One thing I have learned about craft fairs and markets is that having multiple payment options available is a must for me! There are many different ways to accept payment, whether it’s cash, credit card, Venmo, Apple Pay, etc. More and more, shoppers have been asking if I accept Apple Pay. In some cases, shoppers have assumed that I accept it since other vendors accept it, and it’s becoming a popular way to give and receive payment. I quickly realized that I needed to upgrade my payment options! Here are 5 craft fair and market must haves for a vendor:
Craft Fair Must Have #1: A Credit Card Reader
While having cash as an option for payment will always be important (make sure you bring enough change in cash!), being able to take card payments is becoming the norm at craft fair and markets. As a vendor, I love to offer as many payment options as possible for my shoppers. I use the Square Reader for contactless and chip, which allows the shopper to pay with their card by chip or tapping, and accepts Apple and Google Pay. The only thing it doesn’t allow is for the shopper to swipe their card, which is why I like to keep my Square Reader for magstripe on hand. I started with just the magstripe Square Reader and it’s the perfect option if you are looking for something inexpensive. It’s available in both the headset jack and lightning connector.
Craft Fair Must Have #2: Electronic Organizer
I was having trouble keeping all of my electronics sorted and in one place, so I decided it was time to get an electronic organizer. This double layer, waterproof (yes, sometimes it rains during craft fairs and markets) organizer case was the perfect size and just what I needed. It travels perfectly and I love having all of my electronics in one place. During markets, I know exactly where everything is and it makes my day run smoothly.
Must Have #3: Portable Chargers
Inside of my electronic organizer case you will find two portable chargers. These are a huge must have for my craft fairs and markets. If my phone or Square Reader runs out of battery then I am not able to accept credit card payment, and I have come very close to my phone dying at a market before. I would still have cash and Venmo available, but since more than half of my shoppers use card to pay, that would be a huge hit on my sales. Additionally, I like having two portable chargers, one for me and one whoever is with me (or even another vendor). My husband and kids are usually with me at my vendor events, so it gives me peace of mind knowing my husband has a fully charged phone when he’s out with the kids or I need something.
Must Have #4: Charging Cords
Portable chargers work great, but only when I have the correct charging cords that go along with my devices. I have multiple charging cords in my electronic organizer case: one for my iPhone, for my husband’s android, and for my Square Reader.
Must Have #5: Calculator
Technically, this one is not a must have but there is something about having a physical calculator on hand at your craft fair and market events that make tallying the shopper’s total easy. You can always use your phone calculator or the Square app. But, It’s never a bad idea to have a calculator on hand.
In conclusion, keep in mind that what works for me at the craft fairs and markets I do may not always work for you and the events you do (every craft fair and market is different). But I hope that this was helpful for you, especially if you are just starting out in the world of craft fairs, markets and shows.
Shop my stuffies featured in the pictures here.
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