Cash For Shows
Sunday September 30, 2007
How much change should you bring to a show? It depends on several factors. If you are in your own town with easy access to your bank (and someone to run to the bank for you.) you will not need as much. Around $50 - $100 per day should be enough for an average sized show. If you are out-of town at a large show that will be lasting for several days, you will want to bring more. Remember that many people use $20 bills. And if someone wants you to provide change for a $100 bill, just ask them for something smaller, or to use a credit card.
Comments
I figure on Saturday morning I will be given mostly 20s. Many people bring 20s and expect that you will have change. Saturday afternoon and Sundays, I find people have closer to the exact change. I bring about 100 in five dollar bills and at least 75 in ones and find I go through it often. I always bring an extra 100 in singles in my pouch and have found that I had to use it or help another crafter on occasion. I don’t have time to find a bank during the show and after the show the banks are closed.
I change my prices so adding sales tax brings my product to an even whole number. Since most states do not allow you to include the sales tax, I post a sign showing the price, the sales tax and the total. Once I started this, I found I don’t need to bring a lot of change.
If people buy 2 items, the price comes to $16. I always ask them for $21 so I can give them back a five dollar bill. Most have that single tucked somewhere.
I bring the extra bank to discourage suggesting credit cards to keep the sale because I would rather have cash than credit cards any day!
Barbara:
Thanks for these tips. I have a show to do soon and this change business was quite the conundrum for me.