I read in a few other threads about security that a fanny pack is more secure than a cash box (in general). So I'm looking for something large enough to hold cash, receipts, phone, and whatever else I don't want to misplace.
Does anyone have a fanny pack or hip pouch they love? I'd like to purchase something I know will be large enough to accommodate everything.
Thanks.
Replies
Also, if you have a helper relieve you for lunch or a bathroom break, you can just hand off all your artist fair stuff over to them very quickly & easily.
https://karolb.com/products/leg-purse-tactical-bag-waist-hip-holste...
Hope that helps!
The new trend is stretchy spandex ones for runners. Not suitable for our use, so if shopping online, make sure it is not one of those. I was looking for something for travel, and tried out a few in a travel store. Not easy to get stuff in and out like cash, and not for opening many times in a day. I prefer leather, as well. Will not get quite so sopping as a nylon one on a hot day.
Lots of Fanny packs or as call them BodyBags
I used to see leather ones at trade shows that had a phone pocket. But now that phones are larger, that option may be harder to find. I use a phone holster that clips to the waistline of my pants. That way, I can use the holster when I am not wearing my show pouch on weekdays.
I have not seen one offered for sale in a long time, except at art fairs, by leatherworkers. I have several I squirreled away, but it's only a matter of time before they wear out.
I use one with 3 zippers: main one in center holds the cash I take in and the cash for change. I put cardboard dividers between 1's, 5's, 10's, and 20's. I can make change with hardly a look.
I start each day of each show with $80 in bills. $30 in 1’s, $30 in 5’s, and $20 in 10’s. YMMV. This is just the combo that works for me. The pouch is NEVER taken off for anything, bathroom included, until I am safe at home or in my hotel room.
Coin change does not go in the pouch, it goes in small plastic box with dividers on my wrapping table.
Front zipper section holds my charge receipts.
Back zipper section holds my personal wallet (I use a mini wallet for shows that is very compact). Into that section also goes any large bills like 50’s or 100’s that I take in, so they don’t get accidentally mixed up with something else (ask me how I learned that the hard way), or pulled out when I am making change. On a weekend at a show, I always spend my personal money out of my wallet for expenses like food, so I don’t mess up my count.
Part of the reason I don’t keep my phone in the pouch is so I don’t pull out bills accidentally. You really don’t want to be ferreting around in there often unless you are making change.
Once set up and IN my booth, I have a recess at the back, not visible to passersby, where I will tuck my phone, its holster separate, so I am not loaded down too much around the waist. But I don’t use the Square, so I don’t need my phone always on me. Even if I did, I would prefer it tucked in my recess. I can grab it quickly and don't misplace anything important, so it works for me. Van keys go in the same place once the booth is set up. My keys are on a carabiner clip that I clip onto the belt loop of my pants, with the actual dangling keys tucked into my pocket so they don't annoy me and are more secure. I carry the van key and house key only, so I am not taking a big bunch. If I am wearing something without a belt loop, the carabiner can clip to my waistband. If I HAD to, I could tuck them into the pouch, but again, don't want to be digging amongst my cash.
I don't like the name fanny pack, as I never wear mine to the back. (I wonder if the name originated with runners). I call it my show pouch or my hip pouch ;). but that's just me.
Thank you!
I will look for one with enough separate pockets that my phone can have its own place. I do use Square, so it will need to be handy for transactions.
I found one that has a 4th pocket- on the body-side that looks like a good place to keep larger bills- where bills can go in, but nothing has any reason to come out.
I don't keep my phone on me at shows except when I leave the booth. Prefer to not have it on me if it rings, if I miss a call, that's ok. It's in a small basket catch-all under my booth.
My bag (not a fanny pack, either, it's on my side) is small, it's black leather. Only has money and cc slips, no coins. I don't like much on me while I'm working!