Art Fairs? - Page 3

Michele Rushworth · 07-03-2003, 10:40 PM

Costco can set you up as a merchant to process credit cards.

Karin Wells · 07-03-2003, 11:03 PM

What/where is Costco?

Michael Georges · 07-04-2003, 12:33 AM

Costco is a big box warehouse store like Sams Club - don't know what they have out there by you Karin. Costco is the best of the best for warehouse buying! We buy so much stuff there.

If the Costco option does not work, then your local bank will be able to help. Just go in and tell them that you want to set up a business account and that you want to be able to take credit cards.

I am off to a show in Monument, CO tomorrow - a 4th of July street fair. I will be just selling prints and small originals. I hope I will do well.

Michele Rushworth · 07-04-2003, 12:35 AM

It's a national chain of warehouse stores that carries a wide range of merchandise at a good price. I buy all my computer/printing/camera supplies there, among other things.

You could also call up the number on the back of your credit card and ask them to put you through to the merchant department.

Rebecca Willoughby · 07-04-2003, 02:23 AM

Karin,

Sunshine Artist magazine that Michelle wrote about earlier in this conversation has several ads in it for different companies that can handle your credit cards for you. They also have ads for different display systems and companies that carry everything from clear plastic envelopes for your prints to chairs to sit in. I have the audit book from them. It it loaded with great information like how many people attended the last show, how the sales figures were, whether it is just arts or arts and crafts, and a whole lot more.

Beth,

The show that you are doing did not request that you send in a slide of what your booth will look like? If they do you will have to set up a potential booth and photograph it.

Rebecca

Cynthia Daniel · 07-04-2003, 03:21 AM

Quote:

I also plan to have an Internet "store" to sell my prints. Heaven only knows if that will work...but I'm gonna try it.

How are you going to approach that, Karin? I think that PayPal for accepting payments online is one of the easiest ways to go.

Michael Georges · 07-04-2003, 07:59 AM

Karin:

The PayPal option is great for taking credit cards over the Internet.

As a benchmark for taking credit cards at shows, etc. I have a friend who has his credit card service with a straight knuckle buster swipe machine, and he pays $8.50 per month and I think he paid about $30 to get setup. There are a lot of deals out there for taking credit cards that really hit the vendor with big upfront fees and expensive monthly service charges. Look for one that comes reasonably close to his and you should do just fine.

BTW: You can get the more expensive dial and transmit swipe machine that hooks to a cell phone too. Those are not always reliable as they are dependent on always having electricity at your booth and a good connection on your phone. They can be handy because you get the authorization code immediately rather than having to process it through your CC service provider. Be sure you get a standard knuckle buster too so you are not caught in a bad cell area with no way to take cards.

Timothy C. Tyler · 07-04-2003, 10:27 AM

I used to say "nah, thanks" to such things. I was then talking to a couple (married artists) that do only the better fairs. They paint all winter and tour in the summer. At one show they sold $60,000. worth of paintings in four days.

Karin Wells · 07-06-2003, 10:31 PM

Michael, could you take a peek at this URL and let me know if it is the Caravan tent model that you recommend?

http://www.costco.com/frameset.asp?t...=10012416&log=

Also, is the poly top attached, or is it separate and put on after assembly?

This can be ordered thru Costco for $199.99. I checked out the Caravan manufacturer and couldn't figure out which model Costco was offering.

Elizabeth Schott · 07-06-2003, 11:09 PM

Rebecca, this show didn't require a slide of your display, but just gives you the dimensional aspects of your space. If I am accepted into this one, I am not too worried yet since it doesn't take place until October. I am planning on borrowing a soccer tent from any number of friends and putting some of my crafty guys with wood working tools to work for the display. I really like what Lon showed us in a post long ago.

Michele, wasn't it you who mentioned doing demos in your space? I know Marvin does this now and sells them as sketches. I think he says it attracts a crowd and puts extra cash in his pocket.

Regarding the use of credit cards, I may be looking at this the wrong way, but I do not sell prints - so I figured it would not really be that important for me to offer credit. I guess I still have the mindset of a portrait artist seeking commissions even though I have been trying to do more figurative work. Is this the wrong way for me to think? How trusting must we be when accepting checks at art shows? If the show has an established good reputation is it more reassuring to conduct business this way? Wow, it is sad you have to think about these things.