Hey folks- I'm looking forward to my first show Sept. 3 and recently signed up with ProPay so I can take credit cards. I will have a knucklebuster & try and run approvals through my regular cell (I don't have a smartphone) if I'm able to (don't really see why not- it doesn't take too much time) - or will enter the info when I get home. My question is collecting the information for the cards- and where to put it. In addition to what's imprinted (Name, Card # & Expiration Date), ProPay requires Zip - and recommends getting the CVV2 #... and I think I'd like to get phone numbers & addresses as well... WHERE should I write all of this down - on the credit card form (there's not too much room) - or on a separate sales slip that I can staple to my copy? I want to be as prepared as I can... any suggestions???
Thanks so much!!
Replies
As you have noticed, there are several smartphone / mobile options available. I have looked at several, and Square and GoPayment look like a good fit for me.
My problem (like many others, I believe) is I do not have an android, or IOS device, and do not expect to for quite some time unless one magically falls out of the sky :-) my current phone does have web access, however.
It appears GoPayment has a virtual terminal that can be accessed through my current (semi-smart) phone as well as from my pc at home. If I have signal I can manually run the card, if not, I can knucklebust it and run it later.
As far as the impring slips go, One option is to keep a pair of scissors handy and cut off all but the last 4 digits of the cc# on the customer's copy.
You can get very reasonable cell service with data through pageplusecelluar.com they have a byod policy, that's "bring your own device" I bought a droid x from cowboom.com for $80 and am paying $30 a month for my phone, that gives me 1200 mins, 3000 text and 100mb of data. Spuare uses a tiny amount of data, typically at the end of the month I still have at least 40mbs of data left that I try to use up. Ppc is a pre paid cell provider that works only on the verizon network so the phone you bring has to be a verizon one. My charges typically are in my account the next day, or if it's a holiday weekend the day after that. I really like square have been using it for almost 2 years now and haven't had a problem yet.
That does it - I'm getting a smartphone. You all have convinced me!! Oh new toys :)
I've used propay and a knucklebuster without fail for the past two years. Only issue I had is I don't include the name when I input the card, already shredded the slip, and can't remember what item I sold for inventory purposes. Getting old and forgetful is difficult! :)
Suggestion: As someone else pointed out, customers get transaction amnesia when they get their bill. Tell them how your transaction will appear, and even write it down on their receipt. Not foolproof but it may help.
I use Square, could not be easier or cheaper. You do need a smart phone or i-Pad. I told a friend that runs a scuba charter, and now he uses it. No complaints.
I am also a newbie and am doing my first real show in June. I purchased a wireless terminal 2 years ago and it has worked fine for the few things I've done. My question is am I paying too much for fees? I didn't know I had a choice in services till I read all these posts. Everyone seems to be using smart phones but as I don't have one nor am I tech savvy and have already bought the terminal I don't really want to switch right now. They are charging 1.86 plus .15 cents per qualified transaction and 2.37 plus .15 cents for midqualified. I am also paying $15 monthly service fee. Should I be looking at something else or is this in line?
Thanks!
Any advice???
Sara- Your fees are "in line" for a wireless terminal. When adding up your wireless fees vs smart phone data fees don't forget that you will also be charged a (about) $150. 00 per year fee to make sure your wireless terminal is secure and compliant. (I forget the techie term they use).
You don't need to be tech savvy for a smart phone. (I actually had to take mine to the Verizon store to learn how to get it to hook up to the system!) I've now had my iphone, which I got so I could use Square, for 4 mos and love it! Both the phone and Square. No monthly charges. No compliance fees. And you can even program Square to figure the tax for you! When I added everything up the monthly fees just weren't that far apart.
Lisa,
I have several friends who use propay and it works for them for the most part. The only problem any of them have had is with chargebacks. One friend has had a few customers not recognize her name on their credit card statement and call their credit card company telling them they didn't make that transaction. Later when things were sorted out and the customer realized the charges were legit, she still was charged for the charge back. This has happened more than once. Make sure your customers know how the charge will appear on their bill.
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