# How to take payments at craft fairs.

To take payments at craft fairs, accept cards with a reader that works on your phone or tablet, keep cash for change, set up a way to record every sale, and prepare for weak signal at the venue. Compare the fees of each provider and cover them in your prices.

_Updated 2026-10-11._

## Choose how you will get paid.

Most shoppers expect to pay by card. A card reader that pairs with your phone or tablet is the common choice; many point-of-sale providers offer one. Compare each provider's processing fees, payout timing, hardware cost and refund rules. Also consider mobile wallets and a QR code to a payment page.

- Pick a provider you can use at every event and online, so your sales land in one place.
- Read the fine print on payout holds, chargebacks and fees on keyed-in cards.

## Plan for no signal.

Venues, basements and busy crowds can kill your connection. Download offline modes if your provider has one, bring a hotspot, and keep cash on hand. Charge devices fully and bring a battery pack.

- Bring small bills and coins for change, and a cash box you can lock or keep on you.
- Tell shoppers up front which payment types you accept with a small sign.

## Cover the fees in your price.

Card processing is a cost of doing business, so build it into your prices rather than surprising shoppers at the table. Treat processing as part of your cost per item when you price.

## Record every sale.

Track cash and card sales in the same place so you can reconcile each event and report income and sales tax correctly. A simple spreadsheet or the reports from your point-of-sale app work.

## Take orders at the booth.

If you already use bzar for your storefront and market applications, you can also take orders from shoppers while you are at a market.

- Apply to markets and events on bzar and pay booth fees by card.

## Questions

**How do I take card payments at a craft fair?**

Use a card reader or payment app on your phone or tablet, check that it works offline or with a hotspot, and keep cash for change.

**Do I need a card reader to sell at a market?**

Not required, but many shoppers expect to pay by card, so you will likely lose sales without one.

**What if there is no internet at the venue?**

Bring a mobile hotspot, enable offline payments if your provider offers them, and carry cash for change.

**Should I pass card fees on to shoppers?**

Rules on surcharging vary by card network and state. Most vendors build the fee into prices instead. Check your provider's terms.

## Related

- [Vendor booth checklist](https://bzar.app/guides/vendor-booth-checklist)
- [How to price handmade items](https://bzar.app/guides/how-to-price-handmade-items)
- [Vendor sales tax at markets](https://bzar.app/guides/vendor-sales-tax-at-markets)
- [bzar for vendors](https://bzar.app/for-vendors)