Friday's Desktop Diary

my list, misspellings et al

I'm gearing up for a mini show on Memorial Day. It really kicks off the season for me, so its a great opportunity for me to re-evaluate my set-up, signage, inventory, etc.

As promised, here is a check list of items I bring with me to shows. This is not an exhaustive list, so please feel free to comment on what I may have forgotten! I've linked this post to a much more detailed list that is worth reviewing (click title of post).

Here goes:

Supplies:
Scissors
Pens
Hole punch
Labels (both your hang tags and stickers for prices)
Stapler
Clip board (I like the plastic ones that open up binder/container style allowing me to store notes, special receipts, etc.)
Calculator
Tape
Hooks, binder clips, zip pulls (anything that might help you in securing items)
Packaging – bags, tissue paper, gift boxes, etc.
Ribbon, string, or rope (I use ribbon for my hang tags)
Wipes
Receipt pad (any office supply section or store carries these – I like the smaller ones in duplicate. Before or during a slow time at the show, I’ll add small address labels with my name and address on the customer receipt.)

Set-up:
Tent
Sand bags (weights for tent…those things can fly!)
Tables
Stool/chair
Table clothes
Mannequins
Easels
Grids or other display items
Side walls
Credit card materials (knuckle buster, forms, name plate, etc.)

Marketing materials:
Signage
Business cards
Brochures
Line sheets/buyers guides
postcards

Misc:
Book
Busy work for slow times (if you can craft on the go – knitting, crocheting, etc).
Cash (I always forget ‘til the morning of when the banks aren’t open. I suggest getting small bills the night before.)
Resale permit
Show application and materials
Water
Food/snacks
Cooler
Music (although when I bring my ipod I’m usually placed right by the band)

ADDITION TO LIST (5/25/08):

Camera

Journal - for your guests to leave their names/address

money box or "fanny pack" - I made a vendor apron with a zipper, but you want something to hold your money.

trash bags (grocery bags)