Everything You Need To Start Vending at Art Shows

I have been vending at art shows for many years now, and have tried lots of different setups. I finally feel really good about my setup. Not only does it look pleasing to the eye and inviting to customers, but it’s a pretty fast setup and take down that I’ve got don to a science. Here are all of my essentials that make vending a breeze.

Click on images for direct links (:

My favorite canopy tent

There are more expensive tents that are better quality and heavier duty if money and time is not a concern. I have had this Eurmax tent for 10 years and it still works great for me, and I can set it up quickly by myself. I would not recommend anything that is less quality than this, because it will fall apart, blow away in poor weather conditions and it will not protect your precious handmade goods!

Folding tables

Depending on what you are selling, you may want 1-3 of these bad boys. I personally just use one 8 ft table to hold my print displays, pricing signs, business cards, pins, and mannequin (displays my shirts).  

Tablecloths

Whatever color fits your vibe. My artwork is very colorful, so I feel black really makes my art stand out. Make sure you get tablecloths that go to the floor. Some shows will require this, and this will allow you to store your bins and extra goods under your table without your customers being able to see.

Flourish Mesh Walls

I have tried MANY displays for my paintings over the years and they have all failed. They are a bit pricey, but well worth the money in my opinion. They are easy to put up, easy to hang paintings from and they block the wind and even rain pretty well. Make sure to order them with plenty of time before your art show. They take a while to ship (I think 6-8 weeks).

S hooks

To hang your paintings on the mesh wall

Card Reader

You will need a card reader to accept card payments & Apple Pay! I recommend Square because it is super easy to use. Do not get the magstrip that plugs into your phone. A chip reader is a more reliable form of payment. (learned this the hard way)

Cleaning Caddy

Not for cleaning haha. I use this to store my bags, S hooks, zip ties, bungee cords, scissors, ect. Really anything I will need throughout the show. This is the exact one I use, but I plan to upgrade to something slightly bigger & on wheels.

Shopping Bags

You may need different sizes depending on what you are selling. This variety pack works great for my pins, small prints, and t-shirts. I use clear so that people can see my items while customers are walking around!

Print Handles

These work great for larger prints. Just stick them on the front and back side of your print sleeve for customers to carry from the handle so that you don’t have to use a large plastic bag.

Cash

Make sure to bring plenty of change. 10’s, 5,s & 1’s.

Mini Tool Kit

You never know what you’re going to need! Things break, need to be cut, taped, ect. You’ll find yourself using random tools more than you think.

Display Signage

People like to see your pricing displayed. This way, they don’t have to ask you how much everything costs. Use whatever display signs you like or make your own! I use these because my items and pricing change so I can easily erase when I need to.

More Signage

I use these for my print displays to individually price. You can find cheaper ones, but these are worth the money in my opinion. They are heavy duty and come completely clean when you erase them.

Cooler or Cooler Backpack

Bring plenty of water and snacks! Cold water on a hot day will be your saving grace. Sometimes you won’t have time for a full meal, so bring snacks to eat when you have time.

Zipties

Simple, yet necessary.