Successful craft show selling actually begins before you leave the house. You've researched the show, submitted your application, been accepted, have your inventory packed...you're good to go. Wait a minute! What am I forgetting? Look around...double check everything.

This guide will help you understand what you need to take to the show and why. It will also suggest things you should and shouldn't do in order to have a successful day at the craft show.

As an exhibitor, you will usually be required to provide your own table, chairs and all the otrher trappings for your craft display. You will check and re-check to make sure you've taken everything you need for a good show.

There is a lot of packing and toting that goes along with exhibiting at a craft show. However, it won't be long until you've developed your own easy system for moving your crafts from home to the show. I suggest you make a list of all the things you need to take and the things you must do to get ready. Even after years of exhibiting at craft show, I still make a list...and check it twice. It has saved my hide more than once!

The type of show (indoors/outdoors), how many days you'll be there and how far you must travel are just a few of the things you will need to consider in determining what you must take. You will constantly change your "take and do" list, depending upon the circumstances.

Take a person with you. If at all possible, find someone experienced at craft show selling to go along. Take a friend, relative. wife/husband, son, daughter or your Mother-In-Law, but...take someone with you. Don't try to do it alone. You are going to need some help. You can't close your booth to go potty!

You will also need: table(s), chairs, display stands and aids, your stock of craft items, nail apron or cash box, money for making change, credit card stuff (if you accept them), pad and pen, receipt book, string, tape, scissors, a dolly (wheeled cart) if your items are heavy.

Consider making the day as comfortable and pleasant for yourself as possible by taking: thermos for coffee (or other hot drink), water, doughnuts, lunch, small box of tissues, aspirin (or other needed medication), a spare set of car keys (!!!), sun glasses, tarp or shade, rain gear and plastic sheet to cover your crafts if it rains, and...(trust me!) a roll of bathroom tissue.

This is only a partial list. You will quickly learn what all you need. I have a friend who can't do a show with out his ever present bag of Cheetos! Dress in layers so, as the day warms up or cools down, you'll be comfortable.

Once you get to the show and get your display set up, continue to stay involved in the selling activity. I am always amazed by crafts people who put money, time and effort into going to a craft show then totally remove themselves from the selling activity. Your stuff ain't going to jump off the table all by itself. You've got to help it along.

For example, don't sit at the back of your booth reading a book. I see this at every show. People have a built in aversion to interrupting. If you're sitting there with your nose stuck in a book, you'r going to miss alot of sales.

Please don't sleep. Yep, seen this one a bunch of times. I visited a craft show last fall and saw this one...again. This ol' timer had a really good display of grapevine wreaths and twig furniture. I  could see up ahead people were avoiding his booth like the plague. The crowd literally moved sideways around it. I could swear some were tippy toeing.

When I got closer, I say why. The fellow was sitting in the shade in one of his beautifully crafted chairs...sound asleep! Great advertisement for the comfort of his chairs but, no sales. Pity.

So, stay involved with your selling activity. There are many ways to create interest, action and excitement for your craft display. Remember the marketing rule "Activity attracts activity". Arrange and re-arrange your booth.  Stay alert to the traffic passing by your booth. Make eye contact and smile...a lot! Talk to people. Hold up one of your items and describe it to someone...anyone. People will pause, stop, ask questions, handle or touch an item and give you cash!

Best wishes for increased sales, happy customers and a happier  you at your next show.