I know I said I would have some pictures of booth set up to show you this week and I did not deliver.  Next week I will have them for sure.

Since selling tats at fairs/festivals is a big part of the tat business for so many people,  I think the topic of booth set up is extremely important.

The first consideration is space.  Most fairs/festivals I have done limit their booth space to 10×10.  However I have been pleasantly surprised at some fairs/festivals to find they have allowed extra space between booths so I can spread out a little.  It is better to be prepared for bad news rather than good, so I have my booth designed so it will work in a 10/10 space.

I feel that I only need one small table to work from and another small table to hold my picture frame with the crystal display, pricing and also a display book with pictures of tats I have done on some previous customers.   These tables are covered with a black plastic table cloth and black plastic skirting.  The table cloth and skirting is available at any party supply store and is very reasonably priced.  I can rip this table covering off at the end of a show and replace it with fresh covering for the next show.  I attach this covering with a staple gun.

My tat designs are all on display on the banners hanging in by booth.

A banners on the front of the canopy, reading “Airbrush Tattoos” is essential.  If you are lucky enough to have a corner booth, a banner on each side is necessary.

I you are using posters to display your tat designs you can attach the posters to a metal grid.  These grids are available at store fixture supply shops.  These grids work well because they are heavier metal, can be zip-tied together and look neat.  If you zip-tie three of them together you can set them up in a triangle shape,  this will be a very stable display and your posters will stay in place under windy conditions.

Remember to keep children’s designs closer to the ground so they can easily choose their own designs.

A cash register is not necessary.  The only way I would use a cash register at a show is if I had employees working for me.  I would also place a sign in my booth reading “If you do not get a receipt, your tat is free.”  I can check the register tape at the beginning of the show and at the end to see how much business we did and compare that to the cash given to me by the employee.  When I do any show,  I keep all my cash in a fanny pack strapped to my waist.  I keep my money on me during the entire show.

I stock an “essential needs”  box and I bring it to all shows with me.  It is small enough to hide under one of my tables and holds:  aspirins, antacids, scrap paper, receipt book, 1^st aid wipes, band aids, tape, pens, calculator, scissors, stapler, extra clamps, zip ties, small roll of duct tape, peanuts and granola bars.  This little box has saved me at several shows.  I can’t tell you how many of my grateful neighbors have repaid me with freebies because I have been able to help them out at a show.  It is a simple idea and a life saver.

See ya next week, with pictures.  For now, check out this picture from our blog provided by Airbrush Gypsy.  It shows how you can make the most of your flash.