Display Tents - What to Look for in a Canopy for Craft Shows

Consider these common features of display tents to ensure you buy one that is cost effective and fully meets your needs.

1. Does it provide adequate protection from the weather?

If you will be doing outdoor shows, you'll need protection from sun, wind and rain. Not all canopies 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.

2. Is the canopy cost effective?

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. 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.

Remember that buying the least expensive item is not always the most cost effective choice. If you are doing several shows and you find that your cheap outdoor shade canopy does not stand up to your needs, you'll end up spending even more money buying a better outdoor canopy tent.

Think carefully about the number of outdoor shows you'll be doing to determine how much to invest in a canvas canopy.

Also, when you compare prices of display tents, notice which accessories are included in each of the brands of craft tents.

• Does the tent come with side walls included? How many? What type?
• Does the tent include a carrying case with wheels, or will you have to buy that separately?

If you are careful to notice the accessories that are included with each outdoor canopy tent you consider, you'll be able to do a better cost comparison.

Related: Downloadable Craft Tent Comparison Chart

3. Is the craft tent portable?

You will put up and take down your canvas canopy countless times and transport it to plenty of shows, so easy portability is an important factor to look for in an outdoor canopy tent.

Ensure that your canopy will fit in your vehicle. A carrying case will help protect your canopy and keep it clean. An outdoor shade canopy can be fairly heavy, and a carrying case with wheels, will make it much easier to transport your canopy.

4. Does your outdoor shade 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 craft artists. 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 a colored canvas canopy, 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. A white canopy tent will typically show your work to its best advantage.

5. Can you set up the outdoor canopy tent 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.

6. Is the display tent flame resistant?

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. Ensure your craft canopy meets fire codes by checking the specifications before you purchase your display tent.

A quality canvas 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. A lot of professional craft artists use E-Z Up canopies and say that they find this brand fits their needs.

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