We are going to host a booth at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation National Convention in March 2011 and it's our first trade show. We want to be able to accept credit/debit cards in a wireless format but I don't own a smart phone yet. Plus we won't be going to consistant trade shows so I need to not have an annual contract or monthly requirement fees... From those of you out there that are seasoned Art/trade-show booth hosters... What is a GOOD company that is easy to work with, has no monthly/annual fees or annual contract besides POS fees, that is reasonable on their costs? I am needing to get something solidified in the next couple weeks. Thanks, Amy
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I use ProPay. (Www.propay.com) I have an account that's one step up from the most basic and I pay $69/year for it, but there's no monthly fee. (Of course there are per-transaction charges This level of account allows me to accept Visa, MC, Discover, and American Express, and it's so much easier to say "Yes, I do!" when someone asks about taking those last two cards.
While I could enter the transactions over a phone, I prefer the online entry process. (Use a knuckle-buster to do the sale, then enter the #'s online....which can be tedious.) They do have a little electronic swiper gizmo, and some smartphone versions, too, for an extra cost. A couple of times I've needed to work with them on a couple of issues (went over their processing limit twice) and they graciously and quickly extended exceptions to me--now, that's great customer service.
Check 'em out--they're a good outfit.
Sandy Giuliani > 1e0h7rhqio2h7February 10, 2011 at 1:58pm
I, too, use Propay, love it, no issues except one time when I transposed numbers, dah. Also when I request money, the transaction is fast!
Thanks for your feedback so far everybody. Very helpful info. I still am on the fence so far though. Trying to get as much "insider" info before I commit. Thanks again... keep them coming! :)
Try First National Processing who is a sponsor here. Rather than wireless ask them about one of their store and forward machines. Pretty inexpensive ($150 or so), a good rate, and you simply plug into a phone line at the end of the day and upload your transactions. Challenge with wireless is the monthly connect charge is usually $15-20.
The person who pays the bills here at ArtFairInsiders.com commends you Gary for this great recommendation! Amy, it is surely worth a call to them...they have untold kinds of options and can narrow it down for you quickly. 1st National Processing is a good starting point.
Jim Dalton > Gary HaynesJanuary 14, 2011 at 9:34am
If you are in BB&T's service area, they offer a seasonal merchant plan where you pay $15 for service only in the months you accept cards. We have used them 10 years and could not be more pleased.
I just signed up for intuit gopayment. If sales are under $1200 a month there is no monthly fee. However it does work with a smart phone. I only work about 4 shows a year so this is a great plan for me. Plus the transactions will go to my quickbooks online to be downloaded to my business quickbooks. Which is a great plus for not having to manual entry the sales. Hope this helps.
Another thought is that if your cell phone has web access, or if the event you are doing has electricity and Wifi, you could take a laptop and have paypal available.
Replies
I would add that I too use ProPay and I love them! I've used them for 6 years with no problem :)
Good luck at your first trade show!
Meredith
I use ProPay. (Www.propay.com) I have an account that's one step up from the most basic and I pay $69/year for it, but there's no monthly fee. (Of course there are per-transaction charges This level of account allows me to accept Visa, MC, Discover, and American Express, and it's so much easier to say "Yes, I do!" when someone asks about taking those last two cards.
While I could enter the transactions over a phone, I prefer the online entry process. (Use a knuckle-buster to do the sale, then enter the #'s online....which can be tedious.) They do have a little electronic swiper gizmo, and some smartphone versions, too, for an extra cost. A couple of times I've needed to work with them on a couple of issues (went over their processing limit twice) and they graciously and quickly extended exceptions to me--now, that's great customer service.
Check 'em out--they're a good outfit.
Try First National Processing who is a sponsor here. Rather than wireless ask them about one of their store and forward machines. Pretty inexpensive ($150 or so), a good rate, and you simply plug into a phone line at the end of the day and upload your transactions. Challenge with wireless is the monthly connect charge is usually $15-20.
Gary
www.reflectionsimaging.com
I just signed up for intuit gopayment. If sales are under $1200 a month there is no monthly fee. However it does work with a smart phone. I only work about 4 shows a year so this is a great plan for me. Plus the transactions will go to my quickbooks online to be downloaded to my business quickbooks. Which is a great plus for not having to manual entry the sales. Hope this helps.
Another thought is that if your cell phone has web access, or if the event you are doing has electricity and Wifi, you could take a laptop and have paypal available.
Hope this helps some.
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