Art and Craft Fair advice

[gsbblack]

I have been considering setting up some booths at local arts and crafts fairs this year. I've searched many posts and have a good idea of what I would like to do. Some large framed pieces and smaller 8x10's and 5x7's matted and bagged. I have also seen suggestions for greeting cards for those that like the larger photos, but may not be able to afford them. What type of greeting cards do some of you do and where do you find the supplies or where do you have them printed? In my mind when I hear greeting card I think of a folded card. Is this what many of you use? I've been searching the internet, but haven't had a lot of luck. Am I thinking wrong in that it would be a folded card? Is it more like a postcard? Are there any other types of items that some of you try to sell?

Are many of you set up to accept credit cards at shows or do you deal on a cash basis?

I've also considered setting up a computer, if it is possible, to have a slideshow of other work that I may not have there in print.

Thanks so much for any input, I do appreciate it!!

[Hikin Mike]

I don't accept credit cards just cash and checks.

I posted this last year: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=6320527&postcount=5

[dryfire]

If you are interested in accepting credit cards services like square: https://squareup.com/ may be of interest to you. It and similar services are in private beta now, but it may be worth keeping an eye on.

I rarely see anyone accepting credit cards in most fairs around here unless they have a retail outlet as well.

[gsbblack]

Hikin Mike,
I've seen your posts and your booth is what I am aiming for. Thanks for posting it again!! I do have a question for you if you check this post again. On your vendor list you have Greeting Cards at Photographer's Edge. I've been searching their site trying to figure them out, but I guess I'm not really understanding what they are offering. When you say you have greeting cards, what exactly do you offer?? Are they a single sheet with your photos on the front, more like a postcard, or are they the folded greeting cards with a photo on front and blank on the inside? Also, what type of paper are they printed on? Are they glossy or just a card stock type paper? I'm feeling really stupid on this point, I'm sure it shouldn't be this confusing.

Thanks so much for the input!!

[Hikin Mike]

They come 10 per pack and they are folded greeting cards. They have a photo and a nice "border" on the front and blank inside. I don't have a picture of a close-up.

I'm copying this from my website:

These blank note cards are manufactured with textured recycled card stock and imprinted with soybean-based inks so it's environmentally friendly! We use a 65# card stock weight so the finished card with photo and envelope can be mailed with one 1st class postage stamp.

Most greeting cards are soon forgotten, but my greeting cards will be remembered forever. Add a 5 x 7 frame and you can now display it on your wall. Just e-mail me with your selections and I'll put together a set for you!

[Hikin Mike]

If you request a printed catalog, they include a sample card and bag.

[gsbblack]

Thank You!! That is exactly what I was wanting to know!!

[RachelC1184]

You can also print other "types" of cards. I use whcc. They have many different sizes and types, flat/folded, etc... That might be a route you can check into as well.

[D.C.]

Might check out clear bags. I think clearbags.com. All sizes for matted pieces. They also have cards and envelopes I use. I just atg 4x6 pictures on the front and print bottom back with my info. Very nice paper and a little cheaper than the ones above i think. Maybe a little more labor intensive. The wife and I can put them together quickly.

[gsbblack]

Thanks all for the advice. I've got my Photographer's Edge catalog requested and have been browsing several websites. Lots of good stuff out there!! Now I just have to get it all put together and get out there!