Attention those using credit card terminals

[momtohaley2004]

If you process credit cards and such at craft shows, which terminal do you use and how? I'm looking into this but do not even know where to start looking. I want something I can use for shows and otherwise. Currently I use paypal on my website but nothing for those who do not have paypal. Thanks.

[Valien]

I don't use any terminals (built into my POS system in our store) but here are few things to think about consider when using terminals -

1. Connections - you'll need a dial tone or ethernet connection (although I think some terminals can use a cellular connection to dial out) to authorize the cards

2. What cards will you take? If you can stick with debit your costs will be dramatically lower than non-debit. Also, if you decide to take Discover and American Express be prepared to pay at least 1-2% more in fees through those merchants.

3. Shop around for merchant processors. There are a lot of them on the 'net and even locally. Many times you can get a free terminal if you sign up with them.

HTH some!

~Allen

[bwc]

Several vendors at the craft fair last weekend had hand-held wireless terminals, but I couldn't get close enough to see any identifying info on the terminals. I've been wondering about that, too.

[Mary <><]

Actually, my husband & I have a business unrelated to candles, but when we do shows we have a phone # that we call to get Authorization on Visa, MC, & Discover (no AmEx) using our cell phone. We have one of those carbon copy type manual slide units & we just write the Auth # on there & have the customer sign it. I will PM you the info if you are interested! HTH!

Mary <><

[momtohaley2004]

Yes I am interested. You can send me the info or post on here.

[Valien]

Just did a quick google search for "wireless credit card terminals" and got back quite a few links.

Here's an example - http://www.merchantexpress.com/wireless_credit_card_terminal.htm

I've never used any but at least you know there are options.

[Chauna1]

Mary Pm me the info pls. LOL.

TIA

Chauna

[SpaceGirl]

There's also the option to run transactions "offline." Some handheld terminals will store the information and then you can connect it to your cell phone or computer later and run all the transactions. there is a risk in doing that -- if the card is denied then now you are in a position of tracking down the user. The Eastern Market in DC does this -- the vendors there ask for your phone number so they can contact you if your transaction runs into hiccups.

Just another option for you.

[Beth-VT]

Propay and a knucklebuster.

[momtohaley2004]

I know what a knucklebuster is, but where do you find them. LOL I barely remember those as a kid, but I do know what they are. Just don't know where to find them and go about maybe having a company info plate engraved for them.

[Burnt Mill]

I think I saw them on ebay

and one of the people offered to do the engraved thing

propay is good, they have a call it in by phone option so if you have a cell phone you could call them in as you go

[bwc]

Just did a quick google search for "wireless credit card terminals" and got back quite a few links.

Here's an example - http://www.merchantexpress.com/wireless_credit_card_terminal.htm

I've never used any but at least you know there are options.

I believe that is what I saw at the craft show! Thanks!

[LisaW]

I do offline and download everything when I get home. If I don't have electricity I use a battery back up that I bought at Walmart for around $30-$40. Here's who I use:

Max DeckerFirst National Merchant SolutionsRegional Sales Executive, Houston, TX281-252-0146281-259-9461 Faxmdecker@fnni.com Website www.firstnationalmerchantsolutions.comGreat rates, great customer service, and very friendly. On top of everything else I got my credit card terminal for free!

[Casey]

Be sure and read all the fine print carefully and figure out how much and what all the fees are before choosing a provider. Watch out for contracts, early termination fees, statement fees, equipment rental fees, monthly service fees, percentage on transaction fees, preferred card fees, minimum transaction fees, voice support fees, dog fart fees, connection fees, batch close fees, atm fees, and so on. It's a frickin racket-shop it carefully!

[Allicia]

You can try paypal website payments pro. It hasnt been around that long but I think 30 dollars a month and includes virtual terminal to call in and plus process credit cards on your website instead of paypals etc.

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_wp-pro-overview-outside

[I love candles]

I use a knucklebuster and paypal's virtual terminal. I think I got my knucklebuster from POS Paper or something like that. They engraved the plate for me.