Hello, I'm really new at this art-fair business, but plan to make it successful. I'm wondering what people's opinions and suggestions are as far as different payment options to provide such as cash/checks/ credit, and if anyone has any suggestions or comments on different credit card machine options/ mobile, cell phone credit card processing. Thanks for any info!!
Happy New Year!
You need to be a member of Art Fair Insiders to add comments!
I have a tried and true Nurit 3010. I got it in 2003 and it still works just fine. And it's paid for. I can use it either on battery power or electricity during the colder months when I'm inside. And up here that's most of the year. It's reliable as a brick and I see no need to get rid of it. You don't always need the absolute latest in technology. If it calls the processing center, you're golden. And since I do many shows where people don't get a cell signal, I like just storing the info for uploading at the hotel.
Hi, A good question! No most machines run off of a battery of some kind.
I have the Way system (waysystem.com)it is a modified cell phone.
I recharge it in the evening in my hotel room. I like it a bunch.
My processor is through Cambridge Payment Systems, Lois Jennings is my customer rep.
248 348 5502
Can't say enough good things about the personal service & good rates.
Good luck!
Teri Biehl said:
I'm also new to shows and had this same question regarding credit cards. Do you need electricity to be able to accept credit cards?
Hi,
A good question!
No most machines run off of a battery of some kind.
I have the Way system (waysystem.com)it is a modified cell phone.
I recharge it in the evening in my hotel room. I like it a bunch.
My processor is through Cambridge Payment Systems, Lois Jennings is my customer rep.
248 348 5502
Can't say enough good things about the personal service & good rates.
Good luck!
Teri Biehl said:
I'm also new to shows and had this same question regarding credit cards. Do you need electricity to be able to accept credit cards?
Thanks Chris, that's a great technique. It's amazing what laughter can do, I'll be sure to try it out! :)
I've gone ahead and started an account with 1st national, they seem to be the best I've found yet (thanks michelle for the recommendation) And they have great deals on wireless terminals. Hopefully the upcoming show will be a success!!
If you're looking at taking plastic, get a terminal, not a knucklebuster. There are new cards being distributed that do not have raised numbers. The info is just printed on the face of the card. You can't run them through a knucklebuster as nothing will show up.
When we're doing a show and bantering with the customers and someone asks if we take plastic, I usually respond with "We take Visa, MasterCard, Discover, your personal check, and if you have identification, we also take cash." Everybody who is paying attention gets a good laugh. The laughter makes others in the area take notice, and they come into my booth to see what's going on.
First, welcome! Glad you found this site as it is chock full of great info.
Second, my response to your question. I am a craft artist and sell at all kinds of craft shows, juried art fairs, and the occasional wine festival. I personally take it all - I like money. :-) I feel that when people shop at art fairs (or any type of art/craft festival) they kinda expect to get the same kind of experience at a regular shop - a place that accepts credit, checks, and cash. Also, we are in a time where less people are carrying cash and use more credit cards (I fall into this category). These people tend to carry enough cash to pay for food, but reserve checks or credit for serious purchases. I do fine many artists choose to not accept credit cards - as they feel the fees are too much or it is a hassle. I also see artists choosing to not take checks for fear they will bounce. The way I see it, is when anyone "plays" business owner you have to assume some of those risks. Believe me those risks are VERY low too. Not to mention if a check bounces a bank can step in to get your money as well as credit card companies (that's why we pay for fraud expenses and such, right?).
If you are just starting out though I highly recommend just start out accepting checks and cash. I say this because despite all of our intentions to have a thriving business where we're raking in a ton of dough, reality sets in after the first few shows that doing shows are not for them. I am not trying to jinx anything here, many embrace the challenge and use the experience to become more successful. Regardless, when just starting out doing shows, customers are understanding. They will find an ATM or scrap together enough cash to pay for whatever they are hoping to purchase. What I am trying to say though is until you feel comfortable doing shows , it is then most people really look into accepting credit cards.
I do have to mention the exception to this "rule". If you sell work that is at least $50 or more, it is in your best interest to accept credit and do the necessary research to find a credit card merchant that will best meet your needs - accessibility, low monthly fees, a machine that is easy FOR YOU to use. I personally use 1st National Processing and have since 2007. I can say that since I have started accepting credit cards it has made sales increase at least 3 times what I was doing before. I have found a few shows where I have not had one credit card transaction, but others were that was all that was used. Granted my highest priced item is $15 (with the exception of a gift basket around the holidays). When you choose to accept credit cards - and this is from my experience as well as from my friends who also do the show circuit - is when people learn you accept credit cards, they will make multiple purchases.
Lastly, I do have a "prediction" if you will when it comes to credit cards for this year and beyond. I think there will be less people using credit cards as people are wising up with their spending habits due to the economy. More people are budgeting their money - they are spending, just not as much. In budgeting money, there might be more art fair patrons taking a set amount of cash and leaving the credit cards behind so as not to spend more then their means. This is just my thoughts though.
First, welcome! Glad you found this site as it is chock full of great info.
Second, my response to your question. I am a craft artist and sell at all kinds of craft shows, juried art fairs, and the occasional wine festival. I personally take it all - I like money. :-) I feel that when people shop at art fairs (or any type of art/craft festival) they kinda expect to get the same kind of experience at a regular shop - a place that accepts credit, checks, and cash. Also, we are in a time where less people are carrying cash and use more credit cards (I fall into this category). These people tend to carry enough cash to pay for food, but reserve checks or credit for serious purchases. I do fine many artists choose to not accept credit cards - as they feel the fees are too much or it is a hassle. I also see artists choosing to not take checks for fear they will bounce. The way I see it, is when anyone "plays" business owner you have to assume some of those risks. Believe me those risks are VERY low too. Not to mention if a check bounces a bank can step in to get your money as well as credit card companies (that's why we pay for fraud expenses and such, right?).
If you are just starting out though I highly recommend just start out accepting checks and cash. I say this because despite all of our intentions to have a thriving business where we're raking in a ton of dough, reality sets in after the first few shows that doing shows are not for them. I am not trying to jinx anything here, many embrace the challenge and use the experience to become more successful. Regardless, when just starting out doing shows, customers are understanding. They will find an ATM or scrap together enough cash to pay for whatever they are hoping to purchase. What I am trying to say though is until you feel comfortable doing shows , it is then most people really look into accepting credit cards.
I do have to mention the exception to this "rule". If you sell work that is at least $50 or more, it is in your best interest to accept credit and do the necessary research to find a credit card merchant that will best meet your needs - accessibility, low monthly fees, a machine that is easy FOR YOU to use. I personally use 1st National Processing and have since 2007. I can say that since I have started accepting credit cards it has made sales increase at least 3 times what I was doing before. I have found a few shows where I have not had one credit card transaction, but others were that was all that was used. Granted my highest priced item is $15 (with the exception of a gift basket around the holidays). When you choose to accept credit cards - and this is from my experience as well as from my friends who also do the show circuit - is when people learn you accept credit cards, they will make multiple purchases.
Lastly, I do have a "prediction" if you will when it comes to credit cards for this year and beyond. I think there will be less people using credit cards as people are wising up with their spending habits due to the economy. More people are budgeting their money - they are spending, just not as much. In budgeting money, there might be more art fair patrons taking a set amount of cash and leaving the credit cards behind so as not to spend more then their means. This is just my thoughts though.
Replies
Toni Macri-Reiner said:
A good question!
No most machines run off of a battery of some kind.
I have the Way system (waysystem.com)it is a modified cell phone.
I recharge it in the evening in my hotel room. I like it a bunch.
My processor is through Cambridge Payment Systems, Lois Jennings is my customer rep.
248 348 5502
Can't say enough good things about the personal service & good rates.
Good luck!
Teri Biehl said:
I've gone ahead and started an account with 1st national, they seem to be the best I've found yet (thanks michelle for the recommendation) And they have great deals on wireless terminals. Hopefully the upcoming show will be a success!!
When we're doing a show and bantering with the customers and someone asks if we take plastic, I usually respond with "We take Visa, MasterCard, Discover, your personal check, and if you have identification, we also take cash." Everybody who is paying attention gets a good laugh. The laughter makes others in the area take notice, and they come into my booth to see what's going on.
Michelle Sholund said:
Second, my response to your question. I am a craft artist and sell at all kinds of craft shows, juried art fairs, and the occasional wine festival. I personally take it all - I like money. :-) I feel that when people shop at art fairs (or any type of art/craft festival) they kinda expect to get the same kind of experience at a regular shop - a place that accepts credit, checks, and cash. Also, we are in a time where less people are carrying cash and use more credit cards (I fall into this category). These people tend to carry enough cash to pay for food, but reserve checks or credit for serious purchases. I do fine many artists choose to not accept credit cards - as they feel the fees are too much or it is a hassle. I also see artists choosing to not take checks for fear they will bounce. The way I see it, is when anyone "plays" business owner you have to assume some of those risks. Believe me those risks are VERY low too. Not to mention if a check bounces a bank can step in to get your money as well as credit card companies (that's why we pay for fraud expenses and such, right?).
If you are just starting out though I highly recommend just start out accepting checks and cash. I say this because despite all of our intentions to have a thriving business where we're raking in a ton of dough, reality sets in after the first few shows that doing shows are not for them. I am not trying to jinx anything here, many embrace the challenge and use the experience to become more successful. Regardless, when just starting out doing shows, customers are understanding. They will find an ATM or scrap together enough cash to pay for whatever they are hoping to purchase. What I am trying to say though is until you feel comfortable doing shows , it is then most people really look into accepting credit cards.
I do have to mention the exception to this "rule". If you sell work that is at least $50 or more, it is in your best interest to accept credit and do the necessary research to find a credit card merchant that will best meet your needs - accessibility, low monthly fees, a machine that is easy FOR YOU to use. I personally use 1st National Processing and have since 2007. I can say that since I have started accepting credit cards it has made sales increase at least 3 times what I was doing before. I have found a few shows where I have not had one credit card transaction, but others were that was all that was used. Granted my highest priced item is $15 (with the exception of a gift basket around the holidays). When you choose to accept credit cards - and this is from my experience as well as from my friends who also do the show circuit - is when people learn you accept credit cards, they will make multiple purchases.
Lastly, I do have a "prediction" if you will when it comes to credit cards for this year and beyond. I think there will be less people using credit cards as people are wising up with their spending habits due to the economy. More people are budgeting their money - they are spending, just not as much. In budgeting money, there might be more art fair patrons taking a set amount of cash and leaving the credit cards behind so as not to spend more then their means. This is just my thoughts though.
Anyway, I hope this is helpful!
Michelle
www.bythebaybotanicals.com
www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com