I thought I would share this with everyone who accepts Credit Card Sales. Since the majority of sales are paid by Credit Cards, I noticed an increasing amount of customers write on the back of their cards for the merchant to "check ID". Most of the time (to be honest, when I remember) I look for this and I do ask for ID's. I figure they wouldn't put it on the back if they didn't want us to ask. The response 100% of the time is a "thank you for asking", most people don't check". Im sure its just not with the artist but big box stores as well. I would encourage all artist who accept credit cards to ask for ID's if stated on the card. Customers really do appreciate it and it makes us look professional, even more so then most merchants who don't ask. Just my advice.
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I require to see ID for all my CC purchases. Being from WA originally, I had no idea that some states didnt allow this request. I'll have to check it out now. I require ID for two reasons. Main reason of course is to make sure the user is the card holder and also so I can see the zipcode. With age, background noise and customers not paying attention I often have a very difficult time understanding when they rattle off their zipcode. It sounds like Klingon most of the time, lol. Like David, I get a "thank you" most of the time but never had anyone refuse or get cranky about it.
The signature on any receipt is not very useful and it is very important to check the ID. I recently made a purchase at Lowes and when it came time to sign the card transaction pad I just signed "It is Me" instead of my name. Worked for a $700 transaction and no ID was requested.
I think it is great to ask for an ID and explain it is a safeguard to protect them...Why would anyone object if they are honest?
Thanks for sharing, David. Interesting article.
Diane - you're right! That changed along with the Frank-Dodd Wall Street reform stuff in 2010... sheesh Google threw out an old article. Merchants can now require a $10 minimum purchase for use of a credit card (doesn't apply if card is used as a debit card though) according to Congressional law.
I think the minimum sales law has been changed rater recently.
hmm. Interesting article Megan. Thank you for sending that. Also interesting about the minimal sale law. So I guess my question is, what would you do if the back of the card is not signed but written "see id". If the law in that particular state says you cannot accept a card if its not signed would you not accept the sale? For me personally there are time you just have to make a judgment call in the best interest of both parties. If the card is blank than you can ask them to sign it on the spot (according to the article) however, "check Id's" Im going to ask for the ID since to the customer feels that is in their best interest and feels most secure. To me (and I obviously dont make the law) a signed signature can be easily forged, but a drivers license with the customers picture and name is much more valid. I am even considering doing that to my own CC's. for my own protection.
Be careful with this. You can ask - but customer's still have the right to refuse and you are required to accept the card without seeing their license. The laws vary from state to state. And technically, a card that is unsigned or has 'see ID' is not valid - the signature is the card holders agreement to the issuing banks terms. Neither the USPS or the BMV (at least here in Indiana) will accept a card with anything other than a signature for payment.
Here's some more info: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/13806200/ns/business-consumer_news/t/merc...
I would venture to guess that checking ID is more important now with everyone using mobile devices because no one's signature on that iphone or ipad looks like the signature on the back of a credit card.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100