Hello
I am new here, and looking for advise when it comes to Credit Cards. I will try to get in to a local Winter craft market this year and sell my knitted items. I understand that it is a must, to accept credit card, not only cash. I will probably use the machine once or twice a year. What solution do you recommend ?
Comments
Look into ProPay for credit card processing. You can use a knucklebuster or ProPay's Jak, which is their version of Square and Intuit. The cost is $30 or $40 per year, plus about $40 for the Jak if you decide to use it. I've been using ProPay for 3+ years and have never had a problem with it.
Jacquelyn, I was surprised to read your comment. I guess I don't trust people. I would be so afraid I would never see any money and then, how do you get a hold of the people once they are gone? I am glad it worked out for you. Just a thought, why do people go to an Art Show with no money or no way to pay for something they want?
Ruth, I suppose it would depend on how convient a ATM machine is. I only lost one sale that I know of when I was doing the art walk because I didn't take credit cards. I did however have 3 people that didn't buy then because they didn't have cash but they called me later to arrange payment and I have had people go off to find an ATM and come back later to buy. But most of the artists there don't take credit cards so maybe the locals just know from past experience to bring other forms of payment.
The less wealthy pay cash. The really wealthy pay cash. Every one else pays with a credit card.
Sorry - going to have to disagree with Lisa here, completely different experience. Even for items under $100 you need to be able to take credit cards or you will lose some sales. The very first event we ever did in 2005 we weren't set up to take credit cards and lost 5 sales including one that was just a $20 item. Since 2005 the use of credit / debit cards has continued to grow.
Here's the trend I've noticed, art shows and events in smaller towns, rural communities or events that draw an older crowd, you will find that you receive more checks and cash. Events in cities - I hardly ever see anyone with a checkbook. You have products that appeal to the under 30 crowd? You can almost bet they are not carrying a check book, cash maybe, credit or debit card more likely.
I would say it depends on the price of your items. If you expect your sales to be under about $100 each then I think taking just cash or check might be ok for you. It also depends on the venue. If it's a small local craft market I don't think customers expect the sellers to take credit. For example I always take cash to a farmer's market even though I sometimes spend quite a bit at some vendors. If it's a higher end arts/crafts fair they would more than likely expect you to take credit. I sold at a local art walk for a couple years and never took credit.
PCI compliance in regards to a knucklebuster means that you obliterate all but the last four digits of the credit card number on the carbon that you give the customer, and that you shred or otherwise destroy the original after the info has been called in. In between, it's up to the merchant to safeguard the credit information. Since it's not real secure to keep those slips around, you are liable in case of theft. If you must use a knuckle buster, keep the slips on your person until you run them. Then put them in a safe or otherwise secure location.
I have been told that using a knuckle buster is not compliant. There are many rules for taking credit cards to protect your customer's identity. I know some artists are still using them, but I wouldn't recommend it. My merchant services provider was always updating my Nurit to make sure I was not printing or storing any total credit card numbers. I have since gone to the Square, and yes Jim, it is so easy.
If you have a smartphone, the Square or Intuit solutions cost you nothing to try. This topic has been beaten to death. Artists are overwhelmingly in favor of the smartphone solutions. Most of the road warriors already have an iPhone, Android or something like it, so the additional data overhead is negligible. If you don't have a smartphone, a knuckle buster will work fine. You'll still end up having to open a merchant account to use that, though. Square is practically painless. Read the posts on this site.
i realize that it has been discussed in length but if you are only going to use it once or twice a year get a knuckle buster and call the no's in on your cellphone. you may want to consider just cash and cks the machines and credit card company's do not make it worth the cost for one or two times a year. or ck with your local bank maybe they will set up an acct with you on a temporary basis.
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