1st time vending questions

I'm going to be vending at a show for my first time in April. I'm looking for some advice and ideas on what to have that I might not have thought about. Here's a first very rough draft list I started working on.

Show supplies;

Snakes
Cases
Bedding for cases
Locks for cases
Business cards
Table skirt
Letters to put on skirt
Banner with name
Lights
Paper towels
Hand disinfectant
Fluorescent dry erase pens
Deli cups
Receipt book
Money box
Change
Laptop with pictures

What about the ability to accept credit cards?

Heat tape? I'm not a vendor but just thinking of what they need at home

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Originally Posted by txcoker

What about the ability to accept credit cards?

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I'm planning on looking into that. From what I've read, it looks like around 3-3.5% fee. But I've only read a little about it. Definitely if it is cut and dry just a flat fee without a monthly fee.

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Originally Posted by BoostedMX3

Heat tape? I'm not a vendor but just thinking of what they need at home

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I've never noticed heating at shows I've been to, good thought though.

Rug or mat for you to stand on, and fold up chairs. The rug/mat might not seem significant but standing on linoleum for hours is not the most comfortable feeling. :D

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Originally Posted by LotsaBalls

I'm planning on looking into that. From what I've read, it looks like around 3-3.5% fee. But I've only read a little about it. Definitely if it is cut and dry just a flat fee without a monthly fee.

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You can get a "Square" brand one or one thru PayPal and I think it charges like 2-2.5%. Plus it usually comes with a free attachment that attaches to your smartphone or tablet.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by LotsaBalls

I'm planning on looking into that. From what I've read, it looks like around 3-3.5% fee. But I've only read a little about it. Definitely if it is cut and dry just a flat fee without a monthly fee.

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Here is the link to the one we have been looking at. Definitely something we plan to have before our first show this next fall!
https://squareup.com/

When we went to the San Diego Super Show last year we sat and talked to Jeff Luman about it for awhile and he said he really like it. We used it and it was very simple, just stick the scanner in the jack, go to the app, swipe the card, enter the price and sign.

And you can also manually enter CC#'s with it! It cost alittle more 3.5% + $.15 per transaction instead of the 2.75% when swiping.

An assistant
Extension cord
Moving dolly
Bottled water or juice & snacks

I have a show inventory list that we work from, which is not in front of me, but we include, in addition to those already mentioned:

heavy duty long extension cord
two household extension cords (multiple plugs)
pens
sharpies
tape gun and tape
40 hour heat packs (good for overnight temp concerns)
garbage bags
bags or delis for sold animals to be transported in
calculator
small toolbox- pliers, screwdrivers (flat and philips), razors, scissors, any tools needed for displays or products (special size allen wrench, for example)
fliers
black knight (other people can have "buggy" booths, it makes me paranoid)
hand sanitizer for your customers to use
water container/gallon jug
secure soaking container (you may have an animal shed during the show, gotta get it off)
notepaper (to write down all the stuff you forgot this time, so you can make your own future master checklist : )
extra shirt (for when you get pooped on, or sweaty from setup)
patience