Our First Craft Fair Experience
We were super excited for our first opportunity at a craft fair in person! After just exclusively selling on platforms such as Etsy, TikTok Shop and our website, we knew we wanted to show our shop in-person. The Summer fair event was at Crabtree School Summer Fair. We had a successful time and very much enjoyed seeing our customers face-to-face.
Getting Ready: How We Prepared for Our First Craft Fair
There was a lot to consider in the lead-up to the event. Here’s how we got everything ready:
Step 1: Signing Up + Raffle Giveaway
Signing up, figuring out the measurements of our lot/assigned space. Then creating a raffle prize ticket which awarded a lucky person to a gift card at our shop
Step 2: Designing Banners and Signage
Planning the banners and signs for pre-ordering. Alice, our marketing associate, created a bunch of different print advertisements and informational pages to help our customers understand our brand and range of products.
Step 3: Picking the Right Stock
We had to decide on which stock to bring. Knowing your target audience is important and we have a range of products that cater for different demographics. We knew that the audience of this craft fair would be a children and parents. So, we focused on our new range of toys, school equipment, wall art décor and a few others.
Step 4: Building an inventory
As a 3D printing business, it’s important for us to plan so we started a week before getting the product levels we needed to ensure we wouldn’t sell out or be left with low stock afterwards.
Step 5: Planning Product Displays
Pre-planning our product displays. As this was our first fair we had to decide how we wanted to show our products, in a appealing way. We decided on Product display boards, the table layout and shelving so our product didn’t have to just be layed flat.
Step 6: Go Time
Packing everything and making our way there!
Fair Day Recap: Sun, Smiles, and Sales!
On the Day of the fair, we set up ready for the arrival of the patrons. The weather was looking dreary, and we were worried it may be cancelled but the sun started shining and we were ready to start!
Throughout the day, we were a busy booth! Our colorful toys were eye-catching, and the children loved our range of fidget toys and 3D printed dragons! Other items such as bag tags were also popular!
What we Sold – Our Bestsellers
See below for the numbers of what we sold at the craft fair!
15 Dragon Toys – These sold steadily throughout the day, with each style finding at least one happy new owner.
19 Fidget Toys – Our octagonal fidget designs were especially popular. Kids loved choosing their own colors.
6 Bag Tags, including several UV-reactive designs – These were a hit with both kids and parents looking for something different.
1 Cat shaped Toy – Just one this time, but we’ll definitely bring more next time.
We are so happy that we were able to have such a successful day at our first try at selling at the fair. It was also great a great insight on which items are most popular and knowing that our products bring some happiness to others.
Looking ahead…
This craft fair was a big step forward for 3D Joy, and it showed us just how valuable in-person events can be. We’re now planning to attend more UK craft fairs, ideally one per month, to continue building our local audience.
If you want to know where we’ll be next—or just keep up with our latest 3D printed creations, custom gifts, and personalized accessories—follow us on our social platforms below or check out our website.