Card Show Checklist: Everything to Bring to Your Next Event
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Forgetting one item at a card show can mean lost sales, a chaotic table, or just a rougher day than it needed to be. Here’s a full checklist built specifically for TCG vendors, organized by category so nothing slips through.
Booth & Display
- Retractable banner or backdrop
- Custom tablecloth
- Table-top header
- Table (confirm if the venue provides one or if you need to bring your own)
- Chair
- Extra weights or clips if you’re outdoors and it’s windy
Inventory & Protection
- Binders and/or display cases
- Top loaders and sleeves — always bring extra, they run out fast
- Price tags or stickers, pre-labeled where possible to save time mid-show
- A locking box or bag for cash and high-value singles
Marketing & Follow-Up
- Business cards
- Stickers for giveaways
- A sign with your social handles or store link, clearly visible
Payments
- Cash box with a full range of small bills for change
- Card reader, charged, with backup charging cable
- Confirm venue Wi-Fi/signal in advance in case card readers need connectivity
Comfort & Backup
- Snacks and water — you won’t want to leave your table for long
- Phone charger / portable battery
- Hand sanitizer and wipes (cards get handled a lot)
- A folder with your vendor confirmation, table number, and venue contact info
The Night Before
Pack your car in reverse order of what you’ll need — display materials in last so they come out first. Lay out your table setup at home if it’s your first time with a new booth configuration, so you’re not troubleshooting layout in front of a line of buyers.
A well-prepped vendor isn’t just faster to set up — they look more established, which builds trust with buyers before a single word is exchanged.
For the full breakdown of building a TCG vendor booth from scratch, see our Complete TCG Vendor Booth Guide.