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I know that it's probably the best thing to do and that's offer credit but what if you can't afford to get all the stuff for it? Is it ok to only accept cash?
Sure. I am not sure what you will be selling, but if you aren't selling high ticket items, a lot of people will pay cash. I pay with creditcards at fairs only if I am buying expensive things or a lot.
I am a mixed media artist so I am making wall art. You can see some of my art here This Art That Heals. I was thinking $15 for the houses and rectangle pieces. I also have dress form art like the wall art and offering those for ten and then some tags for five.
I've only been in a few craft shows but people generally come with cash. If you were selling big ticket items I would say pay with CC, but I think you'll be fine with cash only.
Cash only is fine, but if you want a cheap easy option for credit cards try the square. Alls you need is a smart phone or tablet and to download the app. You can manually enter them, or they will send you a "slider" for free. There is a quick and easy Q&A to do and you can apply on the web in minutes.
I also offer custom made items, I take 50% down and get their contact info. Deliver when it is finished and get the rest of the money. I suppose if someone wanted to buy 6 of your pieces for a group of friends and they didn't have the money, I would do that same in that case.
If you have internet access on your phone, then you can use the square. It is free for the slider that plugs into your phone, they take 2.75% of the sale. If you manually enter the number they take I think 3.25% and .35 for each transaction. I have found that by taking credit cards, some people do spend more than they thought- I had one gal asked if I took cards, i said yes - she said oh good I only have $14.00..she spent $85 at my table. If you can use the square (i pods work too) or maybe borrow a phone from someone for the day who does have it.
Thanks so much. I have asked if there will be internet connection in any of the buildings of the show or even outside and they said they can't guarantee that there will be and if there is, they can't guarantee that it will stay working.
Thanks so much. I have asked if there will be internet connection in any of the buildings of the show or even outside and they said they can't guarantee that there will be and if there is, they can't guarantee that it will stay working.
The building wouldn't necessarily have to have wireless internet. As long as the phone can access the internet (usually through your data plan) then you would be good.
That's ok for cash only. Be sure to post a big sign at the front of your booth saying so. I've run into too many craft show booths with no signage and then they say cash only when I'm ready to pay with my credit card.
I feel bad, but I have to walk away from a purchase when I'm not prepared for it. I rarely have cash on me.
I also suggest square...It is easy to order and set up and works so easily from your cell phone. I would recommend it to anyone. It is so small you can easily keep in in your purse or pocket.
blessings.
About the only time I come equipped with cash is to a craft fair. Otherwise I am a debit card user. In our smallish town, some of the vendors are familiar as I have lived here a long time. Some have taken my cheque if I haven't enough cash. But I would say that is a rare occurance in most places.
I have only lately heard about the square. SOunds intriguing, and a great option for payment.
Good luck with your decision, and your sale! I LOVE your website and your art... and I love your heart behind it. May God just keep blessing you with His peace
The last few art and craft fairs I've attended, nearly all of the vendors were using the square. It's definitely the handiest little invention for small vendors on the go that I've seen in a long time!
Hi Chris, thanks for sharing about the square. Do you know if you can use a regular phone with it? Their site says Android or IPhone. I don't have either of those.
I don't imagine that it would work with a phone that's not a smart phone. One of the things that the app does for you is have the customer "sign" on the screen, which wouldn't work on a phone without a touch screen interface.
If you are selling higher priced items, you could consider taking a personal check. I know that opens you up to some risk but I've accepted them at yard sales and have never been gypped.
I think before the square people pretty much understood that you had to bring cash to craft fairs. But, now everyone has access to the square. The device is free and it's very, very cool. I helped my daughter at a craft fair last weekend, and at least 30% of her sales were from credit cards. Do you have a friend or relative who would let you borrow a smart phone or tablet for your fair?
Craft show, is it ok...
