Art Vendor Booth Etiquette Tips for Art Fairs
When I go to an art fair to sell my work, I want the atmosphere to be positive for everyone. The last thing I need is a neighbor who ruins the vibe for me and my customers. In this article, I am sharing my top art vendor booth etiquette tips so we can all have a great time and better sales. You can watch the full video right on this page, and I have expanded on the points here to give you even more value.
Watch the video
Keep Music at a Reasonable Volume
Music can add to the atmosphere of an event, but in an art fair setting it is easy for it to become a problem. Many art fairs already have live music stages, so adding your own loud playlist on top of that creates competing sounds that can overwhelm visitors. Different people have different tastes, so the music you love might be exactly what drives potential buyers away. If your customers cannot hear you or feel uncomfortable in your space, your sales will suffer.
As a vendor, it is important to remember that the booth next to you is also trying to connect with their customers. Loud music makes it harder for everyone to hold conversations and creates unnecessary tension between vendors. A good rule of thumb is to keep the sound low enough that you can talk to someone in a normal voice without shouting. Treat your neighbors the way you would want to be treated if you had to stand next to your own booth all weekend.
Manage Guests and Helpers
Having family, friends, or helpers with you at an art fair can be a big support, but it is important to keep them inside your booth space. When extra people spill over into a neighbor’s booth or block the aisle, it disrupts traffic flow and can frustrate nearby vendors. This also makes it harder for customers to browse comfortably.
If you bring children or pets, keep them in your designated area so they are not creating distractions for others. Helpers should be positioned behind the booth unless they are actively assisting customers. A clear and open aisle benefits every vendor at the event, and when traffic flows smoothly, everyone has a better chance of making sales.
You might also enjoy How to Talk to Customers in Your Art Fair Booth - it dives into making conversations smooth and inviting at your next art fair.
Avoid Smoking Near the Booth
Smoking at or near your booth is not only unpleasant for many customers, it can also deter them from stopping to browse. Most people today are non-smokers, and the smell can linger on your artwork, display materials, and even your clothing. This can leave a bad impression that affects your sales.
If you must smoke, go far away from booths, customers, and the main event area. Position yourself downwind so the smoke does not blow into someone else’s space. Being considerate about this is part of creating a welcoming environment where customers want to stay and shop.
Use Weights to Keep Booths Safe
Wind is one of the biggest hazards at outdoor art fairs, and an unsecured tent can cause serious damage. If your tent takes off, it can injure someone, damage another artist’s work, or ruin an expensive booth setup. Always bring enough weight to secure all four legs of your tent.
Investing in quality weights is not just about protecting your own booth. It also shows you respect the safety and investments of the people around you. Think of it as an essential part of your setup, just like your displays or signage. By being prepared, you protect your work, your customers, and your reputation.
Avoid Demonstrations that Can Damage Artwork
Some products, like bubble guns or bubble wands, might seem fun to demonstrate, but they can cause serious damage to neighboring artists’ work. Bubbles can travel far, pop on original paintings or prints, and leave behind soapy residue that causes discoloration or stickiness.
Even if you believe your demonstration is harmless, remember that not everyone’s work can withstand moisture or residue. A single bubble landing on the wrong piece can ruin it, costing the artist both the artwork and a potential sale. It is better to skip demonstrations that could harm anyone else’s work and focus on showcasing your products in a safe way.
Keep Everything Inside Your Booth
It can be tempting to place displays like print racks or chairs outside your booth to try to attract more visitors. Unfortunately, this can block traffic and reduce visibility for neighboring vendors. It can also make aisles feel crowded, which discourages shoppers from exploring further.
Keeping your displays and seating inside your booth ensures that every vendor has equal exposure to the flow of visitors. We all pay to be there, and maintaining a clear path helps create a positive environment where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
Final Thoughts
Art vendor booth etiquette is about more than just following rules — it is about creating a positive atmosphere that benefits everyone. By keeping music low, managing guests, avoiding smoke near booths, securing tents, skipping risky demonstrations, and keeping everything inside your space, you help make the art fair a place where customers want to stay and shop.
If we all work together to respect each other’s space and customers, everyone can have a better event. Whether you are a first-time vendor or have years of experience, small acts of consideration can lead to big results for your sales and your relationships with fellow artists. Before your next show, be sure to download my Free Art Fair Supply List so you have everything you need for a smooth and successful art fair.