So, you’ve signed up for your first craft fair. You’ve got your 3D printer, a table to display your work, and maybe a few spools of PLA ready to go. Now the big question hits: what do you actually sell?
Jumping into your first fair can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of printable models out there, but not all of them will sell—or are even allowed to be sold. This guide will walk you through tried-and-true products, tips from experienced vendors, and the little things that can make or break your day.
1. What Sells Well (And Why)
Let’s cut to it: the most successful vendors bring items that are fun, eye-catching, and priced for impulse buys. Here are a few favorites that consistently sell:
Articulated Animals
Cute Fat Dragon Flexi by Whale 3D Studio
These are always a hit. They move, they’re fun to touch, and they appeal to kids and adults alike. The most popular ones include:
- Dragons (especially in multi-color silk filament)
- Snakes
- Lizards
- Frogs
People love picking these up and playing with them. Smaller versions tend to sell faster, and printing a mix of sizes gives shoppers more options.
Fidget Toys & Trinkets
Ball Gear Fidget Toy by Whale 3D Studio
These are gold at any craft fair. Fidget items are small, easy to carry, and low-cost. They’re also fun to demo and get people interacting at your table. Think:
- Fidget spinners or rings
- Keychains
- Tiny desk toys
Even if people don’t come looking for these, they often leave with one in hand.
Holiday & Hobby-Themed Prints
Cute Chicken Cable Holder STL by Whale 3D Studio
If you want to mix things up, print a few items related to:
- Upcoming holidays (Halloween pumpkins, Christmas ornaments)
- Local sports teams
- Geeky fandoms (if licensing allows it)
- Useful knickknacks (phone stands, cable holders)
A little theme goes a long way when someone’s looking for a unique gift.
2. Make Your Table Stand Out
The craft show floor is noisy—visually and literally. To grab attention, your booth has to do more than just sit there.
Focus on Visual Appeal
Don’t lay everything flat on a table. Use height. Small shelves, boxes, or tiered displays instantly add interest. You can also:
- Bring a 3D printer and run a live demo
- Set up a tablet with a slideshow of your work
- Use bright, clean signage (avoid clutter)
Even better: group items by type, color, or theme. That makes shopping easier and keeps things looking organized.
Offer Something Unique
Here’s the deal: nearly every fair has someone selling dragons. The ones who stand out do something different.
That might mean:
- Designing your own models
- Printing in unusual materials (like wood-fill or glow-in-the-dark)
- Creating sets or bundles (like “desk kits” or “mini creature families”)
People love originality—and they’re more likely to remember your booth if you’ve got something they haven’t seen before.
3. Tips from Sellers Who’ve Been There
The best lessons often come from people who’ve already done what you’re about to do. Here’s what experienced vendors say works—and what doesn’t.
Know the Rules Around What You Can Sell
Not every 3D model is fair game for selling. Some files are labeled for non-commercial use only, and selling prints of those can get you into legal trouble. Always check the license before you print for profit. Sites like Printables or MyMiniFactory often label models clearly—stick to ones that are marked as “commercial use” or create your own designs.
Pricing Matters—A Lot
New sellers often undervalue their work. They price items based only on filament cost and forget to include:
- Time spent printing
- Machine wear and tear
- Booth fees
- Packaging
- Design time (if it’s original)
Don’t just copy someone else’s price. Think about your costs and your market. People are willing to pay for quality, especially if you tell the story behind the piece.
Don’t Rely on Just One Payment Method
Cash is still king for some, but many people only carry cards or use apps. Use a card reader (like Square) and offer options like Venmo or PayPal. More ways to pay = more sales.
Don’t Be Too Salesy
Craft fairs are social. People want to browse, chat, and explore. Greet them, answer questions, and share cool details about your prints. But don’t be pushy. If someone’s lingering, ask what caught their eye—it opens the door without pressure.
4. Your Pre-Show Checklist
To make the day run smoothly, be as prepared as possible. Here’s what to have locked in before you show up:
Inventory
- Enough stock to keep your table full the entire day (more than you think you’ll need)
- Mix of low-cost impulse items and a few premium pieces
- Backups packed in labeled bins for quick restocking
Display
- Table coverings (a solid background makes your prints pop)
- Vertical display elements: small crates, pegboards, or stands
- Signage for prices and product names
- Business cards or a QR code linking to your socials or Etsy
Payment & Logistics
- Mobile card reader (Square, PayPal Zettle, etc.)
- Cash box with change
- Backup charger or battery pack for your phone
- A notepad to track sales, custom orders, or popular items
Comfort & Extras
- Water, snacks, and hand sanitizer
- Extra bags or packaging (people love a nice touch)
- Tape, scissors, zip ties—basic tools in case anything needs fixing
- A friend to help cover bathroom breaks or heavy lifting
Bonus tip: Do a dry run at home. Set up your table, arrange products, and time how long setup takes. This way, nothing surprises you on the big day.
5. Think Long-Term: Learn and Improve as You Go
You don’t need to be perfect your first time. The real key to success is learning from each event and making changes as you go.
Watch What Works (and What Doesn’t)
Pay attention to which products draw people in, which ones sell out first, and which barely get a glance. Sometimes the things you think will sell won’t move—and the random print you made last-minute becomes the star.
After the show, take notes:
- What sold the best?
- What questions did customers ask the most?
- What did people say when they walked away?
Use that feedback to guide your next print batch. Also, ask fellow vendors what works for them. Many are happy to share tips and insights—they’ve been in your shoes too.
Try Taking Custom Orders
Once you’ve got people at your booth and they like your work, open the door for custom orders. This could be:
- Printing in a different color
- Adding a name or logo
- Creating something from scratch
Even if you only get a few custom requests, they’re often higher value—and can turn one-time buyers into repeat customers.
Wrapping Up: Start Simple, Have Fun
Your first craft fair is just the beginning. The 3D printing space is full of creativity and community, and fairs are a great way to dip your toes in, test your ideas, and connect with people.
Don’t worry if everything isn’t perfect. The goal is to show up, share your work, and enjoy the experience. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll know what to adjust—and what to double down on.
Just remember:
- Sell what you’d want to buy
- Make your booth easy and welcoming
- Focus on connection, not just sales
You’ve already got the tools. Now it’s time to show people what you can do.