I need to start taking credit cards at art shows as not many people carry checks or much cash these days. I'm looking for a credit card reader that works with my android phone. I've seen people use them, it plugs into the top of your phone and you swipe the card and you email them a reciept. Anyone use one of these?
thanks capt don
Depends on your volume--if you're going to do this more than 15 or so times a month, a number of "traditional" companies have responded to the Square challenge with more economical plans for MC and VISA.
However, Square still works better for me for Discover and AMEX--even as an adjunct to a regular merchant account for MC and VISA.
Thanks for the link to Square. Just signed up. I use paypal and like it but that free card slider is nice to have and does save a little in transaction fees.
RDKirk wrote:
Depends on your volume--if you're going to do this more than 15 or so times a month, a number of "traditional" companies have responded to the Square challenge with more economical plans for MC and VISA.
However, Square still works better for me for Discover and AMEX--even as an adjunct to a regular merchant account for MC and VISA.
Just a couple of things you should know. Having more than 1 credit card processing account is a violation of Visa and MasterCard processing agreements for ANY card servicer. Square may not do anything, but any other legitimate merchant services provider will. How do I know? I tried Square and my main merchant services supplier lieterally told me they would close my account if I continued to process card via Square. (For my daily transactions in the studio, that I have been using them for.) I do a pretty large volume of card transactions per month (40-150 transactions) and after doing the math, Square can't compete with my Capitol One Merchant Account at all. I only pay 1.39% on most (approximately 70%) of my card transactions. Including Discover. (American Express is the only one that charges more.) Only one montly Charge, $10.00 a Month for PCI compliance, scanning and security for my card processing. Nothing else.
Discover has changed alot in the last 6-8 months. If you are still paying more fees for them talk to your service provider...they are now run at the same rate MC/V are.
If you are only taking a few cards a month, Square will probably work for you. And if you like Square holding your money. I processed a charge on Square for 308.00 and one via my regular processor on the same day within hours of each other...My Capitol One account had the money in it the following night...I am still waiting on the Square money. They are SLOW. I don't know about you, but I am running a business and I need my cash in MY bank account, not in the Square account.
I am changing the name on the Square account for another side line business that I do, and will run a few cards through it a year.
I have been processing cards for a long time. There are alot of useless processors, and it is hard to find a good one. But if you do your homework you can find one and not pay ridiculous prices and fees. Start with your business account bank. They will most often give you a great deal to keep the business in their bank.
No monthly fee for Square. There is a transaction fee which is low if you are dealing with occasional use. If you take in over $1k then they hold the money a little longer.
I've had mixed results with the card reader and have actually had to key the card in manually more often than I'd like. When you key the card in, the transaction takes a little longer.
I've been using it occasionally since February. Works like a charm on my iPad - great for open studios events where I can take a deposit via credit card on the spot.
Square takes 2.75% per transaction.
They only hold onto the funds for about two to three days before moving it over to your linked account.
It works perfectly and smooth. I have a neighbor next to my studio who has been using a traditional credit card processing company, and the fees she gets hit with on a monthly basis should be against the law. She saw me use my Square and she almost passed out from how simple and easy it was.
Plus, it's free. Apply, get the dongle for free and try it out.
Brit-007 wrote:
No monthly fee for Square. There is a transaction fee which is low if you are dealing with occasional use. If you take in over $1k then they hold the money a little longer.
Currently, they're only holding the >$1K amount if that consists of key-in amounts. They should now be forwarding swiped transactions without the hold time.
Swiping transactions is problematical if you're not doing it in the right sequence, and as in most cases, it's necessary to swipe straight, smoothly, and quickly.
