I am thinking about purchasing a lap top to take to shows to input orders. This way I would use the OOF for guests and print up a receipt for them when I get home. No more (3) copy receipts. Also, no more addition errors, etc. I have no experience with them and was hoping for input from others who have them/use them for shows. What kind do you have?
Laptop Shopping for Craft Show Business
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The thread discusses participants' experiences and opinions regarding purchasing laptops for use at craft shows, particularly for inputting orders and managing receipts. Various brands and purchasing sources are mentioned, along with personal anecdotes about the effectiveness and convenience of using laptops in this context.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
Main Points Raised
- One participant, identifying as a consultant, is considering buying a laptop to streamline order input and receipt printing at shows.
- Another participant shares their positive experience with a Dell laptop, noting it has made their shows easier.
- Several users mention having good experiences with brands like Toshiba and Compaq, highlighting their reliability.
- One participant discusses purchasing laptops from Costco, emphasizing good prices and quality.
- Another participant mentions they bought a laptop from eBay and found it to be a cost-effective option.
- One user shares their experience of getting a laptop from Circuit City, noting a significant rebate that made it affordable.
- Another participant expresses satisfaction with their laptop from Wal-Mart, reporting no issues so far.
- One participant highlights the benefits of payment plans available through Home Shopping Network for those who may not afford a laptop upfront.
- Another user suggests ubid.com as a source for inexpensive laptops.
- One participant describes their recent purchase from Best Buy, mentioning a good deal on a nearly new laptop.
- Another participant shares their experience of receiving an old laptop from a family member, noting its light weight and ease of use.
- One participant emphasizes the convenience of having a laptop for managing all Pampered Chef-related tasks without worrying about forgetting materials.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on specific brands and purchasing sources, with no clear consensus on the best option for laptops among participants.
Contextual Notes
Participants share personal experiences regarding the use of laptops in their businesses, focusing on convenience, reliability, and affordability.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants considering a laptop for their craft show business may find the shared experiences and brand recommendations relevant.
pamperedchefpowers
- 116
maryhenderlite
- 306
My mother and husband both have compaq's they have had no problems at all. My husband is a truck driver, and takes his with him all week. He uses the gps program, to help him with directions (companies never give good ones). So his has been "used and abused" in his truck for 2 years now. We got them at officemax. No problems at all.
CynthiaJohnson83
- 33
tiffanypc05
- 600
CarlyK
- 190
nicolespcshows
- 177
I got mine at Circuit City and they had a $250 rebate...so it cost me about $450 which was a great deal for what I got. If you watch the Sunday newspaper ads they have them cheap but what they don't tell you is they only get 5 or 10 in at a time so you have to be right there when the store opens.
It makes the shows sooo much easier.
michelle5959
- 11
stephanieboyd
Gold Member
- 472
Another great place to get a laptop....fairly inexpensively....is www.ubid.com! They have great electronics at fabulous prices!!
AJPratt
Silver Member
- 6,674
I just got a new one in March for my shows. I couldn't load PP stuff on my old one--not enough memory. So I got a new one at Best Buy. The box was open, but nothing was missing and one of the guys checked it out. He looked shocked and said that it had never even been boot up. I paid $450 for it! Woo-hoo!
R
RachelNguyen
soonerchef
- 1,523
I love my laptop, I do everything PC on it now and I don't have to worry about leaving something at home because if I do I know I have it on the computer! We got ours directly from Dell, it's an Inspirion 1300 and we got it for $499! It was loaded with everything and actually has way more than I needed.
Having the laptop has made my life easier at shows and I don't have to worry about screwing up the calculations!
Having the laptop has made my life easier at shows and I don't have to worry about screwing up the calculations!
Dawn
Gold Member
- 64
Frequently Asked Questions
What is laptop shopping for a craft show business?
Laptop shopping for a craft show business refers to the practice of using a laptop to browse, compare, and purchase supplies, materials, or products online that will be sold at craft shows. This method allows crafters to efficiently find the best deals and unique items to enhance their offerings.
How can I effectively use my laptop for shopping while preparing for a craft show?
To effectively use your laptop for shopping, start by creating a list of necessary supplies and products. Utilize online marketplaces and craft supply websites to compare prices and read reviews. Consider using spreadsheets to track expenses and inventory, and take advantage of online coupons or discounts to save money.
What are the advantages of laptop shopping over traditional shopping for craft shows?
The advantages of laptop shopping include convenience, as you can shop from anywhere at any time, access to a wider variety of products, and the ability to quickly compare prices and read customer reviews. Additionally, online shopping can save time and reduce the stress of navigating crowded stores.
Are there specific websites that are best for laptop shopping for craft supplies?
Yes, several websites are popular for purchasing craft supplies, including Amazon, Etsy, Michaels, Joann, and specialty craft supply stores. Each site offers unique products, so it's beneficial to explore multiple sources to find the best items for your craft show business.
How can I ensure the quality of products I purchase online for my craft show?
To ensure product quality, read customer reviews and ratings before making a purchase. Look for detailed product descriptions and images. If possible, buy from reputable sellers or brands known for their quality. Additionally, consider ordering samples or smaller quantities first to evaluate the products before committing to larger orders.
Similar Pampered Chef Threads
- California Girl Business, Marketing and Customer Service
ashvel
- babywings76 Business, Marketing and Customer Service
babywings76
- legacypc46 Business, Marketing and Customer Service
chefheidi2003
- ChefKevin Business, Marketing and Customer Service
cwinter474
- ChefJoyJ Business, Marketing and Customer Service
PChefPEI
- wadesgirl Business, Marketing and Customer Service
wadesgirl
- chelynn Business, Marketing and Customer Service
pamperedgirl3
- tx_deputyswife Business, Marketing and Customer Service
tx_deputyswife
- pkd09 Business, Marketing and Customer Service
whiteyteresa
- northern_sunshine Business, Marketing and Customer Service
chefann