Becoming a Fair Craft Vendor

How do craft vendor applications work at fairs?

Most fairs publish a vendor page with an application, a deadline, and a description of the types of goods they accept. Some craft areas are open to anyone who pays for space, while others are juried, meaning a committee looks at photos of your work and decides who is accepted. A few fairs reserve craft space for locally made goods only.

Find out which type of review applies before you spend time on photos and paperwork. The organizer's page or vendor coordinator can tell you, and the answer shapes everything else you prepare.

What do jurors and organizers want to see?

Jurors look at quality, originality and consistency. They usually want to see that you make the items yourself or that your goods fit the fair's definition of handmade. Clear, well lit photos of finished work and of your booth setup matter more than fancy descriptions.

Organizers also think about variety. A fair may already have many candle or jewelry makers, so a product that stands apart from others stands a better chance. Be honest in your description of materials and methods, because misleading an organizer can lead to removal.

• Sharp photos of your actual products
• A photo of your full booth display
• A short, truthful description of how items are made
• Your price range described in general terms for the organizer
• Notes on what makes your work different

What licenses and taxes should you check?

Selling at a fair may require a business license, a sales tax permit, or both, depending on your state and local rules. Some places require vendors to collect and remit sales tax even for a weekend event. Rules for temporary sellers differ, so check with your state revenue or tax office and your city or county clerk.

Some goods carry extra rules. Items for children, cosmetics, candles and anything edible can fall under product safety or labeling rules. Handmade food items such as baked goods or jams may fall under cottage food rules that vary by state. Ask the right agency rather than relying on advice from another vendor in a different state.

How do you prepare a booth that works for a fair crowd?

Fair crowds move quickly. Your booth has a few seconds to say what you sell. Use a clear sign, a tidy front table, and a few display pieces at different heights so people can see the range at a glance. Keep your best sellers at eye level near the front.

Plan for weather and wind. Check the organizer's rules on tents, weights and anchoring, since many fairs require specific setups. A display that blows over can harm a visitor and cost you your spot. Think about security too, including how to protect goods overnight if the fair allows you to leave them.

How should you handle inventory and payment?

Bring more of your best sellers than you think you need, but not so much that you cannot move it in a small space. Pack extra items in labeled boxes that can be restocked quickly. Keep a simple count at the start and end of each day so you learn what actually sells.

Decide how you will take payment. Many visitors expect cards, but cell service and power can be poor in some fairgrounds. Ask the organizer about internet and electricity, and keep a plan for cash as a backup. Never ask customers for personal information beyond what a payment needs.

What should you do before and after the fair?

Before the fair, confirm your booth location, load-in times and fees in writing. After it, note which days were busy, what customers asked about, and what you would change. Keep your records, since they help with taxes and with the next application.

Treat your neighbors well. Fair vendors share space, and a reputation for being reliable and kind helps when organizers choose who comes back.

What questions should you ask the organizer before applying?

Write your questions down before you call or email, and keep the replies. Ask how many craft vendors the fair accepts, whether there is a jury, how late in the process spaces are still offered, and whether the fair limits what kinds of goods may be sold in the craft area.

Also ask about load-in and load-out, whether vehicles may stay near the booth, what time the building opens to the public, and who covers theft or damage. Fairs differ a great deal, and a clear written answer now prevents disputes later. If a rule is unclear, ask again instead of assuming.

• Is the craft area juried or open?
• What are the booth size, hours and load-in times?
• Are tents, tables or chairs provided?
• What are the rules on signs and sound?
• What happens if weather closes the fair?

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the County Fair & Rodeo Guide Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.