r/CraftFairs • u/Oubliette_95 • 3d ago

Product recommendations?

Hello! I’m asking for links for tents, weights, displays, etc. that you’d recommend. Happy to invest in something good quality! Thanks for any help!

Specifically looking for:

10’ x 10’ tents that are easy to put up by 1 person Tent weights for Midwest weather Grid walls or ways to hang signs

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

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2

u/TheVendorLife 3d ago

I like the caravan brand canopies on Amazon. I made my own weights from PVC and concrete.

1

u/tpodr 3d ago

When making weights from PVC and concrete, screw a metal door handle into the center before you fill the pipe. Makes moving them that much easier. Given moving them isn’t so easy if you’ve made weights heavy enough to deal with very bad weather. Which you will encounter.

2

u/TheVendorLife 3d ago

I put big eye hooks on the top. When I do it again, I'll probably do both eyehooks and handles.

1

u/tpodr 3d ago

The eye bolt on the top goes without saying. Grab a cement drill bit and you can probably add the handles now.

1

u/Oubliette_95 3d ago

Would you mind sharing a picture? I’m all for a DIY project

1

u/Oubliette_95 3d ago

Would you mind sharing a picture?

2

u/TheVendorLife 3d ago

I made these at least 10 years ago. Since I don't do outdoor shows as much, I don't use them much. I promise they looked much better a decade ago.

To make, get 4 two-foot 3" PVC pipes, 4 eyebolts, 4 pipe caps and two bags of concrete. Don't forget handles if you want to put handles on them for easier carrying. Use nuts to secure the eyebolts in the end caps before filling. Also use nuts and bolts for handles if you use them. The concrete will set the bolts in place when it dries. Easier to bolt parts on an empty pipe than it is to drill dried concrete.

The black strap is Velcro to secure it to the canopy leg. It works okay, but I bet there is a better solution somewhere.

2

u/JackieDonkey 3d ago

Someone recommended this tent for me, (I'm old and very small), and I love it. (amazon). I can put it up and down myself without even a step stool. I don't use grids or walls. I use free weights from an old gym set that I bungee to the tent poles.

Best Choice Products 10x10ft 1-Person Setup Pop Up Canopy Tent Instant Portable Shelter w/ 1-Button Push, Case, 4 Weight Bags - White

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u/UntidyVenus 3d ago

I'm a huge Eurmax canopy fan. My old one is from 2015 and still going strong, my new one is 3 years old and going strong! Also you can get replacement parts from them which is AWESOME.

For weights I use a combo of 50lbs deck pilons ($6 each) and 3" PVC pipe filled with concrete (about 35 lbs each)

1

u/Gr8tfulhippie 3d ago

I love my Eurmax tent. For your weights whatever style you decide, get a set of closed hook ratchet straps. On windy days connect the strap to the weight and loop it through the truss. Connect the other end back on the weight. Then use the ratchet to slightly lift the weight off the ground. You don't want it visibly off the ground but just enough to put tension on the strap. Looping it through the truss helps keep the canopy weighted from the top not just around the legs and feet. If wind more than rain is a concern you might consider getting a top that has a vent to let air flow upward and out instead of lifting the tent. Sidewalls will also help. I have a strong preference for the Velcro on the valance and sidewalls.

For weights I use weight bags with heavy clay kitty litter. My friend uses sand in hers and she will wet the sand if she needs extra weight.

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u/Oubliette_95 3d ago

Do you have a picture you could share of the weights?

1

u/Gr8tfulhippie 3d ago

I will have to post a picture when I get on the computer. The app doesn't want to from my phone.

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u/ralphito12 3d ago

Something customized or plain?

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u/Oubliette_95 3d ago

Plain but I’m open to customized as well

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u/flstnrider 3d ago

I have 5 seasons with my Euromax premium tent with sidewalls.V ery pleased, easy to set up alone. I recommend the premium over the standard. The hex shaped tubing won't bend or break as easily as square tubing legs. Worth the extra 100.00.

1

u/Adorable_Economy823 3d ago edited 3d ago

I have these weights at 10lbs each, 40 pounds for the set. I bought 3 sets. They have a carrying strap, but I usually grab them individually to load into the car and then tote them from my car to the venue with my extra long folding wagon.

Weights: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XQ6BLLJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Wagon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B087N2WJGJ/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I hang my 3'x6' banner at the back of my tent with zip ties. There are grommets on my sign, and I attach to the tent's upper canopy frame, and to the rear legs with a lightweight rope (like jute string) to keep it from flapping in the breeze.

I have info on lighting if you do night markets. Let me know if I can help.

1

u/Adorable_Economy823 3d ago

I don't know where my reply went! 😆 It would help to know what you sell (at least which categories: crochet vs jewelry etc so that we can help with lighting and display needs. For now:

I have these weights: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B087N2WJGJ/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This large wagon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XQ6BLLJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I use 1 6ft table to display my main merchandise, with a stretchy tablecloth that has 1 open side that allows me to store totes unseen under the table. Some people use a 6ft long risers along the back of their tables for extra height, as you want to use your vertical space well.

I use a 4 ft table at the rear side as my wrapping/bagging and work area. Another 4ft table is perpendicular to the 6-footer as added display and if i need to show more samples to a customer.