How much change should I bring to my shows for cash orders and rounding up?

[SheenaGonzales]

I was wondering how much change (ie: $5's, $1's and loose change) should I bring with me to my shows? I know some people will probably order with cash and not all will want to round up, so what do you ladies do? My first show is tomorrow afternoon.

 

[raebates]

This is too late to help you with that show, but for future reference, I generally take $25-$30 in change to my shows:

• 1 $10 bill
• 2 $5 bills
• 5-7 $1 bills
• Miscellaneous coins

Most of my customers pay with card or check and very few don't round up. I often don't need the change, but it's good to have it just in case.

BTW, the way I get most of my guests to round up is to give them their total this way: "That will be $27.89 or $28 if you'd like to round up for Feeding America." I'd say less than 5% of my in-person customers decide not to round up.

 

[Admin Greg]

Thanks!It's always better to have more change than not enough. I usually bring about $50 in small bills and some quarters, dimes and nickels. One time I had a big show at a church event and I ran out of change. I had to go to the grocery store across the street and buy some extra change!I had one show where I invited cash and carry and I brought about $80 in change and I needed it all.I would say at least $50 in change to be safe.I'm doing my first booth at a craft fair this weekend and I was wondering the same thing! I had directions to a nearby bank just in case I need to run and get more change. I read somewhere on here that the banks will give you change if you have an account with them. I could be wrong, but it's worth checking out!I take between $80-$100 in change, depending on how big the show is. If I'm doing a smaller show, I'll go with $80, if I'm doing a larger show, I'll go with $100. I figure it's better to have too much on hand than to run out and have to leave my booth unattended while I go find more.Thanks ladies!! I am looking forward to my first show tomorrow. I will stop at the bank tonight and pick up some change. I appreciate your help!!I usually bring about $80 in change also. I have two different ways I do it. If I am using a money bag that I can wear around my neck (like at a craft fair or something) then I take 5 ten dollar bills, 10 one dollar bills, and then some change. I try to keep as many quarters as possible because I don't want to make plenty of change for someone who gives me a large bill.If I am using a cash box, then I make sure I have about $80 in change. I try not to keep too many of the larger bills because if someone gives me a $50 or $100 bill, then I am out of luck. If I had a bunch of $1 bills and quarters then I can make change.I've never had a problem with running out of change. In fact, I usually end up with more than I came with.So, I finally had my first show yesterday (and it was GREAT!!)....but I did have a few issues with change, so I wanted to share