I'm getting to this post a little later than I planned. I locked my keys in my car this afternoon (only the second time I'd ever done that), which threw my whole late afternoon and evening off by an hour. Thankfully it wasn't more than that.
As some of you may remember, I posted last month about getting put on the wait list for the Iowa Arts Festival. I didn't think that the chances of getting accepted after that were very high, but they offered me a spot yesterday which I accepted! I'm still kind of in shock. I've had the Arts Festival in the back of my mind for almost a year, and now it's really happening. It's only a month away. I have a lot to get ready before then. My inventory is in pretty good shape, especially my bracelets/cuffs. I have a lot of button earring studs finished that I just need to photograph and put on cards. I'd like to make a few more bead woven earrings, though, to expand my lower price range a little more. Whatever else I get done in the next month will be nice to have, too, of course.
I've been reading lots of advice online about craft fairs this week, which has been really helpful because everything else for the craft fair is not in great shape yet. I've compiled a list of what I need to do before then and what I need to bring with me for the Arts Festival. I'll get a packet in the mail from the Festival at some point this week, which I'm sure will clear up some other questions that I have. Any advice that others can provide about anything craft fair related is also appreciated! One specific topic that I'd like some input on is ProPay. I'm pretty sure that I will be using it for my credit card sales and wondered if anyone else uses it. If so, please let me know what you think about it. If not, let me know what you do use. Advice on any other craft fair related topic is much appreciated too!
Thank you much to everyone who commented on my post yesterday. This hasn't been the best week, but finding out about the Arts Festival has definitely been a high point. It's only Tuesday so hopefully there will be some other high points, too. :)
Congratulations! You are in for an adventure. I often feel like I'm on a roller coaster with the art fairs. I took credit cards where you call it in over the phone (took 5 minutes if you punched in ALL the numbers accurately) but it costs way too much for my volume. I thought to try paypal. Some friends take down the info and process them on their computer at night--a little risky but they're happy. Post what you learn.
ReplyDeleteI think ProPay is the great idea for craft show or festival!! Just check its info.. the card reader is small and easy to use..
ReplyDeleteCongrats and good luck!!!
ReplyDeleteI've never taken credit cards at a show and only have a handful of people ask to use them.
Bring a few things to work on if things get slow. Also, it draws people in when they see you working on stuff :)
I have used ProPay. I did not use the card reader because you would not find out until you got home if it read correctly or if it was declined... I did the cell phone method and no one seemed to mind the extra couple of minutes--they kept looking!
ReplyDeleteBut I have heard that people have a hard time with cell reception in buildings so keep this in mind.
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You're going to have so much fun! I agree with Edi, take some things to work on - people like seeing you actually make what you're selling. I only take cash and checks at the shows so will have to check out ProPay.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input everyone! I am pretty sure that I'll be using ProPay with a card reader for credit cards.
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