ATMs at faire?

[groomporter]

Due to the current banking industry problems interest rates on credit cards are being raised even if you have no balance and pay on time. Therefore in the the next year or two as a crafter I'm expecting to see fewer credit card purchases, so it may be vital to the health of the Renfair economy for people to be able to get quick cash for making spontaneous purchases.

[Woodland Artisan]

ATMs are just one of those services that any business of good size is going to need to provide these days.  It's a convenience for most and a necessity for many (patron or merchant alike).  While we, as merchants ourselves, take debit and credit cards (phone line isn't necessary but appreciated when available; cellular access when it's not), I know of several merchants that take ATMs on-site into account when deciding to set up at a faire.

Unfortunately, ATMs being onsite isn't realiable.  Far too often too hard to find; too busy; non-working for some reason.  That's why we don't bet our business on it and just take care of it ourselves.  Besides, the vast majority of our customers pay by card anyway.  Probably because of our product/price mix.  They tend to save their cash-on-hand for the pubs and tips, I suppose.

[Lady Nicolette]

I know that I've seen people at Faire do fun things whilst using the ATM's, such as making various obiesences, loudly proclaiming it's magick, etc. upon receiving money from them.  When I first started Faire, no one had ATM's or credit cards, it was all cash.  I think it's a convenience just like credit cards, better to have the choice than none at all.  And, as groomporter mentioned, as more people are becoming allergic to using their credit cards, it's a great thing for those of us who have things to sell when people decide they absolutely must get just a little more cash.

[Jack Daw at Work]

The ATMs at TRF are adequately disguised and are handy.  Works for me!

[Adriana Rose]

There is no problem with the ATM's they are there people run out of cash and they can get it.. I dont mind at all..

it makes things easier for the patrons and a happy patron is a patron who wants to spend money

[Lims]

I work at the MiRF and the two ATMs ( one near the entrance, and the other in between the joust and the guiness pub, are tastefully hidden.  They are a godsend to quite a few people that are not aware how much money to bring with them and/or how much they are going to love the artisans' work.

I think it's a great thing.  Anyone who'd think they're not period should really look around.  People on cell phones, fanny packs, cigarettes,...  hell...  even glasses.  lol

[tampapix]

I work at the MiRF and the two ATMs ( one near the entrance, and the other in between the joust and the guiness pub, are tastefully hidden.  They are a godsend to quite a few people that are not aware how much money to bring with them and/or how much they are going to love the artisans' work.

I think it's a great thing.  Anyone who'd think they're not period should really look around.  People on cell phones, fanny packs, cigarettes,...  hell...  even glasses.  lol

Amen.  First BARF I went to I was woefully underfinanced.  Had to head home without a trebuchet.  This is the ATM at BARF 2009.  It's near the entrance/exit.

[bellevivre]

The ATMs at TRF are MTA's too...

heee... monetary transference alchemy!!!

(I always see the sign backwards... I'm a dork, i know)

I DO really think they're necessary... for example, a newbie who might want to make their first big investment but didn't know they needed that kind of money...

or, heaven forbid! you've run out of walking around money!!!

[Scotsman]

Although I think ATMs at faire are a must,  I try to take enough cash with me to faire, the only time I carry a lot of cash with me.  Whenever I've tried to pull cash at MDRF, the ATMs are either out of money or there's 50 people waiting in line.

I second that ... the line for the ATM is longer than the line for the privy! That is the main reason I bring plenty of coin for the pub! 

[Marietta Graziella]

MN has an ATM right next to Bad Manor.  It looks ugly but it's easy to find...  Just follow the line.     I always carry plenty of lira on my person or leave a stash in my vehicle.  I'm not standing around in that line!  I also don't want to run out of mead money.   

[groomporter]

MN has an ATM right next to Bad Manor.  It looks ugly but it's easy to find...  Just follow the line.     I always carry plenty of lira on my person or leave a stash in my vehicle.  I'm not standing around in that line!  I also don't want to run out of mead money.   

There's also one in the depths of the north end of site next to the crafts museum/Folkstone Hall

[Bonny Pearl]

The ATM's are great, it's the jacked up usage fees that aren't!  Makes me think I'm in Vegas! 

[Serenity]

Those fees are exactly why I always bring more money than I think I will need for the day and charge at whatever vendors I possibly can!

[RumbaRue]

The ATM's at the events I go to are near the entrance of the event. Handy if no cash on you, bad on fees for using the dang machine.

[Queen Bonnie]

 I rarely use them- but how wonderous and magical it is to have a machine give you money! LOL!