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aerBearsHi,
How do you all accept payments at shows? I have noticed that a lot of people have the Visa/Mastercard display at their tables. Is it expensive to set up to take credit cards at shows? If I put a lot of money into it and then don't get a sale...I think I will cry! :/
What other payment methods do you accept?
Thanks!!!
Aeri
I accept Mastercard and Visa at shows..I have a credit card machine. If I didn't I think less sales would be made...not any reflection on anything other than the fact that people don't carry lots of cash these days and I am not all that keen on cheques because they can bounce even with the cheque guarantee card details. You can't be too careful.
It is fairly expensive to set up initially...my daughter has just set up one through a company called Chip and Pin..they are cheaper than the one I use ..they charge 1.9%. Mine is much more costly than that and I only use it at fairs unless someone insists on not using Paypal on-line.
I do see people at fairs who don't offer credit card facilities but it must put a limit on the sales to new customers...your regulars might be aware of your prices and come with cash but new folks won't know, so I think I'd rather go prepared.
On balance though..if it's the difference between selling my bear on a credit card or the customer walking away I think I know what I'd rather do.
I am pretty sure Paypal do a thing where you can pay using your mobile phone...that might be worth checking out. I do think it's more businesslike to accept card payments though.
I accept credit cards..the company I use is ProPay......you can check out their website, propay.com
pandamac
Mutz's Tootsz Bears & BudsHi Aeri,
I do shows and do not have a M/C or Visa set up. I usually ask the customer for cash or a check. Many of the show will let you use their M/C system for a small fee. I usually use that or ask one of my friends that are at the show if I can use theirs. Many other artists are willing to give you a hand that way. Remember if you ask someone else there will be a fee that will need to be covered too.
TTFN
Amy
I have my own credit card facilitites that I pay the % the credit card company charge to have the facility. before that
1. Either I asked another bear artist do procress the transaction for me giving them the % plus a bit extra for doing the transaction with the understanding that I was fully responsible until they had the cash in their bank until the funds were met.
2. Some organisers will set up a credit card accepting facility and they will accept the transaction again charging you the % the bank charge - in both cases you are then given the cash and the 3rd party banks the credit card voucher.
Manual credit card transactions at shows always run the risk of fraud as you can never check if the card is a "hot" card- so banks normally do not like you using this method- sometimes shows are set up that you can take your swipe machine with you and then process the transaction via a telephone line or your mobile immediately or even on line if you have a laptop with you- all I know is that my sales increased with having the facility available even with me doing it the manual way and then when getting back home procesing the transaction via the swipe machine.
The manual booklet I was issued makes sure that you get ALL the customer details and allows you to get an imprint of the card- of course each and every country around the world differs as to how each bank works so the best thing is to check it out with your local credit card banking section.
Lynette
aerBearsThanks for the advice! I took a look at the propay website and it looks very easy to use. I may just have to set something up.
Aeri
