Maker Monday: The Ultimate 2026 Craft Show Prep Checklist for Makers & Small Shop Owners
Your 2026 Craft Show Prep Checklist: A Maker’s Guide to Getting Ahead
A new year brings new opportunities — and the winter season is the perfect time to set up your maker business for a strong 2026 craft show lineup. While markets may slow down after the holiday rush, this is your moment to reset, refine, and plan for the year ahead.
This Maker Monday, we’re breaking down the ultimate 2026 Craft Show Prep Checklist for makers, small shop owners, and vendor booth pros.
1. Review Your 2025 Sales Data
Before planning anything new, look at last year's numbers:
What sold consistently?
What became surprise bestsellers?
What didn’t move at all?
This data tells you where to invest and where to scale back.
2. Map Out Your 2026 Event Calendar
Winter is the ideal season to:
Research new shows
Apply for spring + summer events
Join vendor Facebook groups
Mark early-bird deadlines
Budget for booth fees early
A mapped calendar removes decision fatigue later in the year.
3. Refresh Your Display for the New Year
Your booth is your storefront. Winter is the perfect time to rebuild or improve:
Vertical shelving
Lighting upgrades
Signage (especially photo-friendly signage)
New table coverings
Modular packing systems
Start fresh before the first show hits.
4. Create Your 2026 Inventory Plan
Think in categories:
Everyday sellers
Seasonal sellers
High-margin items
Small impulse buys
Custom or personalized offerings
Assign rough quantities for each and adjust as seasons change.
5. Revisit Your Pricing Strategy
Costs increased for many makers in 2025. Review:
Material costs
Packaging
Labor
Booth fees
Shipping supplies
This ensures your 2026 pricing is profitable — not guesswork.
6. Update Your Branding Pieces
Winter is a powerful reset point for small shops.
Update or refine:
Business cards
Thank-you cards
Logo stickers
Booth banner
Social templates
Product tags
Your brand should feel consistent across events, online listings, and packaging.
7. Set Up a Customer Follow-Up System
Capture leads all year, not just during shows:
QR code to an email list
Mini coupon cards
Social-follow incentives
Cross-promotion with other makers
2026 growth hinges on connection — not just sales.
8. Prep Your “Market Survival Kit”
Every seasoned vendor needs:
Extra tags
Batteries
Tape, twine, zip ties
Pens, markers
Mini toolkit
Spare point-of-sale charger
Extra tablecloth
Snacks + water
Pack it once, keep it stocked all year.
9. Set Three Big Goals for 2026
Choose goals that matter:
Revenue target
Number of events
A new product line
A booth redesign
Launching a wholesale catalog
Write them down. Review quarterly.
Next Step for Makers
Once you know what needs to be done, the next step is figuring out how your booth actually comes together on the floor. If booth layout and product placement feel overwhelming, the Craft Booth Display Planning Worksheet helps you map it out visually before setup day.
Final Thoughts
Winter is more than a slow season — it’s your foundation-building season. With intentional planning and fresh energy, your 2026 craft show year can be your strongest yet.
Happy Maker Monday!
