Forum

Taking pre paid credit cards at shows, esp manually-and getting stung

Posted by Judy Christian on June 18, 2013 at 9:43am in Art Show Information and Discussions

First time ever for me, but I took a bad card on Sunday, at Worthington, OH show.

My husband took it, I think I would have caught it because it did have an expired expiration date.

Anyway, I have never seen what would knowingly be a prepaid credit card- one that the person purchases and gets money loaded onto it, like a gift card.

So- does anyone know anything about these for transactions?

Do they look the same as a regular card?

Of course this makes getting off the knucklebuster and onto the square or something similar look like a good idea, thanks!

If this topic has already been discussed, please direct me to it.

Thanks!

Judy

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Replies

  • Lori Biwer-Stewart June 20, 2013 at 12:34pm

    I bought an iPad with 3G. That way I can use either wifi or my Verizon data package. I only have to buy my data on a per month basis too so no contract!

    • greta anthony > Lori Biwer-Stewart June 21, 2013 at 8:46am
      I use a samsung galaxy tab, verizon branded, with square. The new update allows me to input my inventory on the app which is really nice. When I need it I pay $20 for 1gb of data. That price isn't advertised on their website you have to call them to get it. The tab I have is an older one, sch i800. I know for a fact this one works, it's capable of making phone calls. From trolling the forums I've learned some of the newer tabs won't work with square. A friend just set up her verizon tab with talkforgood.com, she's paying $6 a month for 35mb of data. Tfg rents verizon's towers, so she's getting excellent coverage also. You can get this version of the tab on ebay for less then $160.
    • Judy Christian > Lori Biwer-Stewart June 20, 2013 at 12:44pm

      Ok. Please bear with me. We have Verizon and my husband has the internet connection on his phone. Can I use that with an Ipad? Or can I use that with my current laptop?

      I'm wondering if I can use a larger screen device without changing the phone service?

      To start, anyway. For now, I could use the square with the cell phone reception that we have, but I would like a larger screen, too.

      Thanks for telling me about the monthly basis package.

      • Lori Biwer-Stewart > Judy Christian June 20, 2013 at 1:13pm

        I think you can link to your phone and use your data from that (like wifi) but I'm not sure. The monthly package that I buy from Verizon is only about $20-$30 per month for 2GB. That has been plenty for me.

        If you think you might want to use the iPad with data make sure that you get an ipad that is set up for it. If you buy a wifi only iPad you will not be able to use the data package. Your Verizon salesman could explain it all better.

  • Elbert Morris June 20, 2013 at 12:01pm
    I'll give another thumbs-up for using an Ipad for CC processing at shows. The bigger screen is a blessing since the old eyes are not was they once were. The customer can also see the screen better than trying to do it on a phone. I am using both Square and PayPal here but I lean toward using PayPal Here more often. Both have excellent programs for the Ipad where you can enter a product list and have items ready to sell easily. The reason I go with PayPal Here more often is that I can be using the money from the sale minutes after it is completed if I want to. At the shows I will tether my WiFi only Ipad to my phone and leave it that way all day long. As long as I have some sort of cell reception I have the Ipad working on WiFi. Another side advantage to the Ipad is that I will load a couple of movies and some music on it before going to a show and I have something to relax with after the day is over.
    • Judy Christian > Elbert Morris June 20, 2013 at 12:31pm

      Elbert,

      Are you paying for a phone connection plus a wifi? Just trying to learn, thanks!

      Judy

  • Chris Hoyt June 19, 2013 at 7:26am

    It really makes no difference if the card is a prepaid one or not. With so many designs on the face of the cards, you can look right at it and not know.

    You got a bad card. We all do at one time or another. But those of us with electronic devices receive a "declined" notice.

    The time has come to ditch the knucklebuster. The credit card companies want them eliminated too. That's why more cards are issued with no raised info, and you cannot run them through the knucklebuster anyway.

    Besides, when you electronically transmit the info, there's no need to ask personal questions of the customer like their phone number, etc. The transaction is complete when they leave your booth.

    • Kale Van Leeuwen > Chris Hoyt June 19, 2013 at 9:24am

      My Ipad, and Wireless hotspot where the best purchases I have made for my business.  I use them everywhere.  I can put them in my bag and wherever I am I can sell something.

      • Judy Christian > Kale Van Leeuwen June 20, 2013 at 7:42am

        Thanks, everyone.

        Yes, I realize it's time to switch. I've made it a long way with paying the low fees for the swiper. But as Chris said, there are now so ma different cards out there...

        I've been next to neighbors who have had trouble with transmission, but I'm assuming those problems have been worked out by now.

        I just signed up for the square before posting this. (big smile).

        • Alison Thomas > Judy Christian June 20, 2013 at 9:44am

          You want to hang on to the knucklebuster just in case you can't get wireless at a show.  I've never run into that problem but I understand it can occur.

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