Display Tents Buying Guide

Does the craft display canopy provide adequate protection from the weather?
If you will be doing outdoor shows, you'll need protection from sun, wind and rain. Not all craft show tents come with sidewalls, and if you're caught in a rain storm, you'll be happy to have them to protect yourself, your crafts and your customers. Sidewalls can also be useful to create shade when the sun is hitting your booth at an angle and the top of the canopy isn't completely shading your space.

Is your canopy cost effective?
If you only plan to do a couple of outdoor shows each year, you might be able to get away with an inexpensive craft canopy. 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 canopy.

Remember that buying the most inexpensive item is not always the most cost effective choice. If you are doing several shows and you find that your cheap canopy does not stand up to your needs, you'll end up spending even more money buying a better canopy. Think carefully about the number of outdoor shows you'll be doing to determine how much to invest in your display canopy.

Also, when you compare prices of display tents, notice which accessories are included in each craft canopy. Some come with three side walls included, others come with four, and some craft canopies come without sidewalls, you have to buy them separately. Does the package include a carrying case, or will you have to buy that separately? If you are careful to notice the accessories that are included with each craft canopy you consider, you'll do a better cost comparison.

Craft show tents need to be portable.
You will put up and take down your craft canopy countless time and transport it to plenty of shows, so easy portability is an important factor to look for in craft exhibit tents. Ensure that your canopy will fit in your vehicle. A carrying case will help protect your canopy and keep it clean. Canopies can be fairly heavy, a carrying case with wheels, will make it much easier to transport your canopy.

Does your canopy show off your work in its best light?
A 10 x 10 canopy is the standard size for display tents used by most professional crafters. Your booth size is typically 10 x 10, so a 10 x 10 canopy will fit into your allotted space and allow you to make full use of the space provided.

Sometimes people are tempted to buy colored craft canopies, especially if they are on sale. Be careful with using craft tents that are not white. Colored craft tents will reflect the color of the canopy on to your display. A colored craft canopy 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.

Can you set up the canopy easily, and by yourself?
Sooner or later you'll need to do a craft show on your own. While it's a great idea to bring an assistant with you to craft shows, it's not always possible. 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.

Display tents must be flame resistant.
It's not common, but show promoters or local fire marshals can require proof that your booth is made from flame resistant materials. Ensure your craft canopy meets fire codes by checking the specifications before you purchase your display tent.

A quality craft canopy is a wise investment in your home craft business if you intend to sell your crafts at outdoor shows. My own craft canopy is a Caravan canopy and I'm very happy with it; plenty of professional crafters use E-Z Up canopies and note that they find this brand fits their needs. To compare prices and specifications for craft canopies check the links below. If you have a Sam's Club or Costco membership, you may also find good canopies at fair prices at those stores.

Additional Craft Canopy Resources:
When to Buy a Craft Tent
E-Z Up Eclipse II Commercial Sun Shelter at Dick Blick
E-Z Up Expess II 10' x 10' with Roller Bag-White at Buy.com