Accepting Credit Cards

[squirrel64]

Just wondering how many of you are accepting credit cards. It's been a while since someone posted about it according to the searches. Just wondering which mobile and online types you are using. Best merchants ? Bad experiences ?

I'm to the point now that it will be beneficial. Paypal fees are high. So looking for alternative

Thanks

 

[DMD]

I use square. Its very easy. I tell people upfront that I charge 3% extra for credit cards. People don't seem to mind. I'd say about 10% of my customers pay with a credit card.

 

[treecutterjr]

I use square, also. I like it: no monthly fees or complicated Set up. And I also think that you get alot jobs you wouldn't have gotten becauseof not having the cash on hand

 

[squirrel64]

Yeah thanks guys. I kind of had square on top of list but just wanted some real opinions. Lost a couple of jobs over this so guess it's time to bite the bullet.

 

[gorman]

I use square but I don't charge the extra 3% even though I should. Then again, making sure I get paid is its own reward. Anyone else put a little extra on for the plastic use?

 

[squirrel64]

And seems it might be to my advantage (but not everyone) to accept on my website. Just another option that might just give the edge. This is a credit card society any more. Especially closer to larger cities. And we can use any edge we can get these days. I do know I've lost enough income to pay for 5 years of fees. Will be contacting Square soon

 

[Toddppm]

I had Direct connect in Chantilly and another co. for a few years before that then they start playing games and changing the fees making them outrageous. Changed to Revolution payment systems last year, they're in MD. Been really good so far and good rates. I don't have anything setup on my website but it can be done. We probably do $30-40k/yr through cc's. Worth it to me. I'm like Gorman, don't charge extra I'm just happy to have the money within a couple days in my account.

 

[treecutterjr]

And seems it might be to my advantage (but not everyone) to accept on my website. Just another option that might just give the edge. This is a credit card society any more. Especially closer to larger cities. And we can use any edge we can get these days. I do know I've lost enough income to pay for 5 years of fees. Will be contacting Square soon

You just go to the website and sign up. They mail you a square reader and u are set. Doesn't take 15 minutes.

 

[latunxitom]

I tell people upfront that I charge 3% extra for credit cards.

 

[GCJenks204]

I think you would be better off raising all your prices 5% assuming everyone is going to pay with a card. You could then offer a discount for cash. Much closer to the way a traditional retailer / service provider would do it. For sure you lose business if you don't accept cards, Square is becoming pretty ubiquitous I am even seeing it at farmers markets and craft sales (someone has to drive the wife around).

 

[OLD OAK]

I use square but I don't charge the extra 3% even though I should. Then again, making sure I get paid is its own reward. Anyone else put a little extra on for the plastic use?

Same here, i use Square and dont charge the 3%. I get check most of the time from customers anyway. Sometimes i get cash and most people who pay cash say they pay that way to keep the tax man from getting his share.

 

[isaacvent]

I always tell people upfront the there is an additional charge for cc's. That usually opens the door to them paying cash tho lol. I use square, it works well. Usually takes 2 business days for the money to hit the account. For me, the people who use cc's are usually in a bind financially. Its usually emergency/storm work and snow plowing that people are using cards. Generally, when someone wants to pay with a card I run it up front before the work starts. Its usually the only time I take money up front.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

I use square but I don't charge the extra 3% even though I should. Then again, making sure I get paid is its own reward. Anyone else put a little extra on for the plastic use?

No, it's the cost of doing business. Maybe discount cash payment but certainly don't add on a fee for using a CC!
A lot of my customers use a credit card for the airmiles. Figure a load of wood is close to $2000, so that a bit of miles. I'd rather have cash, but I've had several customers for the sole reason that I took credit cards.

 

[Aldegar]

+1 for square

 

[TC262]

I don't charge extra for credit cards but rarely have customers pay with one. I use the paypal card reader and the fees are comparable to square. Usually cc money stays in my palpal account for buying new tree toys.

 

[IHateTrees]

I use square. I have customers that we bill every year that we flat out don't talk too until their CC takes a hit. 27% of our customers pay with a CC in 2013. I offer no cash discount. I don't mark up for CC.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

Wanted to mention too if you feel Paypal fees are high, taking in credit cards isn't going to help. Paypal is 2.2% for merchants doing a fair amount of business (which I'd imagine you are). Most credit card readers are closer to 3%. Square is 2.75%.

 

[squirrel64]

Wanted to mention too if you feel Paypal fees are high, taking in credit cards isn't going to help. Paypal is 2.2% for merchants doing a fair amount of business (which I'd imagine you are). Most credit card readers are closer to 3%. Square is 2.75%.

I didn't realize that. I thought it was higher. My bad, for not doing better research. But the fact that many customers don't have a paypal account set up is one reason I did go ahead with Square account. Already set up and ready to go. Thanks for the help guys

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

Yeah the fees do suck, but everyone needs a bit of meat on the bone, I suppose the credit card processors need to pay to keep the lights on too.

I'd rather just do cash, but in this day and age, not many folks keep much cash available.

 

[TC262]

I didn't realize that. I thought it was higher. My bad, for not doing better research. But the fact that many customers don't have a paypal account set up is one reason I did go ahead with Square account. Already set up and ready to go. Thanks for the help guys

They don't need to have a paypal account. You just swipe their credit card with the reader they send you.