Cards, Checks & Copyrights

Q - I don't have access to charge cards for my customers. Taking only cash does limit my sales. Do most crafters take checks and if so, how do they know the checks are good?

A - Most crafters will take checks. In my many years of being in business, I have only one bad check I have not been able to collect. Fortunately, it was for a very small amount.

There is no guarantee a check is good. You have to trust people or not take checks. You develop a gut feeling about accepting checks. I accept them from people who will look me in the eye and don't seem nervous when writing the check. it is difficult to turn down a customer who has seen another customer write a check, so be careful about discriminating.

You might ask to see a drivers license to check the address on the check. You want a street address, not just a post office box. Ask for a telephone number. The license number itself is no longer of much value. It is now difficult to use the number for tracing a person. Can you take a personal check?

Q - Many people buy my product and I would like to have them come back for more. What is the best way to let them know which shows I will be in so they can visit and buy?

A - Develop a mailing list of your customers. Have a tablet in your booth to encourage customers to leave their name and address for your mailing list. A satisfied customer will want to know where they can find you at future shows. There are hints at the MailingList.net

If you take checks from customers, NEVER deposit the check without first recording the name and address into your mailing list. NEVERthrow out correspondence from a customer without recording the information into your mailing list. You have to work to create a good list, but it can be well worth your effort with return sales.

Use the mailing list to send post cards or flyers to your customers with your schedule of shows. Postage can be expensive, but it is an expense of your business so keep a record of all postage used.

Q - My product is my own design and is unique. My biggest concern is that others will steal my idea and will take it to shows, then my profits will be cut and others will profit by my idea. Is there a sure way to protect my product?

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