Setting Up Tables for Success at Craft Shows

One of the major questions after buying a vendor spot at a craft show is this: "How do I set up my table?". While it's important you have a nice looking table, the actual set up makes little or no difference. You don't have to be a professional designer to have a nice looking table.

When I walk around at craft shows I see many who use shelves, boxes, and other items to "lift" their items up. I also see banners, signs, and other "props" to make their items stand out. While these stands look extremely nice, it's not all the "extras" that pull in the sales.

Instead of focusing on how "pretty" your table looks (as important as that is), focus on how many items your visitors can pick up and hold. If you have candles, encourage them to pick up and smell everything. If you sell food, make absolutely sure you have samples. Scrapbooking supplies? Paper to touch, stamps to use, and other items to feel. Toys? Have lots to play with. It's been our experience the products the customer can actually pick up are the ones that sell the most.

Now don't get me wrong - you need a certain level of organization to your table. This doesn't have to be difficult though. Place like items together in groups, and the most eye catching items at the ends of the table (this catches the attention of people scanning, and if the eye catching item is at the end, they will stop for another look before moving on). Some candle reps I see lumping same scents together, while we prefer to lump types of candles together (all 8oz in ones area, 12oz behind them, 9oz teddy bears in front, melts all in one basket). This has always worked extremely well for us, and gives us a chance to spread out the scents over the entire table.

While tips are good, don't forget the best way to find what works for you is to just do it. Attend a craft show or two to see what others are doing, and talk to other vendors if you need more ideas. Good luck!

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