Preparing for a jewelry show is more than just setting up a booth; it’s about strategic planning, pricing, and ensuring you have the right inventory mix. As a heritage bead crochet artist, I’ve learned that a well-prepared inventory can make all the difference in sales and customer engagement.

This week, I focused on stocking and pricing my collection for an upcoming show. Here’s how I tackled it!

Selecting the Right Pieces

Not all jewelry pieces make it to the display table. I carefully curate my collection based on customer behavior, sales trends, and what I know will draw people into my booth.

🔹 Statement Necklaces: These are the show-stoppers—the pieces that make customers stop and admire. They showcase intricate bead crochet techniques and serve as conversation starters.

🔹 Bracelets & Earrings: I consider these my impulse-buy items. Many shoppers may hesitate over a big-ticket necklace, but a bracelet or a pair of earrings at an accessible price often seals the deal.

Pricing Strategy: Finding the Sweet Spot

Pricing handcrafted jewelry is always a balancing act between reflecting the value of handmade work and keeping prices accessible.

💎 $15-$50: Entry-level price points for earrings and simple bracelets, making them great for quick sales.
💎 $75-$150: Mid-to-high range statement necklaces for customers who appreciate craftsmanship and want something truly unique.

Pro Tip: I price items slightly higher than my lowest acceptable price. This gives me room for small discounts without undercutting my profit margins.

Final Inventory Checklist

Before any show, I go through a detailed checklist to ensure my pieces are show-ready:

✅ Polish and inspect each piece for any imperfections.
✅ Label every item with a clear price tag—nothing frustrates customers more than having to ask.
✅ Organize items by category for quick and easy booth setup.

💡 Lesson Learned:
The night before my final inventory check, I realized I had completely miscounted my earring backings! Cue the 10 p.m. scramble to place a rush order. It’s a reminder that no matter how prepared you think you are, there’s always a curveball.

Photos of pricing, organizing, packing into crates,

Hey everyone! 👋 It’s Dequa here, and today I’m bringing you along on my 30-day journey to prepare for a local outdoor art show where I’ll be showcasing my hand-beaded jewelry. 🌞✨ Whether you’re an experienced jewelry artist or considering doing your first show, this behind-the-scenes look will give you a realistic breakdown of the process—the fun moments, the inevitable challenges, and the satisfying payoff. Let’s dive in!

📅 Day 1-15: The Big Prep List

Making the Master List

See Recommended Products Page for Checklist Links

The first step is creating a detailed checklist of everything I’ll need. An outdoor show requires more than just my jewelry—I need a functional and attractive setup. Here’s the full breakdown:

✅ The Essentials:

• Tent: A 10x10 pop-up canopy tent with UV protection (because a sunburned jeweler is not a happy jeweler).
  Tables: Five or six 6-foot tables with tablecloths to display my pieces.

• TableCloths: Chose your color, have fun

• Chairs: Two comfortable folding chairs (because standing for eight hours is not on my bucket list).

• Power bar & extension cord(s): most venues will have limited plugs and rarely provide cords.

• Banner: A vinyl banner with my business name and logo for visibility.

• Bungee Cords – Lots & Lots of Bungees’

• Weights and tent stakes: Crucial to keep the tent from flying away if it gets windy. ✈️ (Yes, I learned this the hard way at a previous show. Picture me running across a field after a rogue tent.)

💎 Jewelry Display & Branding:

• Jewelry stands & Risers: Necklace busts, bracelet T-bars, and earring holders. Make sure your display has differnt levels.

• Small mirrors: So customers can see how fabulous they look.

• Lights: Even indoor events can have quite poor lighting. Investing in a couple small lamps that can either clamp or stand on their own is always a good idea. Jewelry always looks so beautiful when well lit!

• Business cards: Easy for people to grab and remember me by.

• Receipts & payment options: I’ll use a mobile payment system (Square) and bring a receipt book for cash sales.

• Packaging: Small gift boxes, tissue paper, and bags. Presentation matters!

🔥 Funny Antidote:

While digging out my tent from storage, I found an entire stash of random booth items I had lost after my last show, including a half-eaten granola bar and some broken zip ties. So, pro tip: always clean your show gear thoroughly when you pack up—your future self will thank you. 😂

The list will continue as we get to days 6 - 10

to be continued….

My wonderful helper, my son Scott!