Craft Show Craziness...Readiness

I do a limited amount of shows each year so for me they are always a panic, so much to do above and beyond making the items. This year I am hoping to be more organized and less panicked. I have the first of three this coming weekend and now that it is Monday and set up is Friday I am actually starting to pack up now (really RIGHT after I post this to my blog).

I also thought I would give a checklist of things I need and want to take along, I know when I started I was somewhat guessing. Here are a few of my essentials.

• Change, I bring $80.00 in paper money, usually 4 10's, 4 5's, 20 1's, plus coin since I collect sales tax, I just bring a lot, at least 30.00 in coins.
• Sales tax license
• Secure location for money
  
• Receipt pad(s)
• Pens, scissors, tape, small notepad
• Calculator
• Clip board, for checks and receipt signing
• Merchandise bags, I have 3 sizes
• Business cards, postcards, fliers, etc.
• Table coverings
• Gridwall hardware, I keep this stuff in a small plastic box, also I need for some assembly screwdrivers, plier and wrench, good to have all.
• Apron, I also stock this fully before the show with some cash, business cards, pens and a small calculator, also a lip balm :)
• Bowl of candy - obviously optional
  
• Small decorations, I sometimes bring a few nutcrackers along to add a festive touch to my table, since the shows are actually Christmas I am not worry about offending, just be mindful of the crowd if you choose to decorate.
  
• Signs or pricing, I often just price in bulk and use mini frames to help sign, I once did a blog post on this idea here
• Cosmetic bag with a few personal items, make up, brush, toothbrush, etc.
• Small cooler or lunch bag, I always bring water, soda, and dry snacks such as pretzels, granola bars.
• Grocery bags for garbage collection at my booth
  
• Printed list of above
• Admin basket or bag, I use this to keep things I will always need to know right where they are, like my apron, cash, lists, etc.
  

Some pics of my spare room, top, stacks of stuff needing to be priced and placed, middle my growing collection of baskets, its good to have options, and the guest bed, which is really just another table.

I am lucky to have a good size extra bedroom and am able to set up a 6 foot table, which seems to be the standard size for inside shows. Here I can play with my displays and items and have a good idea of set up before I get to the show. I also draw a little diagram and refer to it when I get to the show. For me my mind is always racing so having this for references does help. If you cannot use an actual table, mark out your space on the floor or bed a visual before the show helps a lot.

Here is a sort of picture of what I will do at the show, I have a fair amount of flexibility to move around as needed. Making this and stapling it to my checklist and make sure it goes to my admin basket for the show.