1 pink snake
3 mini footballs
1 big orange sloth
1 dragon
1 ghost
1 small pumpkin pie
6 coffee cups
1 spider

Main Plushie Table:

5 small turtles
4 jumbo turtles
1 large T-rex
3 brontosaurus dinos
4 octopus
2 sting rays
3 round chickens
3 small brown chickens
2 large cats
11 small cats
2 large sloths
7 bees
7 small sloths
1 jumbo pickle
3 small pickles

I also have a bin of miscellaneous plushies I may rotate in throughout the fair. This is a great strategy if you want to refresh your table during the day or surprise repeat visitors with new options.

Do I wish I had time to make more black cats, ghosts, and spiders for the fall theme? Absolutely. But it’s important to accept that you’ll never feel “100% ready.” Bring what you can, and remember: selling out is a good problem to have!

Step 2: Create a Craft Fair Checklist

Whether it’s your first fair or your tenth, checklists are a lifesaver. Here’s the comprehensive one I’m using:

Booth Setup

Tables (confirm size/number allowed by event)
Tablecloths or themed coverings
Shelves, risers, or crates to add height
Display stands or baskets for small items
Signage with shop name and logo
Price signs (large and easy to read)
Business cards or flyers
Chair or stool
Clips or weights to keep things secure (especially outdoors)

Product & Packaging

Inventory organized and labeled
Extra stock under the table
Bins/tubs for transporting items
Shopping bags for customers
Tissue paper or wrapping if needed
“Sold out” or “reserved” signs

Sales & Payments

Cash box or apron with small bills/coins
Mobile payment system (Square, PayPal Zettle, Venmo QR, etc.)
Notebook or app to track sales
Pens and notepad

Comfort & Emergency Kit

Water and snacks
Hand sanitizer and wipes
Tape, scissors, zip ties, safety pins
Phone charger or portable battery
Sunscreen (if outdoors) or a small fan (if indoors)

Step 3: Practice Your Setup

Doing a mock setup is one of the most valuable things you can do before a fair. It allows you to:

Test how your table layout looks from the customer’s perspective
Check if signage is visible and clear
Experiment with product grouping and height variations
Identify if you’ve forgotten display pieces

In my case, I realized I needed a few more risers to highlight smaller plushies. Without practicing ahead, I probably wouldn’t have noticed until setup day.

Step 4: Plan for Flexibility

Even with all the preparation in the world, you’ll likely face surprises — a smaller-than-expected booth space, products that sell out quickly, or an item you wish you’d brought more of. My plan is to embrace flexibility: rotate in items from my miscellaneous bin, adjust my display as stock sells, and take notes for what to make more of for the November fair.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for a craft fair is equal parts thrilling and stressful, but the key is to plan ahead, stay organized, and remember why you’re there: to share your creations with people who will love them.

If you’re heading into your own fair season, I hope this behind-the-scenes look at my process (and the checklist) helps make your prep smoother. And if you see me this weekend, come say hi — I’ll be the one with the table full of crochet creatures, hoping the ghost and jumbo pickle find their forever homes!