Hello everyone and thanks for your responses to date; however, I was
hoping to get some more specific feedback. So here is more detail on
what I’m looking for as well as some info. I have found in my
research:
-
Squared Up seems to still be developing, has weekly max of $1000
in transactions (which wouldn’t work) and while no contract, monthly
fees etc. does have IMO high discount rates for both swipe and keyed
transactions. There seems to be a backlog on getting units and
actually developing the contract. That said.it seems like a slick
system it just needs more testing and refinement at least for me.
-
I have considered Cell Phone Swipe systems, but have been in
plenty of situations where I have no coverage (both indoor and
Outdoor) in even large cities (Phoenix) my current cell is with AT&T.
So my understanding is No coverage means you can’t process live
transactions. There are lots of systems and options with this
(squared up being one of them); however, the main drawback is the
coverage. Followed by the fact that I’d need to upgrade my phone,
upgrade to a more expensive data contract, etc. It is possible that
even w/o fees this could cost more for time that I currently don’t
use on a monthly basis. My cell phone cost under $20 a month (I can
hear the jaws drop!). The last concern is does a cell phone charge
last 12 hours when you are entering data and processing on and off
all day at a show? I really don’t know, but kind of feel that my
phone in use lasts maybe 3 hours before the battery is gone. Anyone
out there that loves what they can do with the phone system?
-
Anyone have feedback and/or experience using Way MTT 1581?
Wireless terminal mostly serviced by 1st American Card Service. I
couldn’t find any online user reviews.
-
Anyone have feedback and/or experience with a VX670 wireless
terminal? Reviews seem good on this for art shows.
-
Again I mostly process face to face at shows. Currently with a
knucklebuster and keying things back at the studio and using
QuickBooks for accounting. I want to do live transactions and be able
to download the detail to QuickBooks without rekeying everything, but
rather adding the detail of items purchased and address info for
future contact. I sell mainly at shows in the Fall and Spring. There
are times with no CC activity.
To Noel, there are ways to provide receipts to the customer for
swiped transactions. I am only considering wireless terminals with a
printer. You are correct that a written receipt with the details on
what they purchase should be part of the sale. Cell phones have
options to email the receipt to the customer or with a printer
connected to the phone (usually with a swipe slot) you can print
receipts. This receipt will not have the full acct. number on it
(xxxxxx6043 for example is much safer for the customer and merchant)
and the amount. When a printer is used the Merchant retains the
signature copy or a copy on the cell phone if the customer signs the
screen. To my knowledge a customer doesn’t need the signed copy…if
they dispute the charge the merchant must provide it. Swiped
transactions that are keyed as debit and a PIN is entered by the
customer are the best. No signature is required, lowest processing
rates apply and the funds are immediately available. IMHO people are
so glad that credit or debit is a payment option that they don’t
really care what they get for a receipt, of course they should care,
I’m just stating that most don’t. As a merchant we need to care, I
currently remind customers that the knucklebuster slip has their
personal card on it and to take care with it. I also
remind them of the company name that appears on the transaction.
That helps to avoid inquiries and chargebacks.
To anyone thinking that they should review their system and
contract; I encourage you to do it, the companies are very
competitive and rates seem lower than when I did this 18 months ago.
There are more companies offering no monthly minimums (good for small
guys or low volume) and even seasonal use where you can suspend your
account and not have to pay any monthly fees during these months
(i.e. only do shows during the summer). Remember always do your due
diligence, check the BBB.org, read the contract closely and ask
everything you can think of and get it in writing. Remember nothing
is Free. Ask how the company can offer it free? What happens if you
hate it? Take your time. Even small companies can get Wholesale or
Interchange rates these days.
I checked my current contract, I can beat it in pretty much each
fee/charge, but will likely have to pay to get out a few months
early. I wonder how much they think a Free Version of QB Simple Start
2009 is worth? I bet more than I do!
Please if you have feedback I’d love it. Hope this helps a few of
you out too.
Kay Cummins
www.OutAndAboutGirls.com