Best way to go - accepting credit / debit cards - Forum

Hello,

I'm a new member on this site.

After years in the corporate world (which I never liked at all) I'm finally getting back to art, which is what I always meant to do in the first place, and what I went to University for... I just got sidetracked trying to be practical for the past decade...

Anyway, I'm just now getting my business started, and doing it legitimately. I'm new at doing craft fairs so I'd appreciate advice.

I'm starting off slow, trying to take it easy and do it one step at a time.

My website's under construction, and I'll just do a few small shows this spring & summer to get started.

That said, I'd like to be able to accept credit cards, & or debit cards.

Please, if you have experience, your advice would be appreciated on what is the best way to go about getting this capability, and which are the best providers I could go through. I'd like a credit card merchant with integrity and reasonable rates.

Also, is there anything I should beware of? Are there "strings" I need to be prepared for?

Thanks again!

Eva

squareup.com. you need an apple or android phone with data plan. they're backed by JP Morgan Chase and are PCI Tier 1 compliant (tough banking security policies)

they have the cheapest cost per transaction that I've found anywhere. no monthly fee, no setup fee, no software fee, the reader is free too. if you scan using the reader there's only a percentage fee per transaction. you only pay a flat + percentage fee unless you hand enter the number.

I did the math comparing it to authorize.net for another iphone app and with square's old flat + percentage fee setup authorize.net became cheaper only at more than $2000/month in sales every month of the year. now I'm sure it's more like $2500-3000/month.

it's a great option until you hit $30,000 in sales per year every year.

you just have to carry a smartphone and the reader with you. this doesn't make them the best option to sell online but if you just do shows you can walk up to the customer, take their card, swipe it, show them the amount and never move an inch.

Replies

Kevin Carlyle March 31, 2011 at 11:10am

squareup.com. you need an apple or android phone with data plan. they're backed by JP Morgan Chase and are PCI Tier 1 compliant (tough banking security policies)

they have the cheapest cost per transaction that I've found anywhere. no monthly fee, no setup fee, no software fee, the reader is free too. if you scan using the reader there's only a percentage fee per transaction. you only pay a flat + percentage fee unless you hand enter the number.

I did the math comparing it to authorize.net for another iphone app and with square's old flat + percentage fee setup authorize.net became cheaper only at more than $2000/month in sales every month of the year. now I'm sure it's more like $2500-3000/month.

it's a great option until you hit $30,000 in sales per year every year.

you just have to carry a smartphone and the reader with you. this doesn't make them the best option to sell online but if you just do shows you can walk up to the customer, take their card, swipe it, show them the amount and never move an inch.
Barry Vangrov March 30, 2011 at 8:04pm

Since you're just starting out and only doing a few small shows this year, you'd be best to go with something like ProPay that have no fees and you don't need any equipment. You can authorize over the phone or on their website. I take down the cc info from my customer including a contact number and/or email and authorize the charge later or sometimes right away over the phone. Think about it, how many people buying at art shows are really going to use fake credit cards to rip off the artist?

I've not had one charge not go through but if there is a problem like the card is maxed out, etc. you have the customer contact info. If the business turns into something big later you can pay for a more traditional merchant processing system. You are smart to accept credit cards right from the beginning. Not accepting them will lose you business.
Michael Schramm March 30, 2011 at 7:00pm

Hi Eva,

We have been accepting cc for 10+ years and have been with ~4 processors. It would be best to talk live so we can answer questions, plus I do not type fast. Our # is 715-499-6898, ask for me, Michael, leave a # and good time to call back if you get our voice mail.

Michael and Carmel, SimplyLivingJewelry.com
Linda Anderson March 30, 2011 at 1:37pm

Hi Eva,

I use Intuit for my website credit card purchases and use the Intuit's Go Payment for shows. The rates are good and I have had zero problems - started the website over 5 years ago and used Go Payment for a couple of years. I personally use the I-Phone with Intuit's card reader and it's a snap. I love the simplicity by Intuit for both merchant accounts.

Additionally - be careful about those knuckle busters. I think most states have banned them which is why I switched over to IPhone payments. Also - newer credit cards do not have the raised numbers.
Pat Sorbini March 29, 2011 at 8:28pm

Check previous dsicussions re The Square. If you have a smart phone it is a great option. No fees, Authorization on site, 2.75% discount is the only charge.
Ellen DeVita March 29, 2011 at 3:20pm

I have been using propay for a.e years with no problems. Their fees are low and they are easy to contact via phone if there is a problem. I use a knuckle buster and slips that were purchased on ebay. No need to spend more. Also if you have a Etsy account they have a special yearly rate.
Tahmi DeSchepper March 28, 2011 at 10:02pm

I'm lucky that I live in a small town that still has a small town, local bank. They have great service, great rates and real people to talk to if anything should happen to go wrong. I walked in 9 years ago when my business was just a twinkle in my eye and they helped me get everything set up. They have since proven to be a great partner for my business. So if you have a local bank or credit union, definitely give them a try.
Karole Bowlds March 26, 2011 at 1:17pm

The easiest, most economical option for any person doing a few shows, and someone just starting is: a virtual terminal, knuckle buster and slips. You can check with your own bank, check out Merchant warehouse, Pro-pay and all the others too. Do some research- there will be some fees. I chose Merchant warehouse because, during my down season I can suspend the account and not have fees, and with the knuckle buster, I KNOW it will work. Techie stuff is dependant upon- electricity, internet connectivity, cell service, etcetera. I live in Maine where, we still have areas with no cable or cell service. I have also done shows that said there would be wireless internet, but that was not true. So with knuckle buster and slips, I can still make a sale. I have also stopped carrying the laptop to my short term (one day) because it's one more piece of equipment you have lug, watch over,etc.

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