The Master Craft Fair Packing List
Never forget an essential item again. This master packing list covers booth, products, tools, and day-of comfort for craft show vendors.
April 28, 2026
Why You Need a Written Packing List
Every experienced craft show vendor has a story about the one time they forgot something critical—the card reader, the cash box, the zip ties that hold the canopy together. Show day starts at 5 or 6am, you're tired, and adrenaline makes it easy to grab everything except the one thing you need most. A written master list, checked the night before, is the only reliable system.
This list is organized by category. Adapt it to your specific setup and product type.
Booth Structure
- Canopy (10×10 or per your assigned space)
- Canopy walls (at least one sidewall for wind or rain)
- Canopy weight bags or stakes (minimum 30 lbs per leg outdoors)
- Mallet for stakes
- Rope or guy wires if your venue allows
- Folding tables (6-foot × 2, or per your layout)
- Floor-length tablecloths
- Chair or stool for yourself
- Floor mat or anti-fatigue mat (for concrete floors)
Display and Fixtures
- Wire grid panels / pegboard panels
- Panel connectors and feet
- S-hooks, zip ties, twist ties
- Risers (crates, boxes, or custom platforms)
- Jewelry displays (bust forms, ring trays, necklace stands)
- Clothing rack and hangers (if applicable)
- Display bowls, trays, or stands for your product type
- Business name banner
- Price tags (on every item before you leave home)
- Product labels (ingredients, care instructions as required)
- QR code sign linking to your online store or social
- Business cards
Lighting
- LED puck lights or clip-on lights (especially for indoor shows)
- Batteries (fresh, correct size)
- Extension cord + power strip (if indoor show supplies power)
- Zip ties to route cords cleanly
Products and Inventory
- Full product inventory (counted and packed the night before)
- Backup inventory (bestsellers especially)
- Inventory list or spreadsheet so you know what sold
- Tissue paper, boxes, or bags for customer purchases
- Stickers or tape for closing bags
Payment
- Card reader (charged the night before)
- Phone or tablet (charged, with payment app open and tested)
- Cash float: $100+ in small bills (ones, fives, tens)
- Cash box or apron with pockets
- Backup card reader or Square card-swipe dongle
- Pen and paper as last-resort backup
Tools and Repairs
- Scissors
- Box cutter / utility knife
- Tape (painter's tape, packing tape, gaffer tape)
- Zip ties (always more than you think you need)
- Safety pins
- Command strips or small binder clips
- Rubber bands
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- Basic first aid kit (band-aids, pain reliever)
Setup and Breakdown
- Hand truck or dolly (for moving heavy bins from car to booth)
- Reusable bins or totes (labeled by category)
- Blanket or padding to protect fragile items in transit
- Bungee cords for securing items in vehicle
Personal Comfort
- Water (at least 32 oz, more for hot outdoor shows)
- Snacks and lunch (show days are long, food vendors are expensive)
- Sunscreen (outdoor shows)
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
- Weather-appropriate layers (outdoor shows can be cold in the morning, hot by noon)
- Portable phone charger / battery pack
- Hand warmers (fall and winter outdoor shows)
Contingency Items
- Plastic sheeting or tarps in case of unexpected rain
- Binder clips to hold down tablecloths in wind
- Extra price tags and a marker
- Zip lock bags to protect products from moisture
- Extra business cards
- Mirror (if you sell wearables)
Night-Before Routine
Pack bins the night before, not the morning of. Walk through this list with your packed bins visible. Set your alarm 30 minutes earlier than you think you need. Most shows assign setup windows of 1–2 hours, but arriving early gives you time to handle parking, find your booth assignment, and set up without rushing.
A relaxed setup produces a better display and a better first impression when the doors open.