How to Set Up Your First Art Booth on a Budget

Setting up your first art fair booth is stressful, it can be overwhelming. especially when you’re on a tight budget. The cost of tents, displays, and gear, the costs all mount up.

But the truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get going. In this guide, I’ll show you how to create an art fair booth on a budget, using real-world tips and things I’ve done myself.

Let’s crack on

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1. Choosing a Budget-Friendly Tent/Setup

For any outdoor art fair, shelter is non-negotiable. It’s your only real line of defense against the elements, and trust me, you’ll need it. The weather is your enemy.

Sun, wind, and rain, you can’t win, your art needs protection. Without a tent, or canopy, your entire setup is exposed, and you run the risk of damaging your work before you even begin.

I must declare where I’m coming from, before I offer any advice:

I’m a cheapskate!

I like to to do things the cheapest, lightest, and most convenient way. If I can do without something, that suits me fine.

I use a large umbrella instead of a canopy, and I throw plastic covers over my stall whenever it starts to rain. Thats me and I know it’s too basic for most sellers.

Read how I prepare here: 9 Ways to Prepare For an Outdoor Art Fair

Most people will want to have the security of a stronger tent and display set-up, so I researched a sensible budget option for most art shows.

This is what I found.

A great budget option is to buy a MasterCanopy pop-up tent/Gazebo, which you can pick up on Amazon for a very modest price. A basic frame and canopy can be bought for as little as $65, and the side walls for another $50-ish.

You can upgrade as you go and replacement parts are cheap and readily available.

It’s a solid, budget-friendly option that still gives you everything you need to get started.

MasterCanopy Pop-up tents are light, easy to set up, and most importantly, they come with zippered sidewalls. You can add or remove the sidewalls at will, according to your needs and the weather conditions.

That’s a big deal.

Sidewalls protect your work from all sides, help shield you from wind and rain, and gives your booth some added security.

Personally, I would choose white walls, it’s fresh, light, and will showcase your art.

When you’re on a budget, the goal is to find the balance between affordability and reliability. You don’t need the best tent money can buy. You just need something that’s sturdy, weatherproof, and good enough.

Once you’ve done a few shows and made some money, then you can think about upgrading, but for now, the MasterCanopy or something similar is the smart way to go.

2. Don’t Skimp on Weight Bags

Please don’t make the mistake of thinking weights are an optional extra. They are nothing of the sort. I’ve been trading outside for over 20 years and the biggest risk to your display is the wind.

If your tent isn’t properly anchored, even a light breeze can lift it off the ground and turn it into a giant kite. It’s not just your art that’s at risk, you could hurt someone, and heaven forbid, damage someone else’s booth too.

Most art fairs have strict rules about tent weights, and if you don’t meet them, you could be asked to pack up and leave. Don’t take the risk. There are very easy solutions.

The easiest solution is to buy MASTERCANOPY Canopy Heavy Duty Weight Water Bags which are purpose-built and super reliable. They are cheap and practical.

If you’re using water bags or containers, check with the event organizer beforehand that there is a place to fill your bags on-site. It’ll save you the effort of loading 160 pounds of dead weight in the back of your car.

There are alternative options. You can also use sandbags, dumbbells, or any other heavy, stable material that’s easy to secure. Whatever you choose, aim for at least 40 pounds per leg.

It’s tempting to cut corners here, but it’s just not worth the risk. A few simple weights can save your entire day.

3. Use a Simple Print Rack to Display Your Work

A folding print rack is one of the easiest and most effective ways to display your art prints at an art fair. It gives customers the chance to browse at their own pace and makes your booth feel more approachable and professional.

You don’t need anything fancy, a basic folding canvas print rack will do the job just fine.

It’s lightweight, folds flat, and is easy to transport. It might not be the most high-end solution out there, but hey, it’s more than good enough for most sellers, especially when you’re just getting started.

You can pick them up on Amazon for under $50. if you need something more robust, choose a wooden folding display rack. They can be found for under $80.

While I’m thinking about it, make sure your prints are well-presented in your rack. They must have firm backing boards. Cardboard is OK, but expensive prints should use acid-free board. I use plastic corrugated signboard, you can also use foamboard.

Your prints will have to be wrapped. Use clear self-seal cellophane presentation bags to protect them from fingerprints, dirt, and unexpected weather.

These bags give your work a polished, professional look.

If your prints are unusual sizes or too large for standard sleeves, you can buy a roll of clear cellophane and wrap each print yourself. It takes a bit more effort, but it keeps your prints clean and presentable without spending a fortune.

N.B. As a side-note, these rolls are advertised as cellophane but they are in fact mixed with stronger plastics.

Organize your prints by size or subject, and don’t overcrowd the bin. A tidy, well-thought-out display encourages people to stop and flip through. With just a little preparation, your setup can look clean, professional, and ready for sales, even on a shoestring budget.

4. Bring a Comfortable Stool/Chair

You’re going to be at your art booth for hours, and while standing the whole time might sound ideal in theory, it’s not realistic. You need somewhere to sit down.

The type of chair you bring really matters.

I discovered this years ago when I first started. Being low down puts a seller at a distinct disadvantage.

When you’re sitting too low, you look disengaged, subservient, or even invisible, especially behind a table. Instead, bring a bar-height stool or a tall folding chair that lets you stay upright and alert while still giving your legs a break.

You need to stay approachable. If you’re slouched behind a table, looking bored or staring at your phone, you’re sending the wrong message. It says ‘leave me alone’.

Sitting up at eye level changes the game. You can’t slouch, it says you’re alert and engaged. Being ready to greet people makes a big difference to how you are percieved. It creates a welcoming vibe and helps you connect with browsers more naturally, and sell more.

The chair doesn’t have to be expensive, just functional and comfortable enough to last the day. Think of it as part of your sales setup. It gives you some rest whilst enabling you to respond and attend to a sales opportunity, instantly.

5. Make It Easy to Take Payments

If someone wants to buy your artwork, don’t make it hard for them. You need to be ready to accept both cash and card payments, and luckily, it’s never been easier to do both on a budget.​

Many vendors use Square for card payments. It’s a popular choice among crafters and artists for its ease of use and affordability.

At the time of writing…

In the U.S., Square offers a free magstripe reader for swipe payments. For chip and contactless payments, the Square Reader for contactless and chip is available for $59, with a transaction fee of 2.6% + 15¢ per in-person payment. (Source Square US)

In the UK, Square offers a contactless and chip card reader for £19 + VAT, with a transaction fee of 1.75% per in-person payment . The reader connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to accept payments anywhere.​ (Source Square UK).

In my experience, my customers rarely require a receipt but you should always be prepared. You can send digital receipts but if your customer wants a paper receipt, have a receipt book at hand with the basics, prefilled to speed things up.

There is no need to get a digital printer. It’s a more gear to think about, they’re expensive, and it’s another thing waiting to go wrong. That takes me onto my next point.

Even though digital payments are now the norm, don’t forget about cash.

Bring a small float with plenty of change, especially small bills. A simple cash box or better still, a zippered pouch will do fine. Wear it all the time so you don’t have to worry about leaving your pitch unattended.

The smoother you make the checkout process, the better. People are more likely to buy if they can pay on the spot without any hassle. Please, please, please remember…..

Impulse is King!

6. Keep Your Setup Simple and Professional

When you’re starting out, it’s easy to feel like you need a fully polished, high-end setup. But the truth is, you just need to keep things clean, simple, and organized.

You need an inviting space with plenty of room to move, one or two small tables, and some of your best artwork at eye level.

I use display panels to present a selection of my best prints. Each one has a caption with title, the size for framing, and a few words about the artwork.

This works brilliantly for me.

That alone can make your display look intentional and put-together.

I make my own budget display boards.

One practical approach involves using polycarbonate sheets, which are lightweight, durable, and relatively inexpensive. These sheets are commonly used for roofing and glazing purposes and can be found at hardware stores like Home Depot.

Materials Needed:

• Polycarbonate Sheets: Opt for 4mm or 10mm twin-wall polycarbonate panels.​
• Covering Material (Optional): To enhance the aesthetic appeal, you can cover the panels with materials like nylon fabric, vinyl, or spray paint.​
• Edging Strips: These provide a clean finish and protect the panel edges.​

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut: Determine the desired size of your display panels and cut the polycarbonate sheets accordingly.​
2. Cover the Panels (Optional): Apply your chosen covering material to the panels for a professional look.​
3. Attach Edging Strips: Fix edging strips around the panel edges for a polished finish.​
4. Assemble the Panels: Use connectors or velcro hinges to join multiple panels, allowing for various configurations.​

I’ve made a detailed guide on constructing these panels, including tips on cutting and assembling.

Refer to this resource: Cheap Display Panels

By crafting your own display panels, you not only save money but also have the flexibility to design a setup that best showcases your own artwork.

Use table coverings that reach the ground to hide anything stored underneath. Even an old sheet or curtain will work if it’s clean and neatly tucked.

Stack a few boxes or crates under your tablecloth to give your display some height and variation. This adds visual interest and helps draw people in without spending a dime on fancy shelving.

Keep your table clear and uncluttered, less is more. Focus on showcasing a small selection of your best work rather than trying to cram everything in. If your display feels busy or chaotic, people will walk right past.

Keep some prints in reserve and use them as sales props to engage prospective customers. Producing a folder of ‘special’ prints instils curiosity and invites onlookers to see what they are missing.

In the end, a clean setup feels more inviting and trustworthy, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re selling face-to-face. Your display has one purpose, to get people to stop. Most sales occur when people start to chat.

Professionalism doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s about how you present what you have and how friendly you are, not how much you spent on trimmings and fancy lighting.

Setting Up a Cheap Art Fair Booth: Final Thoughts

Getting started with an art fair booth doesn’t have to break the bank. With a simple canopy tent, a few simple display choices, and some DIY creativity, you can set up a professional-looking booth on a tight budget.

The key is to focus on functionality, keep things clean and tidy, and build up your booth over time as you gain experience.

If you found this helpful and want to take things further, I’ve put together a full guide called Selling Art Made Simple. It’s packed with real-world advice on how to start selling your art confidently, even if you’ve never done it before. Check it out and give yourself a head start.

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If this post has helped you, check these out:

• How to Sell More Art: 10 Selling Tips For Artists
• How to Sell Art on The Street: By a Street Artist
• 10 Best Ways to Sell Your Art Locally: Mega Guide
• How to Make Prints of Your Art – Printing Art Explained in Detail
• How to Draw Pet Portraits for Money and Start a Business
• Selling in Art Fairs (5 Tips You Can’t Afford to Ignore)
• Can You Copy Art and Sell a Painting of a Painting? I Found Out
• How to Sell Your Drawings (All You Need to Know)
• 12 Wildlife Art Bestsellers (Use These Subjects to Make Money)

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