By Shawn Vincent

If you’re just getting started with selling your crafts at craft shows you may be wondering what you should expect to bring for your booth. Are there things that the show host will provide for you? How can you know?

The way you know is by looking at the show guide lines. Each show should have a published flier or pamphlet telling you exactly what to expect. They will cover subjects like the following:

* Booth Size – They will tell you exactly what size the standard booth will be. Some shows offer varying size booths, but many will indicate a standard size. They will expect and warn you to stay within the confines of your booth. You will have to keep aisle ways clear and free from obstructions.

* Electricity – They will indicate if there is the availability of electricity. If they do provide electricity they will often indicate how many watts will be available to you. This will be important if you will be needing lights or running any machines that require electricity. If you need additional power, in some cases you may be able to run a small quiet generator.

* Fire Marshal Requirements – The shows paperwork will also tell you of any special requirements the fire marshal will have. This can be such things as using flame retardant materials in your booth, certain size and type of extension cords for power, etc.

You may also have to obtain special permits in some cases. For example, if you want to run a barbecue, burn candles, run a heater, or run any electrical, mechanical or chemical device the fire department deems hazardous.

These are just a few examples. Just make sure if you have anything in your booth that could be seen as hazardous by the fire department or show officials that you verify the need of any permits. The last thing you need is to find out after a ticket that you needed a permit.

* Acceptable Signage – In some shows you will even run in to requirements with regards to the signs that you use. Some shows don’t allow any handwritten signs unless they are done in the style of calligraphy. Sometimes a show will put restrictions on the material a sign is made out of. I was reading one set of requirements that stated no vinyl signs.

* Side walls – You could also be required to provide side walls in your booth. This helps to present each booth as its own store front. It helps to provide a nice separation between you and the booths next door. When potential customers are looking at your booth they see your crafts, not your neighbors.

In some cases the back wall of a booth will be a curtain so you wouldn’t have to cover that area. This is likely for an indoor show.

These are just a few of the items that you’ll find covered in the show guide lines. Just make sure you’re diligent to read all the requirements so you have an enjoyable show. Finding out when you get to the show that you aren’t compliant with some regulation can get you kicked out of the show.

You could end up trading an otherwise profitable day for a big fat goose egg.

About the Author:

Sell My Crafts

Source:

isnare.com

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