It doesn't happen all the time, but show promoters or local fire marshals can require proof that your booth is made from flame resistant materials. If you can set up the canopy yourself, you'll have a lot more flexibility in your ability to commit to shows without relying on outside assistance.
While it's a great idea to bring an assistant with you to craft shows, it might not always be possible. Sooner or later you'll need to do a craft show on your own. Can you set up the tent easily, and by yourself? Do not have any metal exposed on your panels. You may be limited in the shows you can do if you choose a colored tent, or you may need to buy a second tent that is white to participate in certain shows. The best canopies for these conditions are Flourish, Showoff, Light Dome and the heavy EZ UPs. On top of that, some shows only allow white tents. A white display tent will typically show your work to its best advantage. A colored tent can make your booth dark and uninviting, and it can make it impossible for customers to see the true color of your pieces under the canopy. Sometimes people are tempted to buy a colored canvas canopy, especially if they are on sale.īe very careful about choosing a craft tent that is not white.Ĭolored craft tents will reflect the color of the canopy onto your display. Does your tent show off your work in its best light, And will it be accepted for use at all shows you want to participate in?
A portable canopy can be fairly heavy, and a carrying case with wheels will make it much easier to transport your tent from your vehicle to your booth space. Also, ensure that your canopy will fit in your vehicle.Ī wheeled carrying case will help protect your canopy, keep it clean, and make it easier to transport. You'll put up and take down your canopy countless times and transport it to plenty of shows, so easy portability is an important factor to look for in a tent.
To make it easier to track different models that you are comparing, you can download a printable craft tent comparison chart here. If you are careful to notice the accessories that are included with the canopy you are considering, you'll be able to do a better cost comparison.
Remember that buying the least expensive item is not always the most cost effective choice. If you are seriously committed to making craft shows a significant part of your business strategy, then you'd be wise to invest in a more substantial canvas canopy. If you only plan to do a couple of outdoor shows each year, you might be able to get away with one of the less expensive craft tents.