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

[Xander]

Here, in Canada, you can't charge a lower rate per se, but you can give a 'cash discount'; same as it's illegal to charge more for a c/c transaction.
As a customer, I've never heard of a % difference on running a debit card. It's usually considered a cash transaction. The US version of a debit card, when it started at least, seemed to have been more a prepaid credit card (which we have); ours just plain come out of our accounts. Sometimes, now that I think of it, you'll get a small surcharge for any processed transaction at smaller merchants on debit/cc to cover their costs.

 

[RedFoxComp]

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.

I pay 6 cents per debit transaction, period. If anyone is paying a percentage they are getting screwed. Most swiped credit cards I pay 1.7%, rewards cards are a little higher and if I have to key it in it's 2.3%.

 

[TenYardFight]

I pay 6 cents per debit transaction, period. If anyone is paying a percentage they are getting screwed. Most swiped credit cards I pay 1.7%, rewards cards are a little higher and if I have to key it in it's 2.3%.

That's PIN Debit RedFox. Debit Cards swiped as credit cards with no pin carry a rate lower than the rate of Credit Cards.

 

[CPU]

Quickbooks merchant services, built into qb so you can store the card for later use. Prices are higher but non payments do not exist.

 

[blackburgpchelp]

If you're storing the card number, or transmitting it in any fashion, you will need to make sure you are PCI compliant. Best not to store them from a liability standpoint as well.

 

[Jacob Anthony]

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.

Whilst I am a little confused as to why you think there's something about me that doesn't stack up, I do thank you for raising your concerns. I think it's right that you should question my intentions and motivation for entering into the pc repair business for the reasons you've given above.

So let me lay things on the line for all to see:

1) Jacob Anthony is my real name and Wally Greens (named after my grandfather) is a pen name I use as well.

2) I do own a ghostwriting business as well as wanting to setup a pc repair business. There are many good honest entrepreneurs that have multiple businesses so that they are not relying on a single income stream, especially in a the type of global recession we are experiencing now.

3) I will be starting my Comptia A+ studies in the next couple of weeks in an effort to ensure that my skills do meet the required industry standards.

In answer to your question about my existing payment system

My existing business relies on my recieving payment online via paypal. If my customers can't access the internet, it becomes difficult for them to send the funds via paypal does it not?

I hope this helps answer your fears of something not stacking up, if not I am more than happy to answer any more questions you may have via pm.

Thanks

Jacob

P.S. thanks to all those that have posted in this thread, your input has certainly helped me and may serve to help others who read this forum.

 

[Jacob Anthony]

If you're storing the card number, or transmitting it in any fashion, you will need to make sure you are PCI compliant. Best not to store them from a liability standpoint as well.

No worries, I won't be storing them. Too much can go wrong with that!

 

[frenchscottie]

Mobile Terminal

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

Have you looked at a Mobile Terminal.
I'm not sure what they cost, but it looks ideal for the UK.

http://www.chipandpinsolutions.com/default.asp

 

[16k_zx81]

I just have a paypal icon on my website. Customers click on it and pay with paypal. If they don't have paypal, they can use e-banking funds transfer.

 

[Martyn]

I just have a paypal icon on my website. Customers click on it and pay with paypal. If they don't have paypal, they can use e-banking funds transfer.

You don't need a Paypal account to pay someone using Paypal, it takes all the cards.

 

[bytes]

You don't need a Paypal account to pay someone using Paypal, it takes all the cards.

Since when? I had to create a PayPal acct. just to pay for a service ...since they didn't accept any other methods.

Personally, I think Paypal looks unprofessional. Most of you guys on here that use Paypal are from other countries. I'm in the US.....IMO - it's unprofessional to use Paypal as your only source of payment. Kinda makes it look like you are that guy working out of your garage or off craigslist. Appearance is everything...even if you are that guy.

 

[Martyn]

https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/cps/general/OptionalAccount-outside

 

[bytes]

https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/cps/general/OptionalAccount-outside

Dude you were right!

But, to me it still seems unprofessional.

 

[phaZed]

Agreed

"Appearance is everything...even if you are that guy." - You said it!

I just signed up for https://squareup.com because I have an HTC EVO 4G Android phone and I think the Card swipe and signature on the phone is super!

No monthly fees, and the service is geared towards anyone, win - win situation for me.

I have been using PayPal as my only CC service and never thought it to be unprofessional, quite the opposite. Customers know PayPal. They use PayPal and TRUST it! I usually have the customer go to PayPal.com and "Send Money" on their newly fixed computer (most of my CC's are from In-Home), as their important info can stay on their computer.

PayPal can be a bit of a hassle; you still have to key in their card... I think the "Square" will really make for a hassle free, and impressive finish!

 

[DCGPX]

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.

I use paypal as well since I have very little cc use. Most prefer cash/cheque. I hate their charges as you must have business account, but until my useage justifies it, it'll have to do.

I seem to recall as part of their T&C in UK you are prohibited from charging for the extra costs.

 

[Martyn]

Dude you were right!

But, to me it still seems unprofessional.

Maybe it is. I use it because part of invoice2go allows you to email them an invoice on the spot with a Paypal link. I've only had one client use it in my few months of trading most are cash or i take cheques. Maybe i'm too trusting but not had a problem yet.

 

[1aComputerServices]

Paypal yo!

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[hacker5041]

Do you know of any other good Iphone apps for accepting credit and debit cards on site?

Which merchant gateway would you recommend for a company just starting out?

 

[GreenCycleComputers]

I don't use Paypal myself for personal reasons so am looking into alternate methods. I really like the squareup device (seems a bit steep) and even more so the payware one (looks a bit more high tech). Anybody know any other similar mobile card readers that attach to smart phones and how their rates compare.