How to Take Credit Cards and Craft Fairs
These days about 98% of customers choose to pay for their online purchases with a credit card. It is the same way with local purchases. People just do not carry cash anymore. You are also more likely to sell higher priced items in person if you do accept credit cards so it can definitely increase your revenues.
Fortunately there is a great little product that makes it possible to accept credit cards at craft shows. Gone are the days of the knuckle buster credit card machines with the carbon paper. Everything can now be done with your Ipad or smart phone.
The most popular device right now is the Square Card Reader. Here are the features:
- It works with Iphone, Ipad, and Android devices
- The device itself is free
- No monthly fee like conventional merchant accounts
- Competitive rates when a card is swiped. 2.75% as of this post.
- You can manually enter in credit card details which means you can take credit cards over the phone. The rate is a little higher for this process.
- Payments are deposited in your account the next day.
- Allows the option to print receipts if you use an Ipad and a compatible printer.
- It has no contract and connects directly to your bank account
- Accepts major credit cards and debit cards
- Your customer will receive an email receipt
- The minimum charge amount is $1
- It allows you to include a photo of the sold item along with a description
- Customer signs directly on the screen with their finger. Shaking the device erases signature in case of mistake.
- Plugs into the headphone jack
A couple more things:
The latest version of this device scans better than previous versions and the design has been changed to account for the bare metal framework of Iphones.
Paypal just announced that they are releasing their version very soon. Be sure to compare rates.
If you are using an Ipad or similar device you will need to have a cell service plan. This is obviously not an issue if you use it with your phone.
You could also use something like this so others can pay their share of the bill, like at a restaurant when you pick up the check.
Here is a link to their website:
Good luck with your selling,
Richard
Tags: craft fairs, craft shows, credit cards, credit cards craft shows
I have no idea what the item above is; the article says ” it works with an iphone, ipad ect”
Does this unit have a name; if I was to ask a credit card processing company about this; I wouldn’t know what to call this. Is it like a cell phone– works on battery and a charger; or has to work on 120 v electrical?
Also, most credit card processing companies furnish a business with a unit that can be used by a vendor at a craft show to scan credit cards. What is the advantage of this unit?
Is this something that is sold; or is it offered free with a merchant account as means to receive payments?
Will Pay-Pal sell this to merchants?
[Reply]
Richard Walker Reply:
April 5th, 2013 at 8:24 pm
Hi Bill,
It is called the Square Card Register and is powered by your smart phone. It plugs in to the headphone jack.
You can go to Square’s website for more information and once you sign up they will send you one for free:
https://squareup.com/register
They make their money on transaction fees.
Paypal has a new card reader as well but Square is more popular.
Richard
[Reply]