Free Craft Show Checklist (with printable!)
Looking to be more organised for your next craft show? Download our free printable checklist and show up knowing you've got everything covered.
You’ve got a show coming up, and the to-do list is growing. There’s stock to count, supplies to pack, payments to set up, and a booth to design — all before you’ve even left the house.
We’ve put together this free craft show checklist to help you show up prepared, confident, and ready to sell. Download the printable version below, or work through each section to cover every base.
Know exactly what you have in stock before every show
Craftybase tracks your materials, finished goods, and cost per item so you always show up prepared — and walk away knowing what sold. Try it free →
What should you bring to a craft show?
A craft show kit should cover seven categories: technology, marketing materials, packaging, payments and inventory, booth supplies, miscellaneous tools, and self-care essentials.
Miss any one of these and you’ll feel it on the day — whether that’s a dead phone, no change for cash customers, or a booth banner that won’t stay up. The checklist below covers all of them.
Before the Show: Get Your Inventory Right
This step is easy to skip when you’re busy making products. But showing up with the wrong stock mix — or running out of your best sellers by noon — is an easily avoidable craft show mistake.
Know what you’re bringing, down to the unit. Before you pack anything, pull a list of every product you plan to bring and how many units of each. If you’re tracking inventory in a spreadsheet, now is a good time to ask yourself whether it’s actually up to date.
Know your cost per item. If you sell a piece at a discount during the show, do you still know whether you made money on it? Pricing your handmade products correctly is one of the highest-leverage things you can do for your business — and it starts with knowing your actual costs.
Track what sells. Every unit that leaves your table is data. After the show, you want to know which products moved, which didn’t, and what that means for your next batch. Makers who use inventory management software like Craftybase can record show sales directly and have their stock levels update automatically — no tally sheets required.
Plan for reorders. If you run low on a popular item mid-show, knowing your material quantities on hand tells you whether you can make more before the next event. That only works if your inventory is accurate going in.
Download our free craft show inventory template →
The Craft Show Checklist
Download the summarised checklist for easy printing: Free craft show checklist (printable)
Technology
- Phone — Crucial for payments, communication, and looking up anything on the day.
- Phone charger (and portable battery) — A dead phone during a busy show is a real problem. Bring a power bank as backup.
- Screen wipes — Keep your device clean and readable in bright outdoor light.
- Credit card reader — Most customers at craft shows expect to pay by card. A card reader connected to your phone (Square, Zettle, or similar) dramatically increases your sales potential.
- Business cards — Hand them out freely to anyone who picks up a product, not just people who buy.
Marketing
- Business cards — Worth listing twice. Put one in every bag, hand one to every customer who browses.
- Newsletter sign-up sheet (or QR code) — Email is one of the few channels you own. Collecting addresses at shows builds an audience you can reach directly with future launches.
- Loyalty or repeat purchase cards — A simple stamp card or “come back and get 10% off your next order” card gives customers a reason to seek you out at the next event.
- Booth setup design (planned in advance) — Know your layout before you arrive. A cohesive, organised booth looks more professional and draws more foot traffic. Photograph your home setup so you can replicate it quickly.
Packaging
- Paper bags — Have more than you think you’ll need. Running out of bags mid-show is embarrassing and easily avoided.
- Boxes — For fragile or structured items that need protection.
- Tissue paper — Adds a premium feel to any purchase, regardless of price point.
- Ribbon or twine — Elevates the packaging on gift-ready items.
- Stickers or branded labels — Reinforce your brand on every bag that walks away from your table.
Payments & Inventory
- Product inventory list — A written or printed list of every item and quantity you’ve brought. Check items off as they sell so you always know what’s left.
- Cash float (apron or box) — Even in a card-heavy world, some buyers pay cash. Have at least $50–100 in small notes and coins ready.
- Receipt book — For custom orders and any buyers who need a paper record.
- Custom order forms — If you take commissions or personalised orders at shows, have a simple form ready so you capture all the details you need.
- Price labels (on every item) — Never make a customer ask for a price. Clear, consistent labelling signals professionalism.
- Notepad and pens — For jotting down orders, customer contact details, or restocking notes during the day.
Booth Setup
- Table and chairs — Confirm with the event organisers what’s provided and what you need to bring.
- Tablecloth — Adds polish and covers any boxes stored underneath your table.
- Display stands, risers, and shelving — Height variation makes a display more interesting and helps products stand out.
- Booth banner or sign — Make your brand visible from a distance.
- Lighting — Especially important for indoor markets. Clip-on LED lights make a real difference for product visibility.
- Duct tape and binder clips — Essential for fixing things on the spot. Tape a banner, secure a tablecloth, clip signage — you’ll use them.
Miscellaneous Tools
- Multi-tool — Versatile enough to solve most unexpected setup problems.
- Scissors — For cutting tissue paper, labels, and cord.
- Scotch tape — For sealing packaging and securing signs.
- Safety pins — For attaching price tags to soft goods.
- Sharpies — Temporary price labels, quick signage, or marking sold items.
- Trash bags — Keep your space tidy throughout the day.
- Sewing kit — If you work with fabric or wearables, bring a basic kit.
- Tape measure — Useful if you’re demonstrating sizing or fitting for wearable items.
- Extension cord and power board — If you have a lighting setup or need to charge devices.
Self-Care
- Water bottle — Staying hydrated during a long day of talking and standing matters more than most people account for.
- Snacks — Bring more than you think you’ll need. You often can’t leave your table easily, and hunger kills focus.
- Comfortable shoes — You’ll be on your feet for hours. This is not the day for new footwear.
- Layers — Outdoor markets can be cold in the morning and warm by noon. Dress for both.
- Pain reliever — For the headache that sometimes comes with a long, high-stimulus day.
- Hand sanitiser — You’ll shake a lot of hands.
- Lip balm and sunscreen — Especially for outdoor shows.
- Band-aids — Small cuts from jewellery clasps, wire, or packaging happen.
After the Show: What to Record
Don’t pack up and call it done. The 10 minutes after a show ends are worth more than most makers realise.
Before you leave, note down:
- What sold out — Your fastest movers tell you what to prioritise for the next event.
- What didn’t move — Products that sat untouched may need a pricing or display change.
- What you heard — Common questions or comments from customers are free market research.
- Your final stock count — Compare against what you brought in so you have an accurate picture of sell-through.
If you’re using Craftybase, record your show sales before you pack up. Your inventory levels will update in real time, and you’ll start your post-show restock with accurate data — not a guess.
More tips on preparing for craft shows →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I track inventory at a craft show?
The simplest method is a printed product list with quantities — tick items off as they sell. For a more reliable system, use inventory management software like Craftybase, where you can record show sales manually or via a mobile app and have stock levels update automatically. This means your inventory is accurate the moment you're back home, ready for the next batch or reorder decision.
How much stock should I bring to a craft show?
A common starting point is to bring two to three times what you expect to sell. For your first show, research the event's typical foot traffic and price point, and aim for a visually full display that can sustain a few hours of sales. Prioritise your best-selling products, bring a range of price points (including lower-cost items near the front), and always pack more than you think you'll need — running out mid-show is a missed sale.
What's the best way to accept payments at a craft show?
A card reader paired with your smartphone (Square, Zettle, or SumUp are popular options) is the standard setup for craft show sellers. Most buyers now pay by card or phone, and having that option increases your sales significantly. Always bring a cash float too — $50–100 in small notes and coins — as some buyers prefer cash for smaller purchases. Test your reader connects to your phone before the day of the show.
Should I offer discounts at a craft show?
Blanket discounts can erode margins fast, especially if your pricing is already tight. A better approach is to offer added value instead — a free small item with purchases over a certain amount, a bundle price for multiple items, or a loyalty card for return customers. If you do offer an end-of-day discount to move stock you don't want to pack home, make sure you know your break-even cost per item first so you're not selling at a loss.
How do I make my craft show booth stand out?
Height, cohesion, and clarity are the three biggest factors. Use risers and shelving to vary product heights and make your display visible from a distance. Keep your colour palette and branding consistent across all signage and packaging. Make sure every item has a visible price — customers who have to ask will often just move on. A clearly branded banner at eye level helps people find you again if they want to come back.
What should I do after a craft show to improve for next time?
Record your sell-through data before you unpack — which products sold out, which barely moved, and what customers asked about but you didn't have. Compare your revenue against your total costs (materials, pitch fee, travel, packaging) to understand your actual profit from the event. Then use that data to decide what to make more of, what to retire, and whether this particular show is worth doing again.
