Top Tips :: Card payments at markets

1. Clearly advertise the fact that you accept credit cards.  Ask your provider to supply you with a sign or create one yourself - see below.
2. If your device does not issue a physical receipt, always make sure that your customer provides you with an mobile phone number or email address where the receipt can be issued.
3. Keep a record of all your transactions, don't simply rely on the the device.  You'll need this information if someone disputes a transaction.
4. Remember to have your device fully charged and you have a way of charging your device without an electricity socket.
5. Remember not everyone trusts technology, always find out where the closest ATM is.
6. Do your research and shop around to find the right service for you.  Remember to reveiw contract periods, monthly fees, transaction percentage and transaction fees.
7. Think about setting a minimum spend or surcharge for transactions to avoid unnecessary transaction fees. You should advertise clearly that there is a minimum spend or surcharge.  Refer to Lifehacker's article for further information on this issue.
8. Bring along your devices' Trouble Shooting Guide.  

Make your own sign!

We have created a simple table top sign for you to use at you next market!  All you need to do is download, print, cut and fold.

Click Here to download this template.

Accepting card payments at Markets

Loss of Sales

One common theme I've had at markets is the fact that many potential buyers did not have enough cash on them to make impulse beanie purchase.  Time after time I've been asked "do you take credit cards" and I've had to say "No". This has costed me many sales.  I've tried to keep these customers by handing out discount vouchers to entice them to purchase through my online and offering free postage but it only saw 1-2 people purchase after the market.

Having a credit card facility would of been perfect in these situations!

Accepting Card payments at Markets

I spoke with Christina Coleman from Billymac Clothing about accepting credit cards at the markets she attends.  Christina noted that she has a clearly visible sign that states that she accepts credit cards.  She also mentioned that "people will spend more with you if they know you accept cards and will save their cash for stalls without card facilities".  

Wireless EFTPOS machines

Regular market goers tend to use the traditional EFTPOS machine from their bank.  There are many benefits to using these machines including customer convenience, value-added extras from the bank to the vendor, trusted machinery etc

Jen Campbell from Multiplied Magazine uses a traditional EFTPOS machine from Suncorp. She suggest that you shop around and don't be too shy to bargain.  "I was able to bargain my credit and debit card fees (% of sale per swipe), the monthly fee, and even negotiated the first 12 months free of the monthly charge!"

Personally I've avoided getting an EFTPOS machine as I only do 2-3 markets a year and I couldn't justify the monthly fee plus it never occurred to me to bargain with my bank!

Smartphone Credit Card Readers

PayPal Here

Last year Kasia from Ink.Paper.Cloth spoke about PayPal Here.  Since then I've heard some pros and cons about this service.  To be honest back in August 2012 when we first spoke about PayPal Here I didn't apply due to reports from some handmade sellers about the lengthy application process and reports of sellers having issues with the swiper. From what I can tell PayPal stopped issuing their swiper in December 2012 and they have recently released in the UK a swiper that looks more like an eftops machine.

When I asked about Paypal Here on the CHA's facebook page last week most sellers had praise for this product.  Jacquie South from On a Whim Designs has been using her PayPal Here swiper for some time now and she loves it.

Jacquie did mention that she has only had one issue with PayPal Here and that was to do with a customer who opened up a dispute regarding a payment they made at a market. The customer said their credit card was used without their authorization. According to Jacquie she had done everything right, including checking their signature and inserting all the details of the purchase.  The customer chose not to have a receipt sent to them via email or phone, which meant that she was unable to offer that receipt as proof of purchase.

Jacquie further explained that "I had the disputed amount of money taken out of my account, plus a $15 fee, as the customer is always protected. I'm glad to say that PayPal took it up with their bank and I was finally reimbursed with the $60 the customer had disputed but not the $15 fee! I now make sure that EVERYONE enters a phone or email details so they are sent a receipt"

Paymate OnTheGo

Last week I was reading a post within the Madeit.com.au sellers group on Facebook about accepting credit cards at markets.  Some of the members mentioned using Paymate and being very happy with this service.  I hadn't heard of Paymate before so I decided to take a look.

After reading the recommendations and doing my own research I decided to join up.  It was an easy and fast process - after completing the necessary paperwork I was approved and I received my Paymate OnTheGo Encrypted Swiper within a week.  The iPhone app was easy to download and so far I'm impressed.

Holly from Puppy Dogs Tails also has a Paymate Swiper.  Her main issue with the product is that event though you can activate signature capture and have the customer sign it with a stylus it doesn't actually save it anywhere as proof of purchase.  I suppose that is where the customer details and receipt generation come into it.

Like PayPal Here there are some fees associated with this service and I suggest that you shop around to find the right service for you.  I'm okay with paying transaction fees as am able to capture those impulse beanie buyers who have eluded me at past markets.

What device/App do you use?  

Leave a comment below so others can benefit from your experience.

About the Contributor: 

Christine is a Wife and a Mum of 3.  She is the owner of C Percy Designs.  Chrisitne's next market will be the Dreamers Markets on 20th July at Parramatta Riverside Theatre.  She is also the the Editor of The Contemporary Handmade Alliance and the Handmade Cooperative - Australian Handmade 4 Kids.  she is also is a little obsessed with all things crochet. 
To find out more about Christine go to her blog or follow her on Facebook.

{Promotion} Work With Me :: Liana Kabel

Liana Kabel, Measure Up Brooch

Hello I’m Liana and I’d like to introduce myself. I run a creative business as well as working to support others with their creative businesses. For me this is the perfect combination.

Since 2004 I've been a plastic obsessed jeweler, creating wearable pieces from mostly discarded domestic materials, including Tupperware, knitting needles and tape measures. Before that I had a business making brightly coloured paper mache homewares.  As you can probably tell from those descriptions I’ve always cared about making something that stands out from the crowd, as well as making a living from it. I did that with both those business. Along the way I learnt a lot about how to do things and a lot about how not to do things. As far as I’m concerned making mistakes is fine (and inevitable) as long as you can pick yourself up, learn from them and improve.

For the past three years I’ve been employed as a business coach, as well as continuing my jewellery business.  In my coaching work I was able to support hundreds of women set up their own small and micro businesses. These were generally businesses that were conducted at home, often around caring for small children. It was great work while it lasted and I’m grateful for it, because now I know it is something I want to continue to do as part of my own business. My focus is working with small creative businesses. These are the businesses I know and am most passionate about.

If you've been wanting to make more of your own creative business or hobby, I’d love to help you with that. The beginning of a new financial year is an awesome time to do just that. For this reason I’m offering a special package for July.  This includes an intensive two hour session where we work on improving any aspect or aspects of your business you’d like to focus on. The usually price is $300, but for July it is $160. Feel free to email me with any questions or to discuss making a booking at liana@lianakabel.com

I’m based in Brisbane, but conduct my business interstate and worldwide.  I’m also available for creative business workshops, so if you can organise a group and a venue, I will travel. Again please email me to discuss the possibilities.

 Find out more about Liana via her Linkedin resume.

I sat next to the lovely Liana at the 2012 Artful Business Conference.  I found her to be delightful and insightful.  I'm also the proud owner of a Knitwit Bangle and Measured Up hairclip which I wear when teaching crochet at my local wool shop.  

Dandelyne and the Artful Business Conference

I am 100% ecstatic to be virtually attending the Artful Business Conference this year. 

My business, Dandelyne, is only 2 years young. It really is trotting along nicely but, I would love for it to gallop. My ultimate goal is to stitch FOREVER and, I feel, in order to do this I need to invest in it. After investigating the speakers and content of the Artful Business Conference I knew this was the key to helping me reach my goal. I work from home, on my own, and as many small businesses do, I indulge in Dandelyne days where I feel lost and would love someone to answer the myriad of questions I have. I need a buzz, kick and knowledge … and I feel the ABC will do just that, and then some.

I would personally love everyone interested to own one of my miniature embroidery hoops. They are made in Melbourne and then hubby and I spend many nights sanding, drilling and constructing each one. It's definitely a labour of love. To be able to workshop, with many like-minded people at the ABC, I am hoping I will be able to take these little babies to the next level … YIPPEE

Smiles, 
Son
www.dandelyne.com
sonia@dandelyne.com

not a book review ... Made By Hand

A few weeks ago I went rummaging through Mr CHA's library and to my surprise I found "Made by Hand" by Mark Frauenfelder.  I've really enjoyed reading this book, as its easy to read and it talks about a topic close to my heart.

Mark's book has given me a new respect for my friends who keep chicken and how my coffee is made.  Its also awakened some long held DYI desires that I've put on the back burner while I've been building my business and being a Mum.

What was the last book you read?  Did it have an effect on you?

Handmade Stockists

After my post the other week - Is handmade all about babies and kids? - I got to thinking about bricks and mortar stores that stock handmade products.

Thanks for our followers on Facebook I've come up with this list.  If you know of a business we have missed please let me know via email contemporaryhandmadealliance@hotmail.com

ACT

Shop Handmade Canberra, Allara Street, City Walk Blvd ACT

New South Wales

Alie Jane Travel Accessories & Designs, shop 4, 200 Hunter street, Newcastle, NSW
Blackbird Corner, Darby St. Newcastle, NSW 

Follow Store, 380 Cleveland Street, Sydney, NSW
FOUND::The Store, 1011 The Old Princes Highway, Engadine, NSW.
Free Range Living, Shop 1. 2 Prince Charles Parade,  Kurnell, NSW
Little Finch, 56 Wallace StBraidwood, New South Wales
Made590, 590 King Street, Newtown NSW
Made by Others, 366 Argyle St, Moss Vale, NSW
Naponda Community Store, 226 Cressy St, Deniliquin, New South Wales 2710
Olive & Co, 185 Hunter St Mall, Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW
Sew Make Create, 8 Shepherd Street, Sydney
Studio 52 creative hub and store, 2/52 Govett's Leap Road, Blackheath, NSW.
Sweets Workshop, Shop 4, 58-60 Carlton Cres, Summer Hill, NSW
The Bower Bird Project, 3/308 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty, NSW
The creative spirit centre, 43/44 40 Sterling Road, Minchinbury NSW
The Creatory, shop 3, 60 Carlton Cres, Summer Hill NSW 2130
The Nook Leura, 133A The Mall, Leura, NSW.

Queenland

Billycart Markets & Store, Shop 2, 6 Knox Street, Sandgate, QLD 

Cultiver, 2/126 Brisbane St, Ipswich, QLD

in.cube8r gallery, 368 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD

Jolie, Shop 1, 11 North Rd, Brighton, QLD. 

Karen White Gallery, 138 Wickham Street Brisbane, QLD
Lilly Cottage, Shop 4, 31 Benabrow Avenue, Bellara, Bribie Island
handmade high street, 466 Ipswich Road, Annerley QLD
mimmis, 33 Victoria Street, Foresthill, QLD
Nook, 19 Browning St, West End, Brisbane, QLD
Side Street Vintage, 85 Riding Rd Hawthorne in Brisbane. Entrance in Monmouth St, QLD
The Collective Store, 78 Bay Terrace, Wynnum, QLD
Two Create - Handmade Elegant Bliss, Shop 2/6732 Cunningham Hwy, Aratula Ql

South Australia

Add Character, 42 Semaphore Rd, Semaphore, SA 

E for Ethel, 116 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide 

LittlestVINTAGE, 91 Glen Osmond Rd, Eastwood, Adelaide, SA 

Mockingbird Lounge, 63a Broadway Glenelg, SA 

Storison, 73 Main St Hahndorf, SA 

Vintage Carousel, 26 hawker street, bowden, SA 

Tasmania 

Classwood, 52 church st Ross Tasmania
Hope and Me, Quadrant Mall, Launceston, Tas 

Squirrel & Dove, 207 Invermay Rd, Launceston, TAS

Victoria 

Davies & Son, 520 Hampton st Hampton, Melbourne, VIC
Gleaners Inc. 2 Ballarat St., Brunswick, VIC

I Dream a Highway, 259 High Street, Northcote, VIC 

in.cube8r gallery, 321 smith street fitzroy VIC 

little shop of..., 2 Woorayl St Carnegie, Melbourne, VIC
Maker's Emporium and Cafe, Shop 2/170 Warrandyte Rd, Ringwood North VIC
MiM Found Ena, 239 High Street, Northcote, VIC

Naughts and Crosses, 104 Ormond Road, Elwood, VIC
own little world,  122 Fordham Avenue Camberwell
The {East Gippsland} Makery, Bairnsdale, VIC

Western Australia

@The Den, 250 South Terrace, Fremantle, WA. 

Aster & Ruby, Dolphin Quay Mandurah Ocean Marina, WA

Behind the Monkey, Behind the Monkey 479 Beaufort Street, Highgate, WA

Common Ground, 312B Williams Street and 621 Hay Street Perth  WA
Fossick Handmade, 93 Egan Street, Kalgoorlie, WA
Montage Collective, 224a William St, Northbridge Perth WA
Mr Sparrow, Shop 3, 223 Bagot Rd, Subiaco, WA
PIGONHOLE, Forrest Chase, London Court, Shafto Lane, Perth, WA
Story Boutique, Floreat Forum Howlett Pl, Perth, WA.
The Tenth State, 2/10 BROADWAY, CRAWLEY, Perth, WA.

William Topp, 452 William Street, Perth, WA. 

Willow and the Bowerbird, 78 George Street, East Fremantle, WA

Is handmade all about babies and kids?

freesias asked

"Why do the majority of Handmade sites mostly stock babies and kids wear? Is that all that sells?"

It does appear that many handmade sellers do make for kids - I am one of them.

I make kids items because I have kids and it relates to what I'm doing right now.  I have noticed that my fellow kidswear makers are also mothers (but not all of them).  I've also noticed that these makers products have evolved as their children get older.

There is also the fact that handmade kids products sell.  Especially items for girls in pink.  Personally I don't like pink and I have spent my entire life avoiding it, but that might have more to do with my red hair.  When I started out making beanies in 2009 I wanted to make exclusively for boys but I kept getting requests for girls beanies.  After having my daughter I now understand the impulse people have to buy pretty things for the the little girls in their lives.  Its a bit likes shoes and accessories in your pre children years.

There are many sellers out there that make for adults:

Online

You can find them on Etsy, Madeit.com.au and hand-made.com.au.  

Markets 

If you are looking offline for handmade items that aren't made for kids, I would check out boutique markets like Canberra Handmade, Finders Keepers and the Rose Street Artist Market in Melbourne who cater more for adults and creative folks.

Handmade Friendly Stores

If you are looking for a bricks and mortar store that stock handmade products for adults I would check out In.cube8r, Cultiver, The {East Gippsland} Makery, Little shop of Handmade and similar stores.

Where do you purchase your handmade items for adults? 

About the Contributor: 

Christine is a Wife and a Mum of 3.  She is the owner of C Percy Designs and the Editor of The Contemporary Handmade Alliance.  She is also the Editor of the Handmade Cooperative - Australian Handmade 4 Kids and is a little obsessed with all things crochet. 
To find out more about Christine go to her blog or follow her on Facebook.

The Handmade Crossroad

At a crossroad

I'm at a point in my handmade journey where I'm wondering if I should continue.  My heart is screaming "Continue on, there is more to create" and my head is going saying "How are you going to fit everything in?".

In the last week I've been offered an amazing job, its located only minutes from my house, its during school hours, the pay is decent and its a great introduction into the world of getting back into perceived "real work" (I think I've worked harder as a handmade seller than I ever did when I worked for someone else, but that's not how many of my non-handmade friends see it).  My husband was made redundant a few weeks back and has decided to start his own business.  Financially things are tight, I've been able to contribute to the family finances which has been great but to be totally honest I can make more money working for someone else.

I've seen many handmade businesses come and go over the 4+ years I've been in operation.  A lot of them have closed their doors due to family commitments,  finances, the dive no longer being there, disillusionment,  conclusion of maternity leave  ... the list goes on.

So does a having a "real" job mean the end of my handmade business?

I hope not.  My business has become part of my identity,  its kept me sane during the 'years of tears' (the term I made up to describe the time when I had 3 kids under school age at home with me), to be honest its given me a a sense of self-worth and a much needed creative outlet.

What has your handmade business given you?

I know not all handmade creatives aren't mothers or in fact women, but seen its the Mother's Day weekend I proposed a this question on our facebook page today

As a Mum, what does your handmade business give you? 

and I was amazed at the honest responses.

Shantelle from Missy Melly "A creative outlet and I've made a heap of fabulous friends"

Blogger Bree from Me and My Two Guys "An outlet and a way to keep creating".

Clair from Angel Caprice  "My business gives me a sense of my own identity. As a mum we become feeders, nurses, drivers, cleaners and well just mummies. When im at the markets selling my wears for a few hours I'm 'Just Clair, the handmade business owner'. Its my time to create and show the world who I am."

Becci  "self worth and creative outlet for sure. Also a sense of satisfaction, some me time and that 'all important' validation when someone buys something"

Hollie from ZZ Totz  "Certainly my creative outlet and something that I am doing for me. Very satisfying!"

'kaetoo' Canvas Photo Boards "A focus. Before I started doing this, I wasn't as happy. My handmade business is something that is for me, that I fully control and that I can do as much or as little as I want with, not like parenting or working a "real" job."

Samantha from Said the Ladybird to the Turtle   "It is my sanity, and I really notice when I can't create. I'm not able to now and I've had to look for other ways to find some relief and identity."

Elizabeth  "Most def creative outlet, it also gives me a sense of contributing to family income, and satisfaction of creating something that maybe someone else will like. My children also see me sewing/creating and I can involve them by way of sitting on my lap while I sew and hopefully that inspires them to be creative. Very importantly it gives me a sense of myself, ie not just a mum who cooks , cleans( haha) etc. There are so many reasons why I create"

Kellie from Mudpuddles  "The feeling of contribution, even if its a small amount, my husband works long hours and every little bit helps. Plus I love that I can work from home doing the things I love."

Cassie from Rainbow Lollies  "A sense of achievement and of course an outlet to unleash creative mess!"

Tania from Squiggle and Stitch "Similar to the other ladies comments. Mainly it is something I do for 'me'. It is definitely a much needed creative outlet and has allowed me to earn some extra money and meet some fantastic women who I now consider friends. I started it as a way that I could earn a small income from home and still be around my kids, however I must admit I now find it very difficult getting anything done with the kids around....but that's another story."

Running my own handmade business whilst being a Mum has given me more than simply a bit of extra cash.  And it is for this reason I'll be keeping my handmade business running.  I might not be as prolific but I can't simply let 4+ years of work go waste, nor can I give away the benefits I have received.

Do you have another word to add to our Word Cloud?  

Words used:

• Identity 
• Self-worth
• Creative-Outlet
• Friendship
• Satisfaction
• Validation
• Happiness
• Control
• Sanity
• Income
• Inspiration
• Contribution
• Achievement
• Balance

Making Wishes Come True

The creator behind inspiring hand-made Perth based Imogen’s Angels, Fiona Holmes is hosting the second annual Princess Ladybird Week commencing 24th April 2013 to raise funds for the Make- A- Wish® Australia.

In 2010 Fiona’s daughter Imogen earned her soft feathery wings and joined the other angels after a courageous journey through illness.  Known as the Princess Ladybird, Imogen was a loving, determined, smiley, loud, boisterous, happy, bossy character who was literally “louder than life”
says mum Fiona.

“While Imogen left us nearly 3 years ago, she is still very much with us and by creating Princess Ladybird I can help myself and my family to remain close and connected to her and at the same time we have a chance to give back to an organisation that helped Imogen to fulfil a wish of her own.”

Imogen had a unique fondness for ladybirds, something she shared with her mum and the women in Fiona’s family.  For them the ladybird represents luck, innocence, magic and joy.  During one of Imogen’s treatment sessions a little ladybird somehow made its way into the completely sterile treatment room, earning Imogen the nickname Princess Ladybird from the nursing staff at Princess Margaret Hospital.

During the week of 24th April to 1st May each year, Fiona sells Princess Ladybird brooch pins to raise funds for the Make- A- Wish Foundation with 100% of the profits going directly to the foundation.   This helps to support Make- A- Wish to grant wishes to other seriously-ill children and their families so that others can experience the magic that Fiona, her husband Jason, big brother Kody, little brother Ashton and Imogen were able to experience when they went to Queensland thanks to Make-A-Wish in
2009.

Imogen lives on each and every day in the creative magic Fiona shares with her range of high quality products she hand-makes with love and sells through Imogen’s Angels.

For more information and to find out how you can purchase your own Princess Ladybird visit www.imogensangels.com.au.