Credit Card Readers

[Former_Member]

I would like to hear from anyone who uses a credit card reader with their smartphone. I don't make a lot of sales annually, but there are a few requests at craft shows. I've read some pretty bad reviews about customer service on a few of the 'free' readers; you get what you pay for I guess.
Anyway, what do you use? Have you had any problems? Any company or reader you would recommend to avoid?

[Former_Member]

This may help you.

https://www.etsy.com/teams/15495/craft-fairs-festivals-shows/discuss/11854829/page/1

[Former_Member]

Hi Linda,

I started to use a card reader at my shows 2 years ago. My husband actually found this on the internet. I have given you the link below.

There is no monthly fee, The app and reader are free. It was really easy to set up. You can also call customer service to help you through the process if you have any questions. I haven't had any problems with it at all. I used an IPhone the first year but switched to an IPad last year. When you complete a sale in your booth you can email the receipt to the customer. I wasn't sure how this would be received by my customers, but with technology what it is today, they are all really happy with this. I also keep a few paper credit card forms to give them a written receipt if they want one, but no one has asked for a paper receipt.

Good Luck!
Peg

http://intuit-gopayment.com/free-gopay?cid=ppc_google_payments_gopay_brand_top-terms_us_pc_g-s_gopay...

[Former_Member]

I recommend a card reader. All seem to work okay. Even PayPay has one. Last year we started using Square Up and increased our event sales 200% people love it.

At events people don't want to use their cash. Especially if they are on vacation. A fun note, if the wife wants something...you can reel in the husband having the card reader....No Excuses ha ha

[Former_Member]

In the link that I posted it another link with Square, Paypal, and Intuit compared side by side. I find it helpful. I have both Square and Paypal readers on the way. :)

[Former_Member]

Hi Linda!

I have been using Square for the past 6 months or so and have no complaints. (so far anyway!)

-No charge for the reader (shipped free too)
-They charge 2.75% for each transaction (3.5% +$0.15 if you must tmanually enter card number)
-No monthly charges
-Deposit made the next day
-The app log every sale and you can actually log you're cash sales in the app too

I would say 30% of my sales at fairs/festivals are credit cards. I definitely recommend getting some type of credit processing as it really helps make those sales.

Hope this is helpful!
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[Former_Member]

I use the Square also. It's so easy to use. I like the flexibility of being able to use it at craft fairs -- or if a co-worker wants to buy something I can do it easily.

[Former_Member]

I just got both the Paypal and the Square in the mail. I plan on having both with me. I like that Paypal you can set up items so you can just click the items to add to the order. It doesn't really matter I'm sure I just like that feature. :)

[Former_Member]

I have both, but after trying a million times cannot for the life of me get either to read any of my cards. I've about had it. Will just have to suck up the extra charge to enter manually!

[Former_Member]

I'd rather use Square, just because it goes directly to my bank account rather than waiting for PayPal extra days to deposit.

I have definitely lost sales due to not being able to take cards in the past!

[dcbijou]

I have both Square and Paypal readers, but I've used the Square reader more - it's really simple to set up and use, as long as you have a data/wireless connection when processing the transaction. If you don't have a good phone signal, the transaction won't go through - but you can manually enter the information using the app for when you DO get a signal, just be sure to write down all the info from the customer. The fees aren't that bad, since you can make up the cost of fees if you make a lot of sales. I like that Square deposits the money directly into your bank account, and you can request a new reader from them at any time.

[Former_Member]

I've gotten so many sales after customers see the "I accept credit cards" sign displayed in my booth. I love my square. Used it for all my shows last year and never a glitch. I've not had a reason to try any of the others.

[HeartofOneCreations]

I use Square after doing research. The reader and account are free. I've done about 4 CC transactions with it. I am happy with the service, interface, speed of deposits. I had a bit of a learning curve swiping the card in just the right way. And at first, I only had an iPod Touch, which requires a wi-fi connection to do CC transactions...which a lot of time at fairs & outdoors, you don't have. Now I have a smartphone (Android) & can use wireless cell service for CC transactions & so far, so good!