Introduction: How to Set Up an AWESOME Craft Sale Table!

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About: Hey Everyone! I'm a 14 y/o designer and content creator. I'm pretty new to the Instructables community, and so far I'm loving it! I have a passion for 3D printing (and retro gaming) 1400+ Subscribers on YouTub…

As an owner of a small hobby business, I know that starting one can be a challenge. However it pays off (literally) with some hard work! In this instructable, I'll show you how to build the PERFECT Craft Sale Table. You'll learn how to display your work, maximize your profits, and have fun doing it!


Most images are from my second craft sale, when I was still new. I did this because I don't want to put this unrealistic beauty in front of new sellers - I find it very frustrating when experts put all these crazy photos up and you aren't able to do the same - everyone starts somewhere, and with practice, YOU can get there too.


Why I made this:

I'm 14 years old. Most people my age haven't even thought of starting a business. I've been to dozens of sales, and I rarely see people my age selling! I wish to interest more people in starting hobby businesses, as it is profitable and fun. I also spent a long time trying to learn the best techniques, and I want to teach people what I know, faster.

I've been to many sales, and understand the concept of it. I attatched a picture of my first sale, and I've grown a lot since! (that one was still quite successful though)

I want to give people the tools they need to start their craft sale, as starting a successful business is tough.

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Supplies

THESE WILL BE EXPLAINED MORE IN DEPTH IN THE FOLLOWING STEPS.

Here's a very simple overview of what you need to start a table at a craft sale.

  • Table + Tablecloth
  • Baskets and Shelves
  • Large Bins
  • Whatever you are selling
  • Decorations
  • Light Strips and power banks
  • An IDEA!

Step 1: Start Your Buisiness.

Find what you want to sell. I am selling hand-knitted hats, blankets, etc., but maybe you have an awesome idea for something else! If not, that's okay. I'd recommend going to craft sales and finding something that both sells well and fits your interest. If you don't have an interest in your work, then there isn't a point in doing it! Talk to the vendors and listen to their tips - they were very helpful for me, and should be for you!

  1. Set up some accounts. I recommend you offer PayPal, e-transfer, and cash. if you have successful sales, consider Google Pay. (I don't use it though)
  2. Go social! Document your sales on Facebook, Instagram, etc. to spread awareness of your brand.
  3. Sell on Marketplace/Etsy to find your audience.
  4. Don't expect to earn a living from these sales, just do it as a paying hobby. Now, once you've found a niche and have researched sales (which you likely have), look for some local craft sales. Aim for low entry fees for starter businesses, such as $10-20. You don't want to go to large craft sales without expirimenting first.
  5. Set a budget and calculate the manufacturing costs of your product. Price them accordingly.

Step 2: Make/Buy Your Product!

For example, I had to hand and machine-knit hundreds of hats. You want lots of options and lots of stock.

I made multiple colours of hats and made multiple sizes.

Make something that you enjoy making. Since it is just a hobby, you don't want to do it just for the money.


Tips:

  1. Reach a wide audience. I recently bombed at a craft sale because the hats only were appealing to children. Since mostly adults go to craft sales, YOU NEED to offer something to them. I may begin switching my business to an "everything" business, with a wide range of products and stock, so I can appeal to everyone.
  2. Display your best work. Something with a small imperfection should not be displayed unless someone asks if you have something of that color/size/shape.

Step 3: Find a Table.

Now that you've found the info, let's get a table!

NOTE: SOME SALES PROVIDE TABLES FOR FREE.

Things to consider:

-ALWAYS use the largest table possible for the amount of space you get. You want to have lots of space for your creations! (for example, use a 6ft table for a 6ft sale)

-Make sure your table doesn't wobble and is sturdy. It can ruin first impressions of your sale. You also don't want stuff to break.

-Get a tablecloth for your table. You want to match the tablecloth to the theme of the sale (for example, christmas sales should include holiday themes) Make sure the tablecloth is large enough to cover the front of the table and the sides.


Facebook is a great place to look for local sales in your area. Look for ones with low entry fees, and check the space allowance for your table.

Step 4: Get Some Displays for Your Product.

In my second craft sale, I learned that you need to not only build out, but build up. I displayed my stuff in wooden baskets, shelves, etc. like the ones shown in the picture. I went for a wooden look, as it leans into the whole small business thing, also because I live close to the ocean, and wooden things in craft sales are traditional.

What do I mean by "build up"? Well, You can't just put stuff on the table. You need to give things height and depth, to make them pop-out. See the images for an example.

Find a theme. My theme was rustic, and also a bit less-professional looking, to match my age. You don't want a variety of themes, as it makes things cluttered and unusual.

Step 5: Brand EVERYTHING.

  1. If you have the tools to do it, brand your products with tags, etc.
  2. You want a logo and a brand name, and a good one!
  3. Put a giant sign in front of your table with your logo.
  4. Put signs up for pricing, and make extras of them in case they get lost or break. Price your products at reasonable price, and in whole dollars. Adding cents to the mix makes change more complicated.
  5. Use lighted signs to display other information. For example, all my materials were sourced from local second-hand shops, which support charities. So I put up a sign that says "we support local charities" which may persuade people to buy your product! Only use this when it is morally justified to use, though. You want to be honest.
  6. Make some business cards! I used Avery to design stickers and business cards.
  7. Make some gift sickers like the ones above.


There's never too much branding. Branding helps people recognize your product!

I print everything for my brand, as it looks more professional, but depending on what you do, handmaking it might be the way to go!

Step 6: Set Up Everything Before Selling.

ALWAYS SET UP YOUR SALE AT HOME BEFORE ACTUALLY GOING. You want to make sure you have everything. Have extra letters. Have extra signs. Have extra stock. Have markers, calculators, paper, notebooks, and more. Prepare for EVERYTHING. Because of this, I have NEVER forgotten anything, as I have set up beforehand.

Step 7: Prepare a Money Float.

I use a fanny pack, but some prefer a cashbox.


You want lots of change. All my prices are fixed, such as $9 or $50, and not $3.55 or $4.40. I don't reccomend you price your products like this, as it makes change more complicated.


I got about $50 worth of loonies and toonies. (haha you americans have to use bills) You want some $5 bills too.

Write down how much of each coin/bill you have, so you know how much to deduct from your total earnings.

Also keep a notebook, and write down all of your transactions.

Step 8: Pack Up for the Sale.

Pack your products into bins for easy travel. If they are fragile, cover them with cloth.

If you are taking everything by car...

MAKE SURE IT IS SECURE.

I remember one craft sale, we were in a hurry, and forgot to secure everything. We hit a bump, and everything fell apart. We were late for the sale because of the cleanup.

Make sure to leave with lots of extra time, as it's better to have too much time than too little.

Step 9: Sell!

Once you've set up, begin!


Always keep a positive attitude with your customers. Kindness goes a long way! If you find things aren't working out, change up the layout of the sale when no one is around to make things more interesting. You could also start working on a product to catch people's attention. For example, start knitting a hat or use your machines.


As you sell, make sure to record what is sold, and who buys it. This data can help you find what audiences find your product appealing, and where to improve.


Talk to the other vendors. They are always willing to help new businesses. We're a great community and grow stronger with the help of each other.


I wish all my fellow business owners the best of luck. Remember, if things don't work out as well at the first sale, find some things you could improve! Greatness takes time, and if you put the time and work in, it WILL pay off.


Keep in Mind that craft sales involve a lot of experimenting. You want to view things from a customer's perspective and think about what could be better. After a few craft sales, you'll know your audience, and what to cater to.


If you are a judge in this instructable contest, please consider voting for me, as it helps fund my business. This took a while to write this instructable, through trial and error, and make this instructable as good as can be, so your support would mean a lot! Thank you, and good luck to all.