shoplifters

A couple of years ago, our booth was the target of a shoplifter. We'd a very crowded booth and one of our honest customers mentioned that she saw a women steal one of our necklaces. I noticed that it was gone and proceeded to follow the older women in a hat- looking very credible- for a few booths. When she came out I queried-I'd like to see what is in your bag. She responded, I rather not. At that I said, then I will have to report you to the police. I gently took her bag, got my necklace and she disappeared out of the parking lot! Since then, my husband and I have a code word that we say aloud so the other hears, and pay close attention to suspicious booth visitors. Unfortunately, police protection is not usually available and my approach could have been dangerous.
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  • I use PayAnywhere.  Great rates, no limits, no monthly fees. I have a Smart Phone but my friend uses their system on her Android and another on an IPad.  The thing I didn't like about Square was that you share an account with everyone else.  I have my own account with PayAnywhere, which meant I had to go through an approval process--took only a few minutes.  Phone numbers to contact real people anytime or through email.  They have a portal where you can access your account as well as check things on your phone or Ipad.  They are local to me, which I also liked, being based in Troy, Michigan.
  • I love Square!  I have a droid phone wither verizon and have had no problems with reception except in my apartment :(  I also really really like the instant acceptance or decline.  I have had cards decline for whatever reason, and have been able to get other payment rather than be out the hole or hope I have the clients contact info.
  • WOW that sounds impressive.  Maybe you should put together instructions and sale them.  I'm sure this would help organize all of us.  That is the part I really hate doing. 
  • My husband sent them an email and they responded to all of his questions immediately.  I have AT&T.  I don't think you can switch to Verizon.  I think you have to buy a new IPad to do that.  Anyway, we may try it.  It has to be better than what we are currently using.  Thanks for all of the information.

     

  • I use Square with Android on Verizon.  Verizon has great coverage and you can always write down CC info and enter it by hand later if you are out of coverage (slightly higher rate for that).  

    After using it for several months they automatically upgraded me so when I had a $1000+ CC sale show last weekend all of the money was transferred.  I have not heard about the $3500 limit but would have to consider the cost (monthly fees and higher rates) of other providers before I would let it stop me.  

    I did have one problem once when my app was upgraded that led me to add checking my Square app and it's functionality to my pre-show checklist.  I have set Square up to prompt before it can update, and if it sends an update during a show I decline it.

  • Thanks this is good information.
  • A note about the square: I have stopped using mine, though I loved its convenience. Firstly, they cap the amount of income you can collect at around $1000. If you make over that amount in a week (I think) you have to WAIT 30 DAYS for them to send the balance to your bank. I asked for, and got, a variance on this rule, but it still only allowed me to receive $3500 in a week, and, sure, enough, I had to wait 30 days to actually receive the balance (which was, that time a whopping $3600!). That's a lot of money to have sitting in their bank account and not mine!

    Next con: I had to update my application recently and after having done so, I kept on getting kicked out of the program - couldn't log back in. I was told to delete the application and reinstall it. I did that and same result; was kicked out from the log-in page. So, I decided to start over and become a new applicant again. Oops! couldn't do that because MY email address is already in use by another (ME! you stupid-heads). So, caught between a rock and a hard place, I tried getting help. No joy. Look as hard as you can and there is nowhere on their site where you can email or call and get any help.

    ZERO customer service.

    The bottom line is, if it all goes well, AND you don't make too much money each week, you'll be fine with Square. But, if things fall apart you are out there on your own with no recourse, waiting for them to send your balance!

    Does anyone have any other mobile service (iphone, ipad) that they love and would like to share with us?

  • Thanks.  My husband just ordered the Square and we should have it in a couple of days.  We are done for the year but can get it ready for next year.  Are you using the IPad 1 or 2?  It also says it will work on my IPhone.  That might be easier.

     

  • Neat,  mine is not that complicated, and I'm glad for that.  I will keep that information in mind though.
  • I now have the square and am using it with my T-moblie android phone.  It works great and the funds are deposited into your accout right away.  Love it!
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