If you’re already selling at craft fairs and thinking about expanding online, you’re on the right track! Selling online means reaching customers beyond your local events, making sales 24/7, and giving your biggest fans an easy way to buy from you between fairs.
But one of the biggest concerns for craft fair vendors going online is keeping inventory in sync. If you sell a one-of-a-kind ornament or handmade bag at a fair, you don’t want someone to buy it online at the same time! That’s where using the right payment system can make all the difference.
Keep It Simple: Use the Same Payment System Online and In-Person
When selling online, many crafters turn to platforms like Shopify or Square. What you may not realize is that some of these platforms also let you take in-person payments at craft fairs – while keeping your inventory updated automatically.
They key to success is ensuring your inventory is all listed. So if you track sales manually and just run a dollar amount sale through your current payment processor then there will be some extra prep work needed up front – but in the long run things will move very smoothly.
Square: Seamless Syncing for Fair and Online Sales
If you already use Square to take credit cards at fairs, you can build a free online store with Square and use the same system for both in-person and online sales. That means if you sell a handmade candle at a fair, your online store will update in real-time, preventing anyone from buying something that’s no longer available.
Bonus: Square accepts credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay—so customers can pay however they like.
Bonus Bonus: If you already sell on Etsy, you can synch your Square website inventory with your Etsy inventory. More info HERE.
Click Here to sign up for Square Online
Shopify: One Dashboard for Everything
If you already sell online with Shopify, you can also accept Shopify Payments in person at fairs. Shopify has a mobile card reader that syncs with your online store, meaning every sale—whether online or in-person—automatically updates your inventory.
If you’re serious about growing your online business, Shopify is a great option since it offers more customization and marketing tools.
Bonus: Square accepts credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay—so customers can pay however they like.
Click Here to sign up for Shopify
What About Cash Transfer Apps?
A lot of vendors at craft fairs take Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal because they’re easy for customers to use. The problem? These apps don’t sync with your online inventory. If you sell something in person, you have to manually remove it from your online store—which is easy to forget when you’re busy.
Also, if the payee doesn’t indicate that the payment is for a business (like Friends & Family meant to reimburse someone) you run the risk of losing the ability to accept through these apps.
If you do use Venmo or Cash App, set a reminder to update your inventory after each sale (or risk selling something online that’s already gone!).
Other Things to Consider When Selling Online
Sales Tax: When selling online, you may need to collect and remit sales tax for different states. Platforms like Shopify and Square can calculate this for you.
Shipping: If you’re used to selling only at fairs, think about packaging and shipping costs before launching your online store.
Pricing Consistency: Make sure your prices are the same (or at least close) online and at craft fairs to avoid confusing repeat customers.
Ready to Expand Online? Start Smart!
If you’re just getting started, try using the same system for online and in-person sales to keep things simple. Whether that’s Square or Shopify, linking your payments and inventory will save you time, stress, and potential inventory headaches.
Have you already made the leap to online sales? What’s worked (or not worked) for you? Let’s chat in the comments!
Craft Fair Insider 
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