I'm preparing for the upcoming Indie Craft Parade and I was thinking about payment methods. I do not do enough craft fairs yet to warrant the expense of a credit card machine and many small fairs and outdoor events don't have power available to plug them in...even if you have the mobile capacity to run them. So...the question remains about having some pricier items to sell and customers having enough cash on hand to pay you right then and there.
Customers might love a piece but may not want to part with all of their craft fair cash right then and there...They might want to spread the love around to other vendors, right? I know I do. So that got me thinking about....
Smartphones.
...you know droid, iphone, etc. A LOT more people have these devices now! And, if they have a paypal account and have that app downloaded on their phone, they can send you money right then and there! If you both have smartphones and the paypal app, you can "bump" money right there at the show! WOW! Potential for more sales.
Just a thought...a lot of the buyers at shows are other buyers, who most definitely have paypal & might have a smart phone if they do the majority of their business online....like i do.
Yeah, there's a lot of variables here, I realize that. However, I'm thinking it's a completely viable option...since our society is increasingly mobile and such...
Hmmmmm.
learn more about the paypal app here to see if it seems right for you. I have it and like it immensely but this is a suggestion from me and not an endorsement for paypal.
{photos above from Flickr, click on the photo to take you to the source.}
9 comments:
I have a friend who runs a local business that is dedicated to the credit card apps for business. And a cell phone dude too. There is something that looks like a cell phone that you use to swipe the card. That might be handy if you did enough shows to justify it. This is all the more reason why I should have a Smart Phone!
Thanks for sharing. Good luck!
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Fantastic! Trying it out at your fair soon? Report back to us!
Good luck!!!
Yes Erin, Those devices are sort of what I'm familiar with. They seem wonderful if you have the business volume to support them. I'm wondering if this whole app revolution might be be better for the rest of us as we step our toes in the water to try out things.
@heather, I will try it out but I'm wondering how to word it on signage...i'm thinking like "got a iphone? pay via paypal from your smartphone!"
mmmm. or got an iphone. since my "n" buttom seems to be sticking on my laptop.
Very interesting thought. I love your beads and pendant. I just visited your Etsy store...really earthy pieces and such nice soft colors.
I made you a "favorite" because I want your beads!!! It will be listed under my daughter, Kat, though because we have a blog together and they will only allow one email.
I am anxious to see your other art, too. Come and visit us if you would like.
http://katsuijewelry.blogspot.com
Suz
headslap! I haven't even looked for a PayPal iPhone app yet. BTW, ProPay is very low-cost and good for craft vendors. I've used it almost two years now. I don't get any money for saying that.
Great idea, Barbara! Or if they don't have their own smartphone, perhaps they would be willing to use the PayPal app on YOUR phone to send money?
@Carol. I used Propay before when I was a scrapbook party rep. I haven't checked it out in about 5 years. I'm going to have to see about it.
@Kelley That sounds like a good idea too. Don't know if everyone would want to do that...but it is a great idea!
I was hoping PayPal would offer an app eventually...
We will be trying it out as well at Indie Craft Parade on our Android phone.
Looking forward to meeting you!
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