The holidays are one of the busiest and most rewarding times of the year for artists, makers, and small businesses. Whether you’re selling at local markets, craft fairs, or pop-up events, connecting with your customers face-to-face can help boost sales and build lasting relationships.
With Big Cartel’s in-person selling tools, it’s easier than ever to manage your business both online and offline. Here’s how to set yourself up for success this holiday season.
Step 1: Set Up In-Person Checkout with the Big Cartel App
The Big Cartel app for iOS and Android lets you take your shop anywhere perfect for holiday markets, art fairs, and pop-up shops.
Here’s how to get started:
- Download the Big Cartel app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and tap the menu icon.
- Select “In-Person Checkout.”
- Tap the settings icon (gear) to configure your preferences:
- Payment methods – enable credit/debit cards via Stripe, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Cash App, and the game‑changer: Tap to Pay directly on your phone.
- Sales Tax: Decide whether to include tax in your prices or charge it separately. Tap the settings icon to set a local rate for in-person orders or leave blank to skip. Big Cartel does not calculate and remit tax on in-person orders.
- Your business location - Start selling! Accept cash, card, or mobile wallet payments directly from your phone or tablet.
Pro tip: Tap to Pay makes checkout faster than ever - no extra hardware needed. Just hold your customer’s card or phone near your device to accept payment instantly.
Step 2: Make It Personal
Holiday shoppers love the story behind the gift. Add your personal touch with:
- Handwritten thank-you notes
- Simple gift wrapping
- Exclusive market-only discounts or bundles
These small gestures go a long way in turning first-time buyers into loyal fans.
Step 3: Make a checklist!
We’ve put together a helpful checklist to prepare for your Holiday markets and craft fairs.
- Register & Plan: Confirm your market spot, booth size, and rules.
- Inventory Ready: Bring products, extras, and clearly labeled pricing.
- Payment Setup: Install Big Cartel app and enable Tap to Pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit/debit cards).
- Mobile Payments: Enable Venmo, Cash App, and cash options for flexibility.
- Display Materials: Table, tablecloth, signage, props, and packaging.
- Marketing Materials: Business cards, flyers, or promo info.
- Discounts: Use the Big Cartel discounts feature to print out for in person buyers to return.
- Arrive Early & Set Up: Arrange products for easy browsing and highlight featured items.
- Engage Customers: Greet warmly, answer questions, and offer gift wrapping.
- Track Sales: Use Big Cartel app for in-person checkout and inventory updates.
- Post-Event Wrap-Up: Count inventory, reconcile sales, restock, and update online store.
Pro Tip: If some of your in-person shoppers want to send gifts, make it easy for them to have items shipped directly from your shop. With automatic shipping rates and discounted shipping labels, you can offer accurate pricing and save on costs—all without leaving your dashboard.
Include a small card in in-person orders with your shop’s URL so customers can easily reorder or explore more items later. And for an extra incentive, add a special discount code to thank them for supporting your business both in person and online.
Selling in person is about more than just transactions - it’s about connecting, sharing your story, and bringing joy to someone’s holiday season. Every conversation, and every gift you send out into the world matters. With your creativity, Big Cartel’s tools, and a little holiday spirit, you’re set to make this season your most memorable one yet. Go out there, have fun, and sell with confidence- you’ve got this!