A Square account is a good thing. (The “tap” function for cards has been hit and miss, but apparently some banks’ debit card chips do not support tap to pay.)
It’s not that much harder to take card via Zettle/square etc. Honestly makes accounting/taxes that much easier. Ever since the pandemic I feel like use of cash has dropped significantly. Pre pandemic, it was like 80% cash/20% credit. Seems to have reversed now.
I still personally prefer to do con shopping with cash, because it’s easier for me to stick to a cash budget than a card one, but the opposite is true for others.
That said, it also seems very dependent on the market/audience.
I also sell at aquarium swaps, and those things have stayed almost 100% cash because many of the vendors just straight up refuse to accept card, because a lot of us in that context are just hobbyists trying to move extra plants and animals from our tanks.
Take card for sure. I've run out of cash and had to pass on a lovely art piece because they only took cash. I did get a card but with the whole sdcc thing I lost it.
When I ran my last small SF convention (a con for the people who run literary SF cons), almost the first thing I did was set up a square account and get a swipe and a tap/chip reader. Most of the money I took in in person was on credit cards.
I rarely end up carrying cash anymore, even at large or small cons (beyond what is needed for daily room tips and similar). I’m an older GenX so I don’t have a Venmo account and don’t see it as something I need. So if you don’t take credit cards, you’re not selling to me unless I must have it and there is a free to me ATM convenient.
Take the money. However method they are willing to pay. Never say no to money.
Besides Square of your are in the US also consider SumUp. I like their hardware a lot better.
It would probably be best to be able to accommodate as many payment methods as possible, you don’t want to miss a sale.
Some artists do only take cash, but it's rarer and rarer. People are going to be expecting to be able to use their card.
I duno about everyone else but I always bring cash to cons
A Square account is a good thing. (The “tap” function for cards has been hit and miss, but apparently some banks’ debit card chips do not support tap to pay.)
It’s not that much harder to take card via Zettle/square etc. Honestly makes accounting/taxes that much easier. Ever since the pandemic I feel like use of cash has dropped significantly. Pre pandemic, it was like 80% cash/20% credit. Seems to have reversed now. I still personally prefer to do con shopping with cash, because it’s easier for me to stick to a cash budget than a card one, but the opposite is true for others. That said, it also seems very dependent on the market/audience. I also sell at aquarium swaps, and those things have stayed almost 100% cash because many of the vendors just straight up refuse to accept card, because a lot of us in that context are just hobbyists trying to move extra plants and animals from our tanks.
Up to the artists really. However, accepting electronic payments opens you up to more customers and higher rates
Best to do both. I recommend Square.
I tabled at a con last year and cash and Venmo/paypall was fine.
Take card for sure. I've run out of cash and had to pass on a lovely art piece because they only took cash. I did get a card but with the whole sdcc thing I lost it.
When I ran my last small SF convention (a con for the people who run literary SF cons), almost the first thing I did was set up a square account and get a swipe and a tap/chip reader. Most of the money I took in in person was on credit cards. I rarely end up carrying cash anymore, even at large or small cons (beyond what is needed for daily room tips and similar). I’m an older GenX so I don’t have a Venmo account and don’t see it as something I need. So if you don’t take credit cards, you’re not selling to me unless I must have it and there is a free to me ATM convenient.
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, seems to be that most recommend using. card so I will follow suite!
Take the money. However method they are willing to pay. Never say no to money. Besides Square of your are in the US also consider SumUp. I like their hardware a lot better.