Vending Questions

[Former_Member]

If anyone has done vending before I need your professional help! What do you use in vending situations to scan credit cards and give receipts to buyers? I don't have a smart phone so I won't be using a phone. What are some basic, and important items or words of wisdom I should know before taking this big leap? I have NEVER done any type of vending before so I know NOOOTHING! lol
If you have any other helpful pointers that I should know before vending I would be thrilled to have a little help! I'm a total newbie, so any help from all the talented people on here would be amazing!!
Thank you sooooo much!!!!

[PressedFlowerJewelry]

I am wondering if it is worth the cost to accept credit cards at a craft show.

[Former_Member]

If you want something low tech go to the bank that you use for your business account to see what they have. Some banks still allow "knucklebuster" slips, but they will either charge you a monthly rental fee or completely outright for the machine and supplies. You would still need to call the card # in to a central processing station for an authorization code so you will still be using airtime on your cell phone. The processing fees for charge slips tend to be higher and take longer to process then doing so electronically, so you may want to do a pro/con comparision of the "knucklebuster" vs. upgrading to a smartphone.
I have heard of others using a wifi enabled laptop, netbook, or tablet instead of a smartphone to process a CC transaction, but have never done so myself since wifi is so spotty in the areas I do craft shows in. Other than getting an app or program that could possibly charge for the download or per month you can find out if the customer has PayPal and accept the transaction that way w/ a small portable computer.

Other advice:
- First and formost before doing a show or market investigate it preferably in person. It may mean you miss out on a particular show for that year, but trust me it's better to people watch to see what the show is about and what the customers are actually buying before paying application fees. Not all shows are for all vendors, some shows allow too many vendors w/ the same type of items or are mix of mass market re-seller items, home party hostesses, and handmade products. You need to see if your products fit the vibe of the show or the general customer demographic. Like my victorian inspired jewelry (my higher priced pieces) that sells out at bridal shows would not sell well at a christmas show where people are looking more for novel decor peices or inexpensive gifts (like $3 & $5 earrings).
- Practice your set ups before appling for any show or market. Depending on the show you can have anywhere from a 5' by 3' space that fits 1 48" x 18" table and a couple of chairs upto a 12' by 12' "tent" area that you could set a small shop into. Remember to use multiple levels to create height that doesn't have customer constantly looking down to see you items. Take pictures of the what set-ups look best to you, Some shows will even ask for a picture of your overall display before accepting your application.
- Make copies of your business / vendor's license or your state's sales tax collection license to take with you and ready to show on demand. Sometimes state officials or the promoter do spot checks and having a copy of the proper paperwork will make things go smoother.
- Go to (or purchase from them online) Staples, Office Max, or any large business supply seller to purchase a book or 2 of basic multi-copy sales receipts. Remember to stamp or sticker each customer copy with you business information, ie. name, business address (Etsy addy is ok) and either a business phone # or e-mail. Not only will this give the customer a sense of professionalism, but it will help you track what price points sell best and determine what sales tax is due from your sales.
- Also purchase business cards, materials to make handouts (brochures or post card sized) showcasing your Etsy shop, and bags / pouches that you products fit into. If at all possible try to get your shop name and Etsy address on the bag, I use various sized jute handled craft bags w/ a mailing label sized sticker with my logo, name and online addresses when I do craft shows.
- Make sure you bring and display various price points. Impulse purchases ($2 to $9 items) can make the day when the higher priced items aren't even being looked at. Take 3 to 5 times the dollar value of stock then you want to sell, but only display 1/4 to 1/3 of the items you bring at any one time. Do not clutter you display area, not only does this make it easier for a customer to zero in on an item but it makes it easier for you to notice if anything walks away. If you have duplicates of certain designs leave them under or behind the table and bring them out if the other piece sells. Keep higher priced items in the center of the display towards the upper levels and the lower priced ones around the edges.
- Bring small bills and change for cash transactions, enough to break the several $2 purchases made with a $20 bill. Bring a strong box or some other secure place to keep the coin change (and CCslips if needed) that either is too big or too noticable to be readly carried off. I use a 3 drawer organizer faced to the back of the table that doubles as a riser for a shelf and keep the coins (and my tools) in 1 draw and other selling supplies in the other 2, ie. bags pens extra sales books, additional business cards, etc.. Try to wear something that allows you to keep most of paper money (and a couple of $s in mixed coin) on you, ie. deep pocketed pants or blazer, an apron, or a belly bag.

[Former_Member]

Thank you SO much! All that info is really going to save me! Thank you for taking this time to help me out! It means a lot!

[Former_Member]

Accepting credit cards should increase your sales by more than 30%. The "Square" is one of the easiest devices... perhaps you can "borrow" a friends phone for the weekend just as a trial. Smart phones are getting cheaper and cheaper as new models arrive and old ones are in the second hand market. Smart phones are great for lots of other things too... you'll never get a bad meal on the road after you try out yelp or urban spoon!