Art Fair Checklist & Tips

Participating in Art Fairs can be a great way to bring in revenue with your jewelry business. In this blog post I’m going to give you a comprehensive checklist that you can use so that you don’t forget any of the necessary items you might need for the show. Additionally I’d like to also provide a basic framework of things that you can do during the show to make it as successful as possible.

Here is a quick sneak peek at what sorts of things you will find on the checklist in the Tent & Display Section:

Tent
Weights
Storage
Table(s) & Case(s)
Chair/Stool(s)
Lights + 50ft extension cord
Fan(s)
Anti-Fatigue Mat
Rug
Display Pieces
Mirror
Signage and Posters

Click the “Get the Checklist” button to get the full list in an easily printable format.

In addition to all the items you need to prepare and bring to the show, you also want to make sure that YOU are doing everything YOU can during the event to have a successful show. Here are my top tips to make that happen:

Stay positive & Have Fun - It’s going to suck (no joke), mentally prepare for that. Your feet/back are going to hurt from standing all day. People are going to say the dumbest and rudest shit. If it’s summer you are going to sweat buckets, and in the winter you aren’t going to be able to feel your toes. Wind will force you to chase anything that isn’t nailed down, and tearing down in the rain is possibly the absolute worst. DESPITE all of this your customers DO NOT CARE. More importantly they definitely won’t be buying from you if you have a piss poor attitude and are sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. I know that’s harsh, but it’s the reality. Try and do you best to stay positive, find the beautiful moments, and keep smiling.

Greet EVERYONE - It is easy to assume that the person who looks homeless isn’t your customer, but honestly, you never know. How hard is it to just say hello? No need to talk their face off. A pleasant greeting, maybe with even a bit of eye contact, goes a long way to making them feel comfortable, and they need to feel comfortable to shop.

Share your work DON’T Sell it - You know what they say “Sharing is Caring”. When you love your work and the process of creating it, you need to talk about it! Tell them how it was made. Tell them where you got the stone. Tell them more about why you create what you do. People want to hear the story. They want to buy into YOU. Give them something to buy. Also if you don’t love your work…that’s probably something you need to spend some time thinking about and fixing.

Start a Relationship - Many of us sell work that is very expensive, and it is likely that the first time you meet someone they won’t actually purchase from you. If you have someone that seems interested in your work, be sure to figure out a way to keep putting yourself in front of them. This could be as simple as getting them added to your email list, asking that they follow you on social media, or in the least giving them your card. Another way, that can be paired with getting their contact information, is to participate in the same fair over and over again. You’d be surprised how many “regulars” I have that only shop from me at a specific fair.

Take Care of yourself physically - This will be different for everyone, but here are some of the ways I survive during a tough show. 1) Wear comfortable shoes. This is not the time to try out a new pair. 2) I typically wear all black. It looks super professional and no one can see my sweat. 3) Plan ahead for meals and snacks. A day or two before the event I make a veggie and protein packed batch of quinoa bowls or cold noodle bowls. I then bring what I need in tupperware and a travel cooler each day. Obviously this is much easier for a local show, but I have been know to buy the premade bowls from a place like whole foods. Fair food is always a bit questionable and usually very fried. 4) Stay Hydrated. I love the salt packets from LMNT. I also like to bring “Fun” beverages like komboucha, coffee, tea, and beer :), I want reaching into my cooler to be a fun little treat. 5) Many of the nicer shows will have amenities just for artists: provided meals, artist only bathrooms, snacks, water, place to sit in AC. Take advantage of these. 6) An epsom salt foot soak after a long day is truly MAGIC.

Last but especially not least NO EATING OR PHONING IN YOUR BOOTH. This is just bad manors. No one walking the show is going to come into your booth if you are just endlessly scrolling on your phone or if they think they are interrupting your lunch.

I’ve been doing shows for over 10 years now, and despite my initial hesitation I’ve found that not only are they a great source of income from be, but it allows me to connect directly with my customer. The feedback I get during a show is an invaluable resource that helps inform how my work changes and grows from year to year. Hopefully this guide has been helpful and valuable to you. Don’t hesitate to comment below or reach out with any questions you might have.

Thanks!!! Kelly