In the craft business, your craft fair display and coming up with great booth ideas can be a challenge.  Most of us have some restrictions when it comes to transporting show equipment along with stock to a show.  For starters, your setup should be compact, easy to handle and as light as possible.  As every show has different layouts and guidelines, a good solution (and one of the most flexible options) is a folding frame tent. They are most popular at outdoor venues but can be easily adapted for use indoors. 

As most of you know, lighting is paramount when it comes to displaying your product, and this is one place where the tent frame makes it really easy.  Plan to use the roof supports to install as many clamp on lights as you need to highlight your display and ensure that your customer can see everything well. The  lights that work well are available in many styles and sizes and are can be easily found shopping online.   You will need four or five extension cords long enough to run from the center to the outside walls all around the tent frame.  At most venues, the power is provided from one or two grounded outlets at the back of your booth and often shared with your neighbors.  It is always wise to have some power bars or contractors multi plug boxes with you.  While your basic power requirements are for a cash register, calculator and lights, you may want extra outlets for things like a computer or even a coffee pot or kettle.

The biggest advantage of the tent is that it will fit in the back of a station wagon or van without removing any seats. The tent you are most likely to find useful at an indoor show is a 10 x 10 foot print.  Folded up it measures 60 “ long by 12” x  12” and weighs anywhere from 40 – 60 lbs depending on the frame construction. That of course can be expanded by purchasing two or more tents to cover bigger booth sizes. The framework of the tent will be the basis for your booth display.  You will not need to use the roof but at some shows you may find the side and rear walls useful for creating a break between your booth and your neighbours.  Often the display next door is not particularly complimentary to your own.  It is best to determine that as quickly as you can though, as putting up the walls after your booth and those around you are set up is very difficult.

Once your tent frame work has been set up there are several options available to you for displaying your product.  You can use free standing shelving units or tables around the outside.  If you need wall space for your display, the frame work of the tent will support metal grid wall panels. You can easily hang product from hooks or set up shelving in all shapes and sizes.  Swag light chain hung in the corners of your booth can also provide extra display space by using s-hooks to hang your wares from.  It is fairly inexpensive at places like Home Depot.

One of the most important things to remember is a sign displaying your name and contact information.  It is also a good idea to have your logo on it and something that attracts customers as they walk by.  A good option is a plasticor sign which you can easily order from your local printer.  They will be more than happy to assist you with the design and if you use them for other printing needs may already have your logo on file.  Have them put small holes in it at the top corners for installation.  This is another advantage to using the tent frame for your craft fair display.  The sign can be easily attached to the front of your booth right on to the cross bars of the frame.

Often, one of the requirements of the show is floor covering.  Carrying a 10 x 10 carpet roll is a cumbersome alternative.  Not only is it extremely heavy and awkward to carry but it doesn’t easily fit in a standard van. The best alternative is rubber tiles that measure 2’ x 2’ and lock together to create a comfortable cushion floor.  The tiles stack for transport and are easy to clean with a hose and scrub brush if they get dirty. They are readily available in several colors at hardware stores or places like WalMart.

As you are setting up your booth remember to allow easy access to and from your sales area.  You want to make sure that your customer is comfortable coming in to the booth and never feels trapped once they are in.  Leave plenty of room to move around and allow for quick access to the cash area for closing the sale.  While you need a spot for cashing out, keep the area as small and efficient as you can.  A 48” x 24” table fits nicely into the booth.  Don’t forget a folding chair so that you have a place to rest every once in a while.

And finally, a big advantage to this type of setup is that it tears down quite quickly and stores into a fairly small area.

There are many companies who carry these tents including Hutshop online and Costco in season.  Kanopy Canada in Oakville,  Ontario.  Most companies carry a variety of styles and models from very light weight to very sturdy.  Many also offer the option of having your name and logo printed right on the front of the roof cover.  The beauty of this setup is that you are prepared to display your work at any venue.  These tents were designed for outdoor use and are equipped with waterproofed top and sides that easily fit on to the frame and zipper together. The tight enclosure protects your display from the weather and provide a measure of security when you close down at night.