When you set up your booth at an event your are inviting customers to step into your world and see your jewlery with fresh eyes. Events can be long and complicated with a number of differernt unexpected factors affecting success. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, being fully prepared can mean the difference between a stressful day and a successful one.
Here’s your go-to list of must-haves for jewelry vendors at any craft fair or artisan market:
1. Eye-Catching Jewelry Displays
Your jewelry is the star—but how you present it will determine whether or not people stop to look. Jewelry is competative and youll need to stand out to keep up.
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Display at counter height- Jewelry is small and is often lost if customers have to lean over to see pieces, make sure your tables start at couner height. Use risers if taller tables arent an option.
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Coherent color and aesthetic – Pick a color or display theme and stick to it. You want the jewelry to shine. A random and cluttered display will detract from your peices. For example, go with all black, all white, similar nuetral tones, or nature based displays.
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Mirror – Very useful, people ike to try things on. I Prefer small ones because I tend to break full sized mirros but the larger the better.
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Have various levels –make sure you elevate your dipslay upwords with multiple heights for viewing. This creates more poinst of inerest and also gives your more display space.
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Display pricing clearly – There is some debate on tihs but I think having posted pricing help. some customers are nervous to ask about pricing and may feel uncomfortable if they ask and it is out of their price range.
💰 2. Sales Tools & Payment Systems
Make it easy for your customers to say “yes!”
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Accept cards: we use Shopify because it interrgrates directly with all of our online sales and email marketing. tap to pay will get you sales when people forget their wallet.
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Cash with change – Some customers still prefer cash, so bring plenty of small bills.
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Charger or power bank – Don’t let a dead battery cost you a sale.
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Collect emails and sent reciepts – emails are a great marketing source, don't miss the opportunity to get them in checkout.
🛍️ 3. Branding, Packaging & Takeaways
People buy with their eyes—and your branding should be just as beautiful as your jewelry.
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Business cards – Include your name, website, social media so people can find you again and remember your brand
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Jewelry boxes, pouches, or bags – make the presentation look good, it goes a long way
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Logo signage or table banner – Make sure people can identify your brand from a distance and see what you sell.
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Care cards and polishing pads – Especially useful if you sell fine metals or base metals that tarnish. Helps customers understand tarnish instead of thinking it is a quality issue.
- Social media QR code sign – Make it easy for shoppers to follow or tag you.
🔧 4. Jewelry-Specific Tools & Repair Kit
You’d be surprised how often you’ll need these.
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Pliers, jump rings, clasps, extra ear wires, chain and cord options – For quick on-the-spot fixes or customization.
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Jewelry polishing cloths and pads – Keep your pieces fingerprint-free and shiny throughout the day.
- Small bags - I like to store my pieces in small ziplock bags to keep them from getting tangled and keep them.
☀️ 5. Personal Comfort & Booth Essentials
Don’t forget to take care of yourself too! Its a long day and its hard to leave the booth, make sure you have things you might need. I pack a box full of essentials that travels with me to every show.
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Comfortable chair or stool – I like one that allows me to sit at couner height so I can see over my displays while sitting.
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Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray – Sometimes you cant get aways and need some refereshment!
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Baby Wipes – So many reasons you might need these: tarnish on your hands, sticky food, makeup, dirty hands. Trust me on this one, you need it.
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Scissors, tape, and twine – These can help you in a pinch
- Poncho/ Umbrella / towels- When there is estimated rain, come prepared!
🎯 Final Tip: Practice Your Setup at Home
Lay everything out ahead of time. Try different display arrangements, check lighting, and walk around your table to see it from a customer’s point of view. This helps you spot gaps or clutter and fine-tune your presentation. Listen to customers, what did they miss? Did they misunderstand what something was?
Did we miss anything? What’s one thing you always bring to a show? Drop your tip in the comments!