We've discussed this subject quite a bit at Guild meetings; the beauty of belonging to a Guild is being part of the exchange of ideas and information.

You'll probably think of other things to add to this list:
In your car: within easy reach store a can of Flat-Fix"!, a flashlight with new batteries, maps, and clearly written directions to your destinations, and on the reverse side, write the directions home. It' s hard to think clearly when you're tired, and it' s dark, especially when you're in unfamiliar territory!

In your cashbox: a copy of your show application and contract with the promoter This will save arguments about what you paid for, i.e. electricity, an indoor space, 1 ˝ spaces, etc.- and your Check-Off List.

Cash: $50 in singles, $30 in fives, rolls of coins, (about $100 total, -adjust to suit your needs.)

In your toolbox or fishing-tackle box: Your Tax Certificate, tax tables, calculator, ball-point pens, e xtra pricing labels, pads of sales slip, plus extras! (In NY State you must have your tax certificate in plain site )

• Business cards - lots of them! They are very inexpensive advertising.
• 3 x 5" cards - for emergency sign replacement, and to track diminishing supplies, etc.
• Straight pins and tacks, to hold your display fabric in place, especially the corners of your display table.
• Duct tape to hold electrical cords in place, clear tape, and masking tape to hang things on walls without leaving adhesive mess behind, or removing paint!
• Utility knife, (a small, disposable one, with a break-off tip that's always sharp, about 99 cents!)
• Scissors, clean rag or cloth, Handi-Wipes,(look for the special packages that sometimes come with a small, refillable travel-pack,) or a damp wash-cloth in a baggie.
• Small pack of tissues, pocket comb, band-aids, aspirin, decongestant, medication, antacid, anti-itching creme, eye lubricant, etc.
• Emery board, sand paper or emery paper.
• Four or five cedar shingles,(- they break apart) or use small pieces of paneling or plywood (about 3 x 6" ) to serve as shims to steady your display on uneven ground.
• Specialty tools and small parts for emergency repairs or customizing.
• Pliers, screwdriver, small hammer.

Most of the above items can be stored in a small toolbox or fishing tackle box. Never borrow from your toolbox and you'll be ready for each show!

Invaluable:

• A dolly or a handcart; don't walk back and forth with one or two boxes; you. ll be exhausted by show time. Dollies and hand-carts are inexpensive, ($20 +/- for a lightweight take-apart convertible one.)
• What About Lighting?
• What will you do if the light bulbs are burned out overhead and you have to set up in a dark corner? --If they can't see it , they won't buy it.
• Even if you're not in a dark corner, lights make your display sparkle and everything looks nicer!  
• If you are not ready for a commercial lighting system, pack a box or old suitcase with:
• 4 or 5 clip-on type lamps (about $7-8 each) 40 watt bulbs, and an assortment of extension cords,( at least 30-40 feet, total, including at least one heavy duty cord), a 3 to 2 adapter, and a multiplug, (or two.)
• Do a run-through and try them. There are new plugs that won't work well with older types of sockets, check it all out. Take extra adapters to solve problems with your hook-up. Use duct-tape to cover your extension cords and tape them to the floor so no one trips .  Don't forget to pick up all your tape when you leave.