by Sherri Bonis

Created on: July 14, 2009   Last Updated: July 20, 2009

When I started getting involved with craft fairs, I didn't have any idea what I was doing. I showed up to my first show with a card table, a chair and a few small displays I had hoped would draw people in. Nearly every other vendor around me was setting up tents in the grass and decorating them according to their wares. Some even had custom canopies that had their business name printed on them. Had I missed an integral piece of craft fair success? I convinced myself I had not.

The day wore on and the sun got hotter. Some of my products began to melt and change color in the heat. By mid-afternoon, I had sunburn, a puddle of ruined product, and the realization that everyone around me had the right idea. A tent was a necessity and, no matter what the cost, I was going to get one.

I searched high and low for something that would get me through the crafting season. At first I banked on a pole and canopy version that must be secured with stakes and ropes. The price was right, the picture looked nice, and the size was exactly what I was looking for. I almost stuck it in my shopping cart and patted myself on the back until I remembered that the next show I had signed up for was on pavement. No place to stake out a tent there. I was forced to research other options and different versions.

I found out that If I wasn't working on a tight budget, I could splurge and buy a name brand EZ-up. They are quality tents that really look professional and make a traveling crafters life so much easier. All kinds of websites were having sales, but not one of them was under the 200 dollar mark. I couldn't justify spending more on a tent than I would possibly make at a show.

Discount stores in my area were offering deals on canopy tents that seemed to meet my criteria. Much to my chagrin, I found out that Tailgaters and beach goers are also in the market for some sort of shelter from the sun. Every store I went to was sold out before I'd even gotten there. Apparently buying in the winter is a crafters best bet on finding tents at the best price.

I was lucky to find the best deals on the internet under the keyword shelters. Avoiding name brand versions, one can find a good quality easy to assemble tent that won't empty your wallet. Try and buy from a website that offers customer feedback. This is really the best way to know what kind of product you are trying to buy.

Easy to assemble tents are really important for craft and art fairs. They not only offer you protection from the sun, they can really add to your booth space and make your displays stand out to customers. When you are trying diligently to set up a fantastic display that is meant to draw in customers, you want to keep things as simple as possible. No one wants to be struggling with poles and ropes early in the morning (and sometimes in the dark). You also don't have a lot of time to waste. Most shows offer less than an hour of set up time, and since your tent needs to go up first, it needs to be the easiest and simplest task possible.

Tents help vendors stay prepared. They protect you from the elements (sidewalls also help) and help you take ownership of your allotted space. Do a test run to see how long it will take you to set things up in order to prepare for the day of the event. Don't be afraid to decorate it or embellish it with lights as this will draw attention to your booth. Keep things simple, but tasteful and you are bound to be successful or at least dry.

Learn more about this author, Sherri Bonis.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.