Cash flow resources
Cash flow questions
Learn how to handle cash, card payments, reserves, and seasonal income so your business stays steady.
Featured cash flow guidance
Start with these questions to make sure every market day stays cash-positive.
All cash flow questions
A searchable index of cash flow questions from market vendors.
— questions
- How much cash/change should I bring for making change?
- What bill denominations are best for a change fund?
- Is it okay to be cash-only, or do I really need to accept cards?
- How do I accept credit/debit card payments at my booth?
- Which payment processor is most cost-effective for small vendors?
- Do accepting cards significantly boost sales despite the fees?
- How do you handle mobile payments like Venmo/Cash App?
- How do you manage when income is seasonal or inconsistent?
- What’s your budget for each craft fair?
- Do you reinvest all your earnings back into the business or take some as personal income?
- Do you keep a cash reserve for your business?
- What if I have a really bad sales day and lose money – how do you cope financially?
- Do you set aside a portion of each sale for taxes or big expenses?
- How do you handle cash flow during the off-season (when there are few markets)?
- Is it ever smart to take a loan or use a credit card to fund inventory or fees?
- Should I invest profits in improving my booth (better tent, displays) or just save the money?
- How do you financially prepare for a large or expensive show?
- If you have multiple upcoming fairs, how do you allocate budget and inventory between them?
- How do you manage cash flow as you scale up?
- I’m short on funds to buy materials for a big order or upcoming show – any suggestions?
- Do you pay yourself a regular “salary” from your business?
- How do you handle profits when you also have a day job?
- What do you do with your starting cash after the event?
- How do you ensure you don’t spend business money on personal things (and vice versa)?
- Do you maintain a formal budget for your craft business?
- Do you keep profits in the business bank account or invest them elsewhere?
- Is it worth getting a business credit card for rewards/cashback?
- How do you financially handle a large one-time purchase (new equipment, trailer, etc.)?
- If you hire or pay an assistant at your booth, how does that factor into your finances?
- What’s the difference between profit and cash flow for craft vendors?
- Do you do anything to keep money coming in between fairs?
- How do you decide how much to reinvest in new products or stock?
- Have you experienced a cash flow crunch, and what did you do?
- How do you plan for taxes so you’re not hit with a big bill unexpectedly?
- If you have slow months with no events, how do you cover ongoing expenses?
- Do you ever use personal funds to cover business expenses (or vice versa) during tight times?
- What’s your strategy for long-term financial sustainability?
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