How to Sell Custom Shirts at Craft Fairs and Pop-Up Markets

Online sales are great, but nothing beats meeting customers face to face. Craft fairs, farmers markets, school events, and holiday pop-ups let people see and feel your shirts, try on sizes, and buy on the spot. They are also one of the best ways to build a local following for a custom apparel business.

Here is how to prepare, stock, and run a booth that sells.

Step 1: Choose the Right Events

Not every event is a good fit. Before paying a booth fee, consider:

• Audience: Does the crowd match your designs? Hometown pride shirts do well at local festivals; team shirts sell at tournaments.
• Attendance: Ask organizers for past attendance numbers.
• Booth fee vs. potential sales: Estimate how many shirts you need to sell to break even.
• Competition: A few apparel vendors is fine; ten selling similar designs is not.
• Setup: Indoor or outdoor, table provided, electricity available, and load-in times.

Great starter events include school craft fairs, church bazaars, fall festivals, holiday markets, farmers markets, and local sports tournaments.

Step 2: Plan Your Inventory

Pick Designs with Local and Seasonal Appeal

• Hometown, city, and state pride designs
• Local school spirit designs
• Seasonal themes: fall, Halloween, Christmas, Fourth of July
• Popular niches: moms, teachers, nurses, pets, coffee, fishing, faith

Premade DTF gang sheets are a fast way to build a themed collection. Our premade gang sheets include school spirit designs already sized and arranged.

Get the Size Mix Right

Running out of the popular sizes is one of the most common booth mistakes. A typical adult size spread leans heavily on medium, large, and XL, with fewer smalls and extended sizes. Bring a few youth sizes if families are attending. Keep track of what sells so you can refine your mix for the next event.

Consider Pressing on Demand

Instead of pre-pressing every design in every size and color, some sellers bring blank shirts, pre-cut transfers, and a heat press (if the event has power). Customers pick a design and shirt, and you press it in minutes. This reduces leftover inventory and creates a fun, interactive experience. A build-your-own DTF gang sheet is perfect for stocking a variety of designs for on-demand pressing.

Add Low-Cost Impulse Items

Not everyone wants a shirt. Offer smaller add-ons like koozies, tumblers, decals, and tote bags. Browse our drinkware and UV DTF transfers for ideas, and see custom koozies 101.

Step 3: Price for Profit

• Include blanks, transfers, booth fees, travel, bags, and your time.
• Use simple, round prices like $20 or $25 to speed up transactions.
• Offer bundles, such as two shirts for a set price or a shirt plus a koozie.
• Price youth and extended sizes clearly on your signage.

Our custom apparel pricing formula walks through the math.

Step 4: Build a Booth Display That Sells

• Show shirts on bodies: Mannequins, dress forms, or hanging shirts on a grid wall are more eye-catching than folded stacks.
• Go vertical: Use shelves, crates, or racks to bring products to eye level.
• Organize by size: Use labeled bins or size dividers so customers can shop without unfolding everything.
• Clear signage: A banner with your business name, plus visible prices and payment options.
• Lighting: Battery-powered lights help indoor booths stand out.
• Mirror: Customers love to hold shirts up and see how they look.

Step 5: Booth Day Checklist

• Table, tablecloth, tent and weights (for outdoor events)
• Card reader, charged phone, backup battery, and change for cash
• Price signs, business cards, and a QR code to your online shop or social pages
• Bags, tissue paper, and a care instruction card
• Order forms for custom requests
• Tape, scissors, markers, zip ties, and clips
• Water, snacks, and a chair

Step 6: Take Custom Orders

Some of the best sales at events are not shirts on the table. They are team, family reunion, business, and church orders from people who stop by and ask, "Can you make something for us?" Bring a simple order form, a sample book, and your contact info. Collect deposits for larger orders.

Step 7: Follow Up After the Event

• Post photos and thank attendees on social media.
• Email or message people who signed up for your list.
• Review sales by design, size, and color to plan your next event.
• Restock best-sellers early so you are ready for the next market.

Get Ready for Market Season

Fall and holiday markets are some of the busiest events of the year. Stock up on blank apparel, grab ready-to-press DTF transfers, and check out holiday gift ideas using UV DTF drinkware and apparel for inspiration. Just starting your business? Read how to start a custom t-shirt business from home.