5 Tips for Vendors Rebuilding After Painted Tree

Losing a Painted Tree booth isn't just losing a sales channel. For many vendors, it was their primary income, their community, and years of built-up customer relationships. Rebuilding takes time — but it's absolutely possible.

Here are five things that have actually helped vendors in our community get back on their feet.

1. Get listed in the directory immediately

Your former customers are actively searching for you right now. The first thing to do is get your listing live at paintedtreerefugees.com/register. It's free, takes two minutes, and gets you in front of people who already know and love your work.

2. Lean into Instagram

Instagram is the single best free tool for handmade vendors. Post your products, your process, your booth setups. Use location tags and hashtags like #handmademarket and #shopsmall. Your Painted Tree customers will find you there.

3. Look into Etsy or your own website

If you don't have an online shop yet, now is the time. Etsy has a built-in audience for handmade goods. If you want more control, platforms like Shopify or Square Online let you build your own store. Check our Resources page for a full comparison.

4. Find your next market

Craft fairs, farmers markets, and pop-up events are everywhere. Our Resources page lists market opportunities specifically suited for handmade vendors — including nationally recognized shows and local options. Many markets are actively looking for new vendors right now.

5. Apply for small business grants

There are real grants available for small business owners who've experienced disruption. The Resources page on this site lists several that are specifically suited for independent makers and women-owned businesses. Some have rolling deadlines — worth checking now.