Pack a Repair Kit
No matter how well you prepare, something will eventually go wrong. A display will come loose. A sign will fall down. Tape will disappear. A phone cable will stop working. The vendors who are prepared solve these problems in minutes instead of spending valuable selling time searching for supplies.
Build a Small Repair Kit
Keep a small tote or toolbox under your table with basic supplies that can save your weekend.
Consider including:
- Duct tape
- Gaffer tape
- Clear packing tape
- Zip ties
- Scissors
- Utility knife
- Super glue
- Safety pins
- Binder clips
- Velcro strips
- Extra price tags
- Sharpies
- Pens
- Extension cord
- Power strip
- Phone charger
- Charging cable
- Portable battery pack
These inexpensive items can solve dozens of unexpected problems.
Bring Extras
If something is critical to your booth, bring a backup.
Extra items might include:
- Phone charging cables
- Light bulbs or LED lights
- Batteries
- Business cards
- Shopping bags
- Receipt paper (if applicable)
It's much easier to carry an extra cable than to lose sales because your only one failed.
Think Beyond Your Booth
Your repair kit can also help neighboring vendors.
Helping someone with a roll of tape or a zip tie is a great way to build relationships and create goodwill throughout the weekend.
Convention communities are known for helping one another.
Check It Before Every Show
After each event, restock your kit.
Replace anything you used so it's ready for the next convention.
You'll thank yourself months later when you discover everything is already packed and ready to go.
Final Thoughts
The best vendors aren't the ones who never have problems.
They're the ones who are prepared when problems happen.
A small repair kit costs very little, takes up almost no space, and can save hours of frustration during a busy convention weekend.
Quick Checklist
- Pack duct tape, gaffer tape, and clear packing tape
- Include zip ties, scissors, and a utility knife
- Bring super glue, safety pins, and binder clips
- Add Velcro strips and extra price tags
- Carry Sharpies, pens, and extension cords
- Pack a power strip, phone charger, and portable battery
- Bring backup cables, bulbs, and batteries
- Restock the kit after every show
Related Resources
Need More Help?
Still have questions? Visit the Vendor Resource Center for FAQs, downloads, local Midland resources, vendor tips, and additional vendor information.
Return to Vendor Resource Center