Some of this response will apply to your question and other sections will not. Please pick out the bits and pieces that will help you with your specific situation and ignore the rest.
Before we had the Square CHIP credit card reader, we never had an issue with the Square NON-chip credit card reader. The new Square chip credit card reader needs to be charged; therefore, we needed to purchase two just in case one runs out of juice during a sale. One of the Square chip credit card readers lasted for much less than 50 charges before it would not take a charge any more. I emailed the company (they have a customer support phone number I could have called as well), they got back to me in less than 24 hours and resent another chip credit card reader immediately. We had it in our hands in less than 7 days of my email.
We just wish the chip credit card readers held a charge better. Even if we charge the chip credit card reader following a show, it does not hold its charge for the next show a week later - it needs another recharging before use again. It's just another thing we need to remember to do the night before a show. We did purchase a portable charger; however, THAT also needs to be charged the night before a show too. I also have two Square non-chip credit card readers just in case someone's card does not work in one credit card reader, it will work in the other (sometimes happens).
Other than the charging issue and occasional difficulties, we like the Square credit card reader and definitely their customer service. Square knows what customer service means!
You can use a non-chip credit card reader with a chip credit card; HOWEVER, it is my understanding the seller will not be protected against fraudulent cards.
Smart phone credit card readers are simple to use…
www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/emv-faq-chip-cards-answers-1264.php
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz9HKNj1-m8
SQUARE Credit Card Reader
www.cardpaymentoptions.com/credit-card-processors/square-review/
• Can be used on or off line in the event you are having connectivity issues; however, if you use it off line and the card does not clear, you are out of luck.
• They run various deals from time to time so the cost may differ.
• You have the option of tracking cash payments.
• Offers great analytics and record keeping capabilities.
• Square advertises in print all sorts of media so customers are familiar with it.
• Weekday phone support is available.
• Does not offer bar code capability.
• Not connected to Etsy shop so seller must deactivate any sold items.
• Needs to be charged each time right before use (mine does not hold a charge)
https://squareup.com/legal/uahttps://squareup.com/help/us/en/article/3882-resolving-payment-disputeshttps://squareup.com/guides/liability-shiftETSY Credit Card Reader
www.cardpaymentoptions.com/credit-card-processors/sell-on-etsy/
• Connected to your Etsy shop so when you sell an item, it automatically comes off your inventory
• Cannot use off line so connectivity might be an issue if you are in a school or remote area
• Not yet able to read the new chipped credit cards – go to www.etsy.com/teams/7716/announcements/discuss/16837929/page/1 to read Etsy’s announcement about the EMV card readers.
• 20¢ imposed when you sell one of a multiple item. If you sell one of a multiple item while using the Square or PayPal, you simply reduce the number left in your listing – no extra fees.
• If you sell a one-of-a-kind item with the plan of remaking that item, you have to list it again and the listing fee is imposed. If you sell a one-of-a-kind item while using the Square or PayPal, you just leave it listed while remaking the item.
• You may want to read the Forums for feedback.
• Hard to get – sellers often post they ordered a card reader and have been told it is unavailable.
• Phone support needs to be requested.
www.etsy.com/help/article/5631
www.etsy.com/teams/7722/discussions/discuss/15487786/page/1
www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/what-etsy-sellers-should-know-about-emv/30922515241?campaign_label=etsy_success&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=etsy_success_092515_31003194611_0_1&utm_medium=email&utm_content=&email_sent=1443182563&euid=GsNzrhveh0kiYKuSCJtuVF3rPXuS&eaid=961683651&x_eaid=fe2b1d550b
PAYPAL Credit Card Reader
www.cardpaymentoptions.com/credit-card-processors/paypal-here/
• Can be linked to a PayPal debit card
• In person sales are not covered (e.g. show sales). If there is a charge back, it falls back on the seller who has to fight it out with the buyer’s credit card company all on their own
• Has a bar code reader built in and that works when a bar code is added to your items.
https://www.paypal.com/store/https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/paypal-safety-and-securityhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIL9GsBI3ik