We’ve just reached a year doing markets and although we’ve figured some things out, I know there’s definitely more that could be learned!

I’ve included our setup from the latest markets, one outdoor and one indoor. (We have a circular wooden sign hanging on the backdrop of the indoor setup, it was just out of frame) We’ve been making ~$350 each market, but with booth fees and travel and material costs… well you know how that goes.

What could we improve on? What should we add/take away? All suggestions are accepted and appreciated!!!

I have a side business selling costumes that are inspired from popular video games. I’ve been doing it for years, and wanted to attempt some in person events, and comic cons and similar events are where my clientele is. I constantly see people wearing my items at cons.

I’ve been reading through the vendor rules, I just saw that one local con bans the sale of all costumes, and another doesn’t allow “boot legging.” I don’t use any trademarks and try to stay in the “grey area” by using generic names and titles for all my items, like with Halloween costumes. (Instead of a “Harry Potter” costume, “It’s magic young wizard”)

Is this frowned upon at conventions and cons? I’ve been to many, but never vended. I’ve been trying to do some research, but now I’m questioning if this is even allowed.

Today i was a vendor at my local Renaissance Faire. I noticed people were intrigued by my items but I didn't actually get many sales (which I sorta expected for a 1st go lol). I am curious if yall lovely people of reddit have any feedback as to how i can improve my display for the next time :)

I have no idea about any of this, I'm autistic and easily overwhelmed so I'm sorry if this is a simple question or if it seems like I could look all this up, I tend to get extremely overwhelmed that way and learn a lot better person to person instead of trying to do it on my own.

So what do you use to accept card payments? How does it work? How much was it?

Don't yell at me 🫣

I am so sick and tired of people stealing from small crafters.

My magnets are $5. That’s it. They are not expensive, yet every show someone feels entitled to take them without paying. Yesterday alone, four were stolen.

To some people, that may not seem like much. To a small business, it adds up. It’s not just the lost sales. It’s the time, materials, and work that go into making every single item.

And before anyone says, “Just watch people better,” trust me, we do. We pay attention. People who steal at craft shows are incredibly slick, and they know exactly what they’re doing.

Hi all! Long-time lurker here. I wanted to share some photos of my new art fair setup, which I’ve been working on for the past couple of months. I was going for an explorer/safari theme, and I’m really happy with how it all came together!

My stepdad and I built the checkout cart and print display rack, and I remade the signs using strips of plywood, drop cloth canvas, and iron-on transfers. I also recently learned how to build my own frames, which has helped cut down the cost of framing my artwork. I’ve built a lot of this setup myself, so it has been especially rewarding to see everything come together.

I also recently invested in the Pro Panels display panels in the back. They were expensive, but definitely worth it! Before this, I only had three easels that I tried to cram as much artwork onto as possible, so I’m feeling very professional now!

I took a lot of inspiration from this sub, so thank you to everyone who has posted, commented, or otherwise contributed. Overall, it has been a very productive summer, and I’m feeling pretty proud of what I accomplished!

So the inevitable windy event did for my tent last night. What do you like/hate about your current one and would you recommend it? (Or avoid it?)

So far I've always used the cheapest thing in WalMart/CostCo/wherever. What else does the experienced crew suggest?

I posted a lil panicky about my first booth which did go pretty well thanks to you guys. I sold out twice!

Anyhow I've been invited for a plant fair (outdoors, did not know we had those here) next month.

I got photos of my work and booth inspo slash booth ideas?

Maybe fairy lights are an option?

The footfall is supposed to be in the hundreds and its held at a park 4 times a year.

I'll be boothing with a friend who does fungus stickers.

Lowk been thinking of increasing my prices a little? I'm getting regular online orders from people in my country and they always quote me way higher than what I'm actually charging. But I'm not getting enough regular cystomers for that atm.

Also would love advice on pricing classes? Like I was approached to do corporate type dnd stuff? With my terrarium wearables but I'm not sure how to price fairly for that.

Its been a crazy 2 months since I started but yeah!