Credit Cards

[Paintbrush74]

Do any of you take credit cards? What do you recommend concerning credit cards? I'm thinking that if a person participates in a festival or something like that, he would just about have to take credit cards, or severely cramp his success.

[TPS]

There are those who do festivals without taking credit cards. But if you are selling high ticket items, you will need to accept them. You will need a Merchant account. To get one you will need a bank account, and your bank may require it to be a business account or at least a dba, and a good personal credit history. I'd recommend taking Mastercard/Visa to begin; you can add American Express and Discover later. Each will have their own fees, and rules. Avoid as many fees as possible; such as minimum sales, statement, annual, access, approval, batch, etc. They all add up and can kill you. Figure your total costs, not just the discount rate; which should be as low as you can get; about 2.5% or below. Never lease the equipment, always buy it. Good used machines are available. Don't sign a long term contract, good month by month service is out there. Make the wrong decision and it could cost you more than you'll make. Use a bank or service with an agent you trust and can reach when you need help. Your local bank may have the best deal, but probably won't. You can use any service in the country, so shop around until you find a good fit for your needs and wallet.

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http://www.artbydj.com

[blondheim12]

Cheryl,
I have been doing art shows for years without them. I simply explain to my patrons that I have to charge them more for the art if I used them and this way they pay less. I also accept payments on the work instead, which works fine accept you have to wait for your money. I always get it eventually. I just don't want to be bothered with cards. I know, I am old fashioned, but I don't like techno stuff at all and many of my artist friends who do take them are always complaining about it, and the equipment they have to buy is unreliable often. For some reason, I rarely ever lose a sale. If they want the painting, they will find a way to purchase it.
By the way, I have much better sales in galleries and restaurants than I have in most outdoor shows.
Linda

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www.lindablondheim.com

[Paintbrush74]

Thanks for the replies. I don't have much of an idea what to do and obstacles will paralyze me if I let them. I won't worry about charge cards for a while anyway.

Linda, do you take checks, too? I figure you'd just about have to. What sort of precautions do you take? Of course showing in galleries takes care of that problem for you.

Lenora