How do you take credit/debit card payments for call outs?

[Jacob Anthony]

Hi guys,

I 'm getting my repair business started soon and am trying to get all my systems in place before I start marketing myself.

One query I have stumbled across though is how I would accept payments. I've been looking at the options available for taking credit card payments. Just wondering what you guys use to take mobile credit card payments.

Do you use a mobile credit card terminal or do you process them via an ap on your phone.

If so, what do you use?

If not, what alternative method do you use?

Thanks for reading,

Jacob

 

[Martyn]

Paypal. I send an invoice from my Iphone with a Paypal link through Invoice2go.

 

[TenYardFight]

That's hilarious I actually came here to search for that answer and saw your post at the top of the list. I'm trying to figure out the best option right now. I'm going to have a physical location, so I'm going to want a credit card terminal there. Not only are swiped charges cheaper, customers don't want to see you typing their credit card number into your phone or your computer, seriously... On site, that might be your only option, but there's an Iphone cradle that acts as a swiped merchant terminal. Not "square" but something else more geared towards businesses. I also like the website Martyn mentioned, but if they're standing in my shop I'm going to want payment up front and at a tradional terminal I think. Maybe I'll end up with two solutions...

 

[Martyn]

I'm mobile so when I finish a job I send a pdf version of the invoice by email. They pay me cash or check their email and click the Paypal link for instant payment. I then email them a receipt, basically the invoice with a PAID stamp on it.

 

[154Tech]

If you have an iPhone or Android, you can use this:

https://squareup.com/

 

[Jacob Anthony]

If you have an iPhone or Android, you can use this:

https://squareup.com/

Looks like you need a US bank account for that one, whereas I'm in the UK. It looks like a nice piece of kit though!

 

[Xander]

I was really excited when Square was first announced but, as it launched and the details came out, it's far from ideal. It's really aimed at the 'small ticket' vendors.

"$100 max" is a bit of a deal breaker if I spend more than and hour-and-a-half on-site.

I'll invoice them by Paypal from their own computer and let them do the transaction while I'm there (customers in good standing might get billed after the fact).

 

[blackburgpchelp]

My credit card processor has a virtual gateway that I use when onsite, while I use a regular swiper for in-shop. No customer has minded that I use their computer to process the charge. I would like to get a wireless processor, but they run about $600.

Rance

 

[kale76]

Square now has no limit on the amount you can accept per transaction, but you can only transfer $1000 per week to your bank account. And I think the $1000 limit is for new members only and would be expanded once you show consistent use.

https://support.squareup.com/entries/160793-frequently-asked-questions-faq#how-much

 

[Ccomp5950]

One query I have stumbled across though is how I would accept payments. I've been looking at the options available for taking credit card payments. Just wondering what you guys use to take mobile credit card payments.

Do you use a mobile credit card terminal or do you process them via an ap on your phone.

If so, what do you use?

If not, what alternative method do you use?

Thanks for reading,

Jacob

I use directdata's merchant services gateway. I also created a payment option on my website which is listed on our invoice, it uses the API for our merchant service and is pretty well overkill but some customers have liked it.

 

[iptech]

Hi guys,

I 'm getting my repair business started soon and am trying to get all my systems in place before I start marketing myself.

What's wrong with the systems you already use for your ghostwriting business?

 

[Appleby]

I use a touch tone phone to process all my credit/debit card transactions. I call an automated number and follow the commands and it takes about 60 seconds and it gives me a confirmation number once it is approved which takes about 2 seconds.

 

[MrUnknown]

What's wrong with the systems you already use for your ghostwriting business?

Don't you mean Wally Greens?

I don't know, or even care for that matter, if they are the same person, but why do you take it upon yourself to investigate all new members of this forum?

 

[TenYardFight]

You could save a percentage point or two using something like this:
http://www.paywaremobile.com/nvrmis.aspx

...works like a traditional credit card terminal and you pay "swiped" rates.

 

[tackify]

I'll invoice them by Paypal from their own computer and let them do the transaction while I'm there (customers in good standing might get billed after the fact).

That's exactly how I handle them.

(I gotta admit though, I'm surprised by how few customers use it. The vast majority just write a check.)

 

[Xander]

Same here. 95% cash/cheque. Of the other 5%, when I mention that taking a c/c is a slight hassle, they still usually find cash or cheque somewhere in the house. I get maaaaybe 2% c/c and, until that changes, I'm not willing to spend X$/mo on it.

 

[iptech]

Don't you mean Wally Greens?

I don't know, or even care for that matter, if they are the same person, but why do you take it upon yourself to investigate all new members of this forum?

I don't, but something about this guy doesn't stack
up to me. I do care about the reputation of this industry and those whose misrepresent themselves for the purpose of stealing business from honest & legitimate professionals. I'm sure all businesses do competitor research, so it's nothing sinister.

FWIW I'd never heard of Wally Greens, so take a cookie for doing so well yourself.

 

[RedFoxComp]

I have a terminal in the shop. I authorize the card through the company over the phone and then I make an imprint and have them sign it. When I get back to the shop I run it through the terminal manually.

 

[16k_zx81]

I offer direct transfer by ebanking or paypal.

Customers prefer paypal as its instant. Unfortunately their fees are pretty hefty so I charge a surcharge to cover them.

The other think I dont like about paypal is that the customer can rescind the transaction after they have made it. Never had anyone do it. I just dont like that aspect of it.

 

[TenYardFight]

Same here. 95% cash/cheque. Of the other 5%, when I mention that taking a c/c is a slight hassle, they still usually find cash or cheque somewhere in the house. I get maaaaybe 2% c/c and, until that changes, I'm not willing to spend X$/mo on it.

That's great to hear. I wonder what the breakdown is for in-store. I was surprised to learn how many swipes are "debit cards" as opposed to "credit cards" Some merchant processors bill those at different rates, the debit cards can be really low...like 1.2% or something.