How many of you process CCs the old fashion way?

[BelovedDollDesigns]

Whether it's through the "knuckle buster" or the ol' pen and paper, how many of you resort to doing the old fashion way of handling credit card payments from buyers at shows?

I ask mainly to gauge whether or not I need to hurry an upgrade my phone to a smart phone to use the Square or if I can get away with the old way for a while until money increases so I can afford the higher costs that come with having a smart phone.

[AmandaDoster]

I am getting a square for the first time, but I am not sure if the next show I am doing will have WiFi (I have access to an Ipod touch, not a phone). Can you tell me how to process the cards manually? What information do I need to write down?

[BelovedDollDesigns]

Good question!

I know from personal experience that depending on who you are running the cards through, they ask for different information. I have used three systems (from day jobs, not my own business) where they ask for the street number (ie, 123 Main St, they are asking for the 123 part) in addition to Zip codes and CVV codes in order to process.

Generally speaking, you need the person's full name, phone number (in case the charge fails), the cc number, expiration date, CVV code, zip code and if your particular system requires it - the street number. I also recommend getting a signature from this person just in case.

I actually found a CC authorization form template online that I'm tweaking. You might want to grab one, too. :) It gives you an idea of what you should have on your own forms for the old fashion ways. It's free!

[Former_Member]

I'm using the square. I had to upgrade my phone for my day job anyways, and I have not regretted it. I don't think I'd want to do it the old fashion way because of identity theft...what do you do with all the hard copies after you are done with the transaction. I wouldn't want to have the responsibility of being accountable for everyone's credit card info after their orders were processed.

[BelovedDollDesigns]

I believe they call it PCI Compliant where you are supposed to destroy the copies after the fact so that people's info is protected. I need to read more into it but you are supposed to destroy the copies.

[AmandaDoster]

Fire starter out in our wood stove :-)

Thanks for the answer. I will look up a form online.

[Former_Member]

I've been running credit cards using a 'knuckle buster' both at the festivals and in the shop for years. I still provide the customer with the paper receipt as well.

I've only ever had one card transaction rejected in all the years I've been doing it and because I've always asked for both drivers license and telephone number, was able to get it sorted out very quickly.

[AlbinaRose]

I use square and love it. Especially that I can send them an email receipt. I haven't used it a ton, but have not had any problems yet. *knock on the proverbial wood*

[BelovedDollDesigns]

Sylvie, have you been at shows where internet was unavailable?

I'd like to get Square but that requires me to double my phone bill because I would need to upgrade to a smart phone. Unfortunately, I don't make that kind of money yet. XD

[AlbinaRose]

Hmmmmm. I remember doing one show that I thought didn't have wi-fi, but now I'm not sure. I think I was able to do it through just the phone and not wi-fi. But I don't remember!! Sorry!

Then you should look at Propay, BelovedDoll. I used to use that. It's a little cardreader that you swipe the card at point of purchase and it retains the information. Then you sign in to your account on line, connect your reader and enter in all the info. There is a small fee per transaction.

Propay.com

If you look into it and like it, do NOT buy the card reader. I have one that I paid $100 for and don't use since I got my square. I would give it to you.

Let me know. I was happy with Propay. It is very very easy and straightforward.

This is the flash reader. Mine is slightly different because it's older. But still works fine.

http://www.propay.com/products-services/accept-payments/flash/

[BelovedDollDesigns]

Oh wow, hadn't heard of these guys. I'm going to nose a bit through their website and see what they got going on for their services. I guess they do a direct deposit to your business bank account when you close it out at the end of the day?

[AlbinaRose]

Here is how the whole process works.

You slide a credit card through the reader when a purchase is made. The little green light blinks to let you know it went through properly.

For each CC purchase, I write a credit card receipt for the customer that contains their name, address, phone number, CC# and amount.

Then when you get home from your show, you log on to your Propay online account. Connect your reader and select 'process card payments'.

Then it brings up the first card number and you enter in the information you wrote on the receipt, so it's important to keep the original CC receipt for your records.

After they are all entered, the money goes into your Propay account. After 3 days, you can then transfer it to your bank account for a tiny transaction fee.

But there is a 2.9% (not sure what it is now) on each individual transaction, much like paypal or any other service.

It's really simple and I liked it. But I'm a gadget girl so I love having the square on my smart phone or tablet.

After you check them out, let me know if you decide to go with them. You can have my card reader. I even have the little pouch it came in with the little manual I think. I'll double check if you decide you're interested.

[BelovedDollDesigns]

Interesting! So it's like a mix of the modern and paper way of having the payment info. And it can do it's thing even without access to the internet at the show?

I'll definitely let you know if I'm interested - still looking through their website and doing some reading up.

[AlbinaRose]

Yes. It's just a little card reader. It reads the card number and the name on it and stores the info until you delete it after entering the info into your propay account. No internet needed at all. Very convenient.

And wouldn't you know, now I can't find my card reader, just because I offered it up. I'll find it. Just gonna be harder than I thought!! hehehe

[BelovedDollDesigns]

LOL!!! Too funny. :) It's like it knew. I guess it would rather stay with you instead of coming with me to go to work. XD