Thread: Got invited to set up a booth, need your thoughts & opinions please

First of all congratulations! You will have fun!
(2) regarding the vendor license, I'd ask who ever invited you what things you need to know like this, as it varies from state to state and place to place.
(3) depending on where it is, or what it's for there may be a booth fee, or a % of sold fee. Be sure and ask a@ this before hand.
(4) you will probably need to bring your own tables / items for set up howevee if it's at a church or banquet hall sometimes they will provide the tables. If so ask if they charge for using them, some places do.
(5) use a solid. Lor table cloth for displaying your it's, as a solid color / print will distract from the colors of the items you have for sale.
(6) if you have a peg board piece you could use place hook on it to hang any item you could, bibs, bags, .....
(7) if you have a baby dool size crib/ rocker ...use this to displays the baby quilts in / on.
(8) condor taking orders if your interested in doing this. If so make some business cards (can be done off home computer without a program, very easy to do) then take a note book for I do.
(9) if a you code to make a custom item, get Atleast 12 of the payment BEFORE you start.
(10) if your interested in doing this take some samples of the fabric you have or know you can get more of
(11h most of all HAVE FUN!

Don't know if this was the kind of advice/suggestions you were looking for but I hope it helps you out!

Originally Posted by deedum

Thanks, it is exactly what I am looking for! I am not looking to take any orders, nor do I want too! I only want to do this for fun and the experience. I would like enough to cover my booth cost if possible if not that is ok too, there is a small fee. I have plenty of items in mind that I could work up quickly, and I have plenty of time to build a supply of items. Thanks for your suggestions and tips!

I have many years of experience (27years) doing craft fairs...You need to figure out how much each item costs you to make. If it takes 1/2 yard of fabric, batting, thread...add it all up and at least dbl the cost...it should be a lot higher.
If you are only making enough to cover your booth cost, you are losing money. You need to earn plenty over the cost to actually make money at the craft fair.
A solid table cover that covers to the ground is ideal. This way your empty bins don't show.
Illinois requires you to collect sales tax...and report it. You would have to contact Springfield to find out the details.
(Yes, there are people that don't collect it or say that it is included in the cost...risky)
Good luck!! Remember to bring your best smile...the customers love to see it.

Visual displays always help. Maybe a doll crib for the baby quilts etc. maybe table runner,which sell good here to, with glasses or dinnerware on one, Potholders in a cute basket. Sometimes people just need to be nudged in the right direction. How many times have we said why did'nt I think of that.

If there is any way you can get some of your items displayed at eye level, do that! A peg board was mentioned, you can hang stuff on small garment racks or hall trees for example.

Don't forget lunch, & a chair. Find out where it held at before the day of, take enough change with you & have a buddy or relief n case you have to go to the bathroom. this might sound petty, but all of them are important. I've doing a vendor fair soon, after many years. Just watch your merchandise &your cash, & purse if you take one. A fanny pack would be a good idea & dress for the weather. Good luck.