I know it's an obscure question.....but what the hey. Got credit cards but know cash is king.
I like shows. Have a fetish for tankards, hip flasks. Kinda lite on buying garb. For opening weekend how much? Any guesses?
PUHLEASE tell me there's no tipping of ladies at the drum line. I hate to carry that many $1's ;D
There ARE ATM's... about a half a dozen of them. Carry as much as you feel comfortable with.
You really only need cash for food, beverages and tipping. The vendors take Lady Visa and Master Card.
All of that being said, if you are camping I would not want to carry too much on my person if I were you. Unfortunately thefts do happen even when camping with a large group. So your best bet is to have minimal at night and hit the ATM in the morning for lite spending cash and use the card for any memorabilia.
If you're trying to figure out budgeting, think of it as "disneyland" prices
We are a captive audience, and they know it
Tankards, depending on style can be over a hundred or as low as 25 for something that looks faireish
Hip flasks run the gambit from 10 for a plain one to 80+ for some seriously fancy ones and/or add 20-50+ for a nice leather case.
(Both of those are things I love shopping for myself)
Tipping is highly encouraged at the shows. The performers are paid, but the majority of what they make comes from tipping. Depending on the show, the amount I tip caries widely.
I can't think of running into a vendor in recent years that did not accept some form of credit cards, so cash itself for us is generally only for food and drink and a few extra for smaller purchases and tips.
*I don't worry about the idea of it being stolen at faire while walking around as much as losing it when digging through pouches while blitzed on rum*
At Scarborough there were two vendors who were willing to barter if I paid cash. More economic fall-out but the consumer is on the winning side there.
And for some reason. The performers seemed to like getting tips in the new gold dollars. Couple of them thanked me for the gold "dubloons".
I hate ATM fees. >:(
The TRF fee's are a wee bit steep. :o
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on July 12, 2009, 06:10:37 PM
You really only need cash for food, beverages and tipping. The vendors take Lady Visa and Master Card.
Well...not
all of the vendors take credit cards. We're looking into it, but we probably won't be set up for this year.
Quote from: Hercules on July 12, 2009, 08:25:49 PM
At Scarborough there were two vendors who were willing to barter if I paid cash. More economic fall-out but the consumer is on the winning side there.
And for some reason. The performers seemed to like getting tips in the new gold dollars. Couple of them thanked me for the gold "dubloons".
I hate ATM fees. >:(
We tip in gold dollars, too. It's just fun that way :)
Bring as much cash as you are willing to leave at my booth. ;D
Seriously tho, most of your cash outlay will be for food, drink & show tips. Most but not all of the vendors take credit now. HOWEVER, many of the vendors do not have a phone line & are restricted to the old knuckle-buster card machines. I have had several customers that ID theft issues refuse the purchase because of this. Also, some of these vendors may not take debit cards or gift cards. They are getting burned too many times by "empty" cards.
Even so, I rarely have a bad credit experience & only 3 bounced checks in 17 years. And never from Renfolk.
I've never used a personal check at Scarborough. I asked one time and got the " :-\ " look and haven't tried since.
Quote from: HollyAtFairyEffects on July 12, 2009, 09:58:20 PM
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on July 12, 2009, 06:10:37 PM
You really only need cash for food, beverages and tipping. The vendors take Lady Visa and Master Card.
Well...not all of the vendors take credit cards. We're looking into it, but we probably won't be set up for this year.
Oops! I get so mixed up sometimes between the mundane world and faire world. I forgot that some of the vendors don't have connectivity and so on. ::) I beg pardon for that error. :)
Quote from: ravic on July 12, 2009, 11:38:05 PM
Bring as much cash as you are willing to leave at my booth. ;D
How many wenches you got working at your booth? For some odd reason there appears to be a correlation between the number of wenches and the amount of my dinero disappearing.
Two of the different ATM machines at TRF that I went to get cash from had either a $5 fee or a $7 if I remember correctly. I was astounded.
That's why, not only to help budget, do I get cash out teh bank before I get to faire.
Yep, the gold dollar coins are great. They don't blow out of the tip baskets and you can toss them in from a distance. Last year, I made sure I flipped in the tip BEFORE the end of the performance, just to show the other audience folks that the basket was for tips and that tipping was good. Even got bows from the performers which I returned.
Plus, a sporran full of gold coins makes a happy sound and the bouncing is so...ooops ignore that.
Quote from: mpullen on July 13, 2009, 05:55:22 PM
Yep, the gold dollar coins are great. They don't blow out of the tip baskets and you can toss them in from a distance. Last year, I made sure I flipped in the tip BEFORE the end of the performance, just to show the other audience folks that the basket was for tips and that tipping was good. Even got bows from the performers which I returned.
Plus, a sporran full of gold coins makes a happy sound and the bouncing is so...ooops ignore that.
Painful?
Scarborough ATM fees also reminded me of the Capital One's medieval commercials where they're fleecing the town folks.
Personally I like to keep about $100 worth of gold dollars rolled up and discretely kept in my britches. ;D
Just remember one very important fact- bludgeoning a would-be thief with a wallet with $300 dollars in bills in it tends to be ineffectual at best. Bludgeoning a would-be thief with a pouch containing $300 of gold dollar coins tends to result is a happy little trip to the ICU for the thief ;D
TRF is pretty out-of-the-way and there are not a lot of bank ATMs in the area so you may want to check your bank's website for the nearest ATM. It's a sickness I guess, but I refuse to pay the cash withdrawal fees charged by out of network ATMs. That said, I usually bring about $200 - 300 with me, but I usually go several times so if I see something I want and don't have the coin, I get it next time around. If you are only going once, you may want to bring more depending upon how much you are going to eat or drink. As for theft, follow the old traveller's advice and get yourself a belly band and keep most of your money, cards and ID there, it's almost impossible to lose or steal something tied around your waist under your clothes or garb. If you plan on using a credit card remember to bring a state issued ID with you as most vendors will check it to ward off fraud. Some people leave it in their car or campsite and have to walk all the way back to get it. There are still a significant number of shops that do not take credit so budget your cash accordingly.
Just something real quickly, if you bank with Woodforest National Bank, they DO open a window just inside the front gates. No fees for Woodforest clients.
I love my bank.
Quote from: eloquentXI on July 13, 2009, 03:02:32 PM
Two of the different ATM machines at TRF that I went to get cash from had either a $5 fee or a $7 if I remember correctly. I was astounded.
That's why, not only to help budget, do I get cash out teh bank before I get to faire.
Yegads ... thanks for the warning, Eloquent! I've never used the ATMs at TRF, and will try my best to avoid them. :o
I have never used an ATM at faire- but I do TRF and Scarby very frugally. All I need at faire are my friends, my flask and my wand! LOL!
Quote from: Queen Bonnie on July 14, 2009, 09:11:23 AM
I have never used an ATM at faire- but I do TRF and Scarby very frugally. All I need at faire are my friends, my flask and my wand! LOL!
I've tried being frugal...but I have a flask fetish (among others), which leads to needing flask holder(s), which leads to belts to hold the holder(s) to hold the flask(s). It's a viscious, cruel circle!!!! :'(
Well Herc, as long as you remember to bring enough money to buy me a drink and something shiny, then nothing else matters!
:P :-*
*just kidding by the way*
Wish I could escape with just drinks and "sparklies". My coin purse has been emptied on occassion as I have transformed more then one lady from "tourist" to full blown rennie inclusive of jewelry (dern puzzle rings!!!)...I am too easily charmed. 'Specially when drunk and/or horny
Quote from: Hercules on July 14, 2009, 11:27:02 AM
Wish I could escape with just drinks and "sparklies". My coin purse has been emptied on occassion as I have transformed more then one lady from "tourist" to full blown rennie inclusive of jewelry (dern puzzle rings!!!)...I am too easily charmed. 'Specially when drunk and/or horny
*pulls out a non-descript bottle and offers it to Hercules, while flashing some major ankle*
Here you go honey :P
How much cash? How much do you have? :D
Quote from: Fraser of Lovatt on July 13, 2009, 06:00:56 PM
Quote from: mpullen on July 13, 2009, 05:55:22 PM
Yep, the gold dollar coins are great. They don't blow out of the tip baskets and you can toss them in from a distance. Last year, I made sure I flipped in the tip BEFORE the end of the performance, just to show the other audience folks that the basket was for tips and that tipping was good. Even got bows from the performers which I returned.
Plus, a sporran full of gold coins makes a happy sound and the bouncing is so...ooops ignore that.
Painful?
Laddie, your wearing your sporran in the wrong place.
Ach, no. I wear it right where it needs to be! I just don't be loading it down with coin! That's what me belt pouch is for. ;)
My recommendation on moneys:
When I was jailbai- I mean much younger, a bunch of fellow students and I would caravan to TRF from North Louisiana. Around $300 bucks got me fuel for my Volvo, some Spaghetti-O's to cook over the fire (in the free campgrounds where I slept in a rolled-up Southwestern blanket to keep the dew off my head in the mornings), tickets for the weekend, a couple of turkey legs, some fried sweet potatoes, water and soda, tips for the shows, and a souvenir necklace or piece of garb. Ah, to be young again and in the early 90s economy!
Nowadays, if you've already paid for the camping, and your tickets, nevermind that hopefully you have better camping gear than I did back then, then count on at LEAST $300 for food and drink and show tips for the weekend, and for small incidental (read: drunken) purchases (I totally NEED that TANKARD!). For a hard drinking guy, more around 4 if you like to buy drinks for beautiful ladies who gave you advice about money... ;D Large purchases are probably going to involve the Noble Cards, unless you've got plans to purchase something special and get the cash out in advance.
Back before i was REALLY into TRF, my friend & i each spent over $200 EACH on mainly beer... i think we ate something but the whole adventure is kinda fuzzy. ;)
Quote from: Fraser of Lovatt on July 17, 2009, 07:13:25 AM
Back before i was REALLY into TRF, my friend & i each spent over $200 EACH on mainly beer... i think we ate something but the whole adventure is kinda fuzzy. ;)
Yup..that was me at Scarborough. Brought $100 thinking that would be more then enough. A Bo'darc tankard and several Widmers later proved me wrong. Then the seasoned rennie gal that accompanied me went shopping. My card statement that month looked like it should've been written in Latin. :-[
As the poor college student, I think on the weekend I was shortest cash last season...I maybe brought in $40 for the weekend for food in grounds and drink. I came out with cash left over though because I didn't go shopping and I wanted to have some food on the trip home Sunday night to Denton. But...I filled my car up both ways and then bought my own tickets. Beyond that I didn't have to afford much. Thanks to our cook, I didn't go hungry. I don't drink much and I cant buy my own alcohol on grounds. ^_^;
Quote from: eloquentXI on July 17, 2009, 09:16:33 AMI cant buy my own alcohol on grounds. ^_^;
GADZOOKS! You're not saying someone provides you with drink "off" grounds are you!? :o Shirley no one would do that. ;D
Must say I ain't looking forward to the gas bill for the 4x4 hauling the camper all the way out there.
buncha lushes...
Anyway, the key point is pre-planning. If you know you're going to buy X, Y, and Z, carry 150% of the cash necessary to buy those things, that way you have extra. The ATMs should only be used for emergency purchases :D
Quote from: Breandan on July 17, 2009, 02:28:15 PM
buncha lushes...
Compliments will get you no where. ::)
This year at Scarby we discovered that a lot of the vendors will not charge you tax if you pay cash, or (since that might get them into trouble with the IRS) they offer a cash discount of about 8.25%. It's nice when they take cards so you have the option, but the discount is nice if it's a large purchase. So excited about TRF that I can hardly stand it........ ;D
well, you can't get your friends sotted on credit card receipts ;D
It's true! My friends, who are on this website about renaissance festivals -- you've probably never heard of it -- use beer and cider to get me sotted.
Never credit card receipts. I tried to drink a credit card receipt once, but I just couldn't get the hang of it.
Quote from: midnightferret on July 22, 2009, 11:35:17 PM
I tried to drink a credit card receipt once, but I just couldn't get the hang of it.
It's like tea, you just need to steep it longer ;D
Quote from: midnightferret on July 22, 2009, 11:35:17 PM
It's true! My friends, who are on this website about renaissance festivals -- you've probably never heard of it -- use beer and cider to get me sotted.
Never credit card receipts. I tried to drink a credit card receipt once, but I just couldn't get the hang of it.
Can you say Currant and Cider. ;) Muwahahahaha
It's the daggum clothing that always cleans me out. Women that go with me...they get into one of those garb shops and get that gleam in their eye. They give me that puppy dog look. Then me and the wallet are screwed.
TRF is stag for me!
(for now~sigh~)
Where were you when I was single? LOL
Quote from: Hercules on July 23, 2009, 09:15:52 AM
It's the daggum clothing that always cleans me out. Women that go with me...they get into one of those garb shops and get that gleam in their eye. They give me that puppy dog look. Then me and the wallet are screwed.
TRF is stag for me!
(for now~sigh~)
You know, I HAVE been looking at a new gypsy theme...
*giggles, then gets ready to burn a hole in Herc's pouch and steal his wallet*
Herc, never proclaim a weakness for ladies in need in a forum filled with ladies who will charm you like a siren with their womanly wiles for garb... you'll never have money again ;D
YOU'RE GONNA BE BROKE!
"If women didn't exist, all the money in the world would have no meaning. " - Aristotle Onassis
'Sides...so far I'm safely anonymous.
I think..... :-\
Kitten?
never underestimate the powers of faire women... they have their ways... :-[
*point, click..... stalk*
Anonymous??
And what's with this kitten nonsense?
Quote from: Hercules on July 23, 2009, 12:22:14 PM
"If women didn't exist, all the money in the world would have no meaning. " - Aristotle Onassis
And I'm sure men never spend ANY coin on anything ... :D
Quote from: Hercules on July 23, 2009, 12:22:14 PM
'Sides...so far I'm safely anonymous.
I think..... :-\
What's the fun in being unknown? ;)
As for me, I'm hoping to bring more money to TRF than I did on my last visit. But that depends on where else my travels take me!
Quote from: Blushing on July 23, 2009, 12:55:21 PM
And I'm sure men never spend ANY coin on anything ... :D
We do...on women. ;D
"Kitten" was the pet name (she gave it to herself, I didn't!) of the lady that got me hooked into this. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if she was lurking these waters. :-X