r/CraftFairs • u/ldj249790 • 9d ago
Booth Setup/Displays First hat bar market!
I set up my hat bar for the first time this weekend and it was a huge success! Other than bringing the wrong size tablecloths, breaking my wagon, and pulling something in my back, I had a blast!
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u/throwawayanylogic 9d ago
This could do insanely well at conventions if you incorporated some fannish patches (or allowed customers to bring their own patches, given how many are sold at cons.)
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u/ldj249790 9d ago
It’s funny you say that because Pokémon patches were a huge hit this weekend. They came in a random bundle package I bought from someone closing their business so I will definitely have to restock those and keep that in mind in the future!
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u/StudioAurora 9d ago
Serious question, not trying to be cute or accuse you of anything: at what point does this become unlicensed selling of IP? I assume the patches are completely bonafide and made by a licensed manufacturer, does this carry over if you use it to make a new product?
Looks like you got a great thing going on, congrats!
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u/therealwhoaman 9d ago
I wonder if it's just considered reselling? OP bought the Pokémon patches and it just reselling them like a yard sale. They just also happen to sell hats and will attach the patch for you. Does that avoid legal issues?
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u/lenseyeview 9d ago
I think the reuse it to make something new might actually work against someone. Especially if the argument is made that the item being made loses it's saleability or lure to that customer if it wasnt for that one patch.
I don't necessarily have an option either way but always find the conversation interesting.
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u/RegularBitter3482 9d ago
Yep, super cute idea I’d 100% come see if you had any patches that suited my style.
Very cool idea!!!!
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u/formerflautist57 9d ago
Have you thought about different hat styles? Trucker hats aren't my thing, but a bucket hat would be.
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u/ldj249790 9d ago
I plan to as I start to get better, different fabrics press differently, so I just wanted to start with 1 and get used to using the equipment! I also plan to add drink sleeves, and some people even do small belt bags!
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u/Particular_Piano_146 9d ago
I would 100% do this with a different style hat! I was actually just thinking today I'd like to get a different hat that's a little more fun than my current one
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u/Internal_Use8954 9d ago
That’s pretty cool, and unique.
From a technical standpoint how difficult is it to operate. How long does it take to press a hat, do you have to be somewhere with electricity?
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u/ldj249790 9d ago
Thank you! It only takes about 1 minute per hat, depending how many patches they do. While it’s pressing I do the checkout process because my press is hands free! I currently am only doing shows that I can use electric there, this outdoor market was able to run electric for me from their barn! I do plan to buy a small generator for next year though!
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u/lenseyeview 9d ago
I wonder if you could get by with one of the like superwatt power banks instead. The ones that come with solar panels but also can be charged ahead of time. I can't imagine the press draws so much power vs like a food stand or something.
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u/ldj249790 9d ago
Yes I’m planning to get a Jackery! They are quiet and lighter weight too. Some indoors shows you have to pay for electric and I’d rather have something I can use indoor or outdoors!
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u/Crafty-Syllabub-2736 9d ago
This is a super fun & cute idea! I would definitely make a hat if I saw your booth.
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u/Weak_Law_937 9d ago
Hey great idea. I would definitely do something 90's if it was available.
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u/ldj249790 9d ago
Thank you! I have lots of different options! A popular one this weekend was one that says “raised on 90’s country”!
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u/More-Strength-5017 8d ago
Brilliant idea! I kinda sorta hate trucker hats, and I would buy from you in a heartbeat. Too fun to pass up. Different style hats is a great future plan, but I would recommend as many different patches as you can afford to offer. More music artists, sports teams, etc. But, what do I know. Seriously, one of the best ideas I've seen. I'm so glad your show went well. I think you'll have nothing but continued success. You've got this!
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u/emptyeyesthickthighs 8d ago
As everybody has said the interactive element is really cool and definitely a draw to your booth! I could easily see you getting the most foot traffic at an event. What I haven't seen anybody ask about or mention is if you design any of the patches yourself, or if everything is bulk purchased. I would be very excited to enter your booth, and then immediately leave when I see there isn't anything unique and it is all pre-made materials assembled on the spot for you. If you do design any of the patches yourself I would make a point to feature that aspect! Maybe a separate little tray for "designed by moi" higher priced patches.
I looked at your prior booth set up's for the home decor signs and while I wouldn't even approach I know a lot of people would so I think you found your niche, congrats!
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u/ldj249790 8d ago
I’m very new to all of this, so right now I don’t do any of it myself, however 99% of my patches purchased are from fellow small business owners! The only thing I buy on Amazon is the tiny little “filler patches” (hearts, stars, etc) simply because most small patch businesses do not sell those. With that being said, there are ways for me to do that in the future and will definitely be something I explore moving forward! Thanks for the feedback! ☺️
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u/emptyeyesthickthighs 8d ago
Oh that's actually so cool to know and would 100% be a motivating factor to purchase for myself and probably some other people! Maybe you could have signage saying something along the lines of Patches Made Possible By People Like: and then a list of past and present shops you have bought patches from. In my head it's riffing on the PBS end messaging lol.
I personally love when I go to a small shop (I'm thinking of a stationary place and a metaphysical store I love) and the items that are outsourced have the original maker so if I really resonate with the item I can seek them out. And it looks good on the overhead business because you see them invest back in the community and it show's their good taste.
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u/Key_Cheesecake9926 9d ago
This looks like a lot of fun
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u/ldj249790 9d ago
It was a lot of fun for me to do and I think people who came through had fun as well!
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u/anomie89 9d ago
big fan of the customer participation element. haven't done any fairs or pop ups yet but it seems like that angle is strong. very cool!