15 Craft Show Etiquette Tips

By Susan West - 01/13/01

Have you ever been unsure as to what is expected at a craft show? Or what to expect of your fellow crafters? Here are 15 tips for proper etiquette at a craft show.

Be sure to read the terms and conditions that come with your application or acceptance. Sometimes these have a code of conduct included.
Be friendly and courteous - use good manners - after all, you are a professional!
Be respectful of other crafters - don't monopolize their time being friendly when they or you have customers! If you want to socialize with other vendors, don't block the customers.
Make sure your booth is completely set up before the show begins.
Be prepared for your show - make sure you have all your supplies so you don't need to rely on others' generosity.
Dress appropriately - casual, but neat. You are a professional and should look like one!
- Wear product specific accessories or clothing if you make them.
- Wear specific clothing to make your craft - apron, etc. - especially if demonstrating your craft.
- Wear a company name T-shirt or sweatshirt, if you like to dress more casually.
Be honest with fellow crafters.
Be helpful if a fellow crafter needs you to watch the booth for a bathroom or food break.
Stay within the space you paid for.
Make sure your display doesn't encroach into your fellow crafter's space.
Make sure to use common sense, and try to stay positive. Negative comments breed negative thinking and gossip.
If you want to play music in your booth, play it softly so the crafter next door doesn't have to shout at customers. It's best if you can't even hear it in the next booth.
Plan to stay the entire time the show is open. If you start packing up an hour early you are causing the other crafters to miss those last minute sales and you are losing them too!
For outdoor shows, empty your car or van in front of your space if allowed, and then move it IMMEDIATELY! Don't block off 3 other spaces by leaving your van in the way while you set up your canopy and display and then move your sale items directly from your van to your display.
And for those street fairs - don't drive through the show at 30 miles per hour! Yes, it's the posted speed limit; but we've got breakables and the customers are walking in the street.

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15 Craft Show Etiquette Tips