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An Attractive Display is Essential

The most attractive displays use cloth table skirts to the floor, sometimes with another color top cover, which shows off items for sale. This also provides a nicely hidden storage area to keep your display looking tidy. Check with your promoter for vendor guidelines. Plastic covers tend to look cheap, as they hold wrinkles and hang stiff. In some cases, plastic covers are not allowed. Show pride in your work. Remember, the more professional you look, the more you will sell.
Visit your local Jo-ann Store and check out their remnants, or visit them online at:
You will need a good canopy that is easy to lug around and set up. I recommend a stakeless canopy that may be set up on cement or ashfault. I have even run across some shows where stakes were prohibited on grass or dirt areas!
Be sure to also purchase the weight bags if they do not come with your canopy. A mishap due to unanchored displays can mean product damage or even injury.

Quik Shade Weekender 8'x8' Instant Canopy in White

The EZ-Up Canopy (picture/link at left) is what I use. The EZ-Up brand may cost a bit more, but is well worth the money. At the right of the EZ-Up is a less expensive version, in case you would like to start there.

I prefer the dome-like top, as it does not catch the wind like higher profile canopies, and water does not collect as readily on rainy days. If you have many items that hang, the higher profile top has more level support bars to hang from. An 8'x8' or 10'x10' should fit in most single vendor spaces. If you go larger, be prepared to pay for more than one space at shows and festivals.

Look at the legs of the canopies. If the legs of your canopy are straight up and down, you will be less likely to invade fellow vendor's spaces beside you. These legs are also less likely to get tripped over.

The picture/link above is an example of another good canopy. White is the best color for your canopy. You will find that the sun shining through other colors may cast a tint on your products. This may, or may not, make a difference in your sales.

It is also a good idea to make sure your canopy's accessories include side walls. Outdoor shows are held rain or shine. If you have a dry display, your customers will find you in a downpour!

TIP: If you find water collects in the top of your canopy, push hoola-hoops up between your supports and cloth :)
TIP: Label your side-walls and canopy with a permanent waterproof marker! Include your name and telephone number. I recently picked up a sidewall that was left at a show, which I thought belonged to a friend, but wasn't sure. She did not return my calls, but another woman called and said it was hers. (I had told the promoter I had it and thought it was my friend's, in case she called. The woman came and picked it up, as there was no identification on it anywhere. Well, I was right the first time! It was my friend's sidewall, and some woman nobody really knew got a freebie at my friend's expense!

Good sturdy tables are a must if your items for sale do not hang on display walls. Try to choose light-weight, yet rugged, styles. Notice where the legs are positioned. Will they be easily bumped by customers and children?

Stacks & Stacks:: Folding Banquet Table -- Brown/Walnut 29
Bevis Custom Furniture Deluxe Folding Table, 60

Right: Here is a good compact folding table for starters. If you do not do alot of shows outdoors, and your goods are not real heavy, I would suggest starting here.
Left: This table is not as compact, but much sturdier. The price is a bit higher,
but will pay off in the long-run. Your tables will do alot of moving from show to show. It is well worth the investment to purchase a good one.
TIP: To save on material for table covers, purchase a roll of industrial velcro. Glue the soft side around your tables' edges and sew squares of the other side along the tops of your table skirts! (Just remember when drying your skirts to NOT use fabric softener sheets, as the velcro collects them-lol- What a mess!)

Simple Display Racks
Items for sale should be displayed neatly and easily accessed by the shopper, while allowing you to make the most of your space. Display racks should be sturdy, but easily moved from show to show. Be creative when displaying your items for sale. Here are some ideas:

Many times you can find great deals on display racks and canopies at auction sites!
Click here for eBay!
www.BidZ.com

Use an inexpensive CD wall rack to display memory wire.

Cover your tote boxes with material and display larger items on top. You can add dimention to a flat table by doing the same with small shoe boxes, etc.
Hang a section of conduit from your canopy using eye hooks to slip it through. Suspend hanging items from there.

Use an inexpensive bulletin board to display jewelry.

Coffee cup trees are great for displaying jewelry.
Attach 2 boards together with hinges, in book form. Screw in cuphooks and stand on end, to hang stationary, key rings, etc.
Take a picture frame and attach wire in ladder form. Hang earring cards from the wires.

Attach panels of framed lattice together with hinges. Brace at tops with removeable wood braces. Hang items for the wall from it . This is better than solid walls, as it allows the wind to go through.

Pins are easily displayed by sticking them into a piece of foam core (Available at your local drug store).
Simple hand clamps, purchased at your local hardware, can be clamped to your table or canopy legs. Hang your lighter items, such as halos, from them.

Use a bucket of sand to display plant stakes. Use a larger bucket to display garden stakes.
Some crafters specialize in making displays for other crafters. Other crafters may have old displays they no longer need. (I got my canopy from another crafter at a steal!) Look around at shows, and talk to people!

Check out rummage sales and store liquidations for deals on display racks.
List items you desire on your site. Many crafters like to check out the competition, and will see your ad. You may even get an offer in trade!
You know those wire Christmas tree-shaped frames for lights? Great earring or bracelet displays, especially near the holidays!







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The HempLady
Marianne Brender
4101 Sheridan Rd. #528
Lennon, Mi. 48449

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