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Most crafters who regularly travel the craft show circuit have modern equipment to allow them to accept credit and debit cards on-site. This equipment is now more affordable than ever. At one time, a craftsman relied on handling cash or accepting checks at shows, which was risky without any way to verify whether the checks were good.
If a check wasn’t good, you won’t know until you deposit it or try to cash it, and that’s long after the craft show is over and the customer has left with the goods. goes. As much as you hate to think the worst about a customer, unfortunately this scenario has happened on more than one occasion.
You may have to handle cash at craft shows, and you should always be prepared to do so because not everyone pays with credit or debit cards or checks. Some people prefer to pay in cash.
#1 – Beware of Large Bills Funny thing about scammers. Some of them use “big bills” to attract a lot of attention to themselves. Then again, others are smarter and stick to 5, 10 and 20. The Counterfeit Money Detector Pen is a great idea, but not guaranteed to work 100%. Familiarize yourself with what to look for in counterfeit bills.
#2 – Cash Handling – You may think that a locking cash box is a great idea for your craft booth bankroll. A locking box is a good idea, but not if it’s unsafe for someone to pick it up. A thief will be able to break the lock and break into your box once he grabs it and takes it and runs back to his car or home.
If you use a cash box, you must keep it securely on the premises with a chain. It doesn’t have to be a “cash and carry” type setup.
Some crafters keep their money with them at all times by using a money belt. Whatever method you choose to store your cash, make sure it is safe, secure and cannot be easily removed from the premises. Never leave cash unattended in your craft booth.
#3 – Financing the Kity – The day before each craft show, cash a check for your cash fund. Ask the bank teller to give you some 1’s, 5’s, 10’s and some 20’s. You have to be able to make changes if needed for the first few customers of the day. After that, hopefully the sale will build up your kitty fund and your stockpile of bills and change will make it easier to make even more change.
If you can’t make change for a customer, you’ll usually find other vendors willing to help you out by taking some of your larger bills in exchange for smaller bills.
#4 – Taking the Check – If you do not have a way to process checks on the site, it is recommended not to accept them. Put a simple sign in your checkout area that says “Sorry no check” or something similar.
#5 – Hide Surplus – If you are having a big day selling and a large portion of the money is in cash, at some point during the day you will want to transfer some of the cash to your vehicle or another secure storage area.
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