Accepting Credit Cards

IHI

I know it's been discussed here before, but hopeing without going through 100 pages of older posts I can get some updated info from new guys that have taken this next step.

So, whom have you guys contacted as far as a "sponsor or host" company to run the cards through that have decsent rates?

How many hoops do you typically hve to go through to get an account set-up and what is the typical process from time customer pays until you actually see the funds are available?

For guys with no store front, how do you handle the CC taking? is it all over the phone once you get home from the job, do you take the info on site and then mail back the reicepts? how is customer attitude with getting information over the phone or however you take care of transactions.

I'm not shadey and do not want to come across as shadey either so looking for the most professional way to take care of this aspect since I dont have a store front for them to come in and swipe.

The new CC cell phone is out, I've got a heck of a package where I'm at with a large coverage area(which I need for things other than work) so changing over to a different carrier just to get the credit card swiping ability is out, not to mention I'm sure these plans probably cost you more than other companies offering just regular cc services.

Please off any info and any links/phone numbers so I can get this moving. I thought about setting it up through my QB program since it's easily available, but want to know what else it out there. How much did you have to pay up front, what's total inital investment for equipement and set-up, typical surcharges? Just whatever you can offer.

Buddy with a larger construction company says it's really helped out expanding his options to customers that pay with credit cards and i have had a few doctors that insisted on CC payments in the past and I dont want to limit myself since debit and cc are now common place even though cash is nice as are checks when customers have the funds available to pay...had a few breath holding moments with check in the past

thanks guys
Josh

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nadonailer

I've just gone with PayPal. You can do it through your website, or via phone or email.
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/we...rchant-outside
Their rates are alright too, although for any large amount, I'd add the extra % to the bill somehow. I'm not letting them have 2.5% of 20K!
After research, I feel this is the best way for a contractor working out of his home. Now if you have an office, that's another story. I used to take cards through a terminal, but with Paypal's rates and ease of service, I might stick to that now anyway.....

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IHI

The few times I suggested that to the doctors that really persisted I got that "look" I know alot of people hae computers and are moderately savvy, but a number of people I hvae worked for are older, poorer, or wiser and do not hve a computer. They may have access to one, but by the time they have somebody walk them through it the hassle would probably turn them off.

I did'nt know if there was an easier way for a home office like mine to deal with this situation and open purchasing options and also may be the difference between customers going with me over the other guy.

and yes, that percentage adds up quickly LOL!! Just got done with a ebay selling streak of old race car stuff and man between ebay fees and pay pal fees it really adds up quickly.

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Peladu

What about one of those old time credit card machines? The one that runs over the card and they sign the sheet, it has a carbon. Thats what I had to do when I was renting a boat in Wisconsin Dells...I havent seen one in a long time, but they are portable.

IHI

That's a great idea! but, how does that work? LOL. I get carbon copies from somebody-probably CC hosting company and then mail it in?

I like the portablity of it, most anybody over 20yrs old has seen them, just need to know how to seal the deal and how long it takes to get my money's. Would hate to have somebody pay on credit card then have it take 2 weeks to find out they're maxed out.over limit and only THEN be able to start the hassle of recollecting funds. Not that I expect much of that and would deal with chancing it for ease of use.

I would goggle this topic but soo many times you get the companies that charge alot so hopeing guys here have found a better solution with a direct pass

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Peladu

You may have to call the credit card number in to see if there is the amount you are requesting available...this is just a guess...I wish I could help more but I don't accept credit cards. I do know that they will charge you up to 2% per transaction.

(But after 240+ posts, I finally made a meaningfull contribution...
wait for my next one around the 480+ post count.)

IHI

I'd just have to figure adding an additional 4% to the job to offset the 2% surcharge, on top of my 99% mark up I'll be making 101% profit on all credit card paid jobs!! I'm a geniuess!!

I would ask my local credit union for direction, but they's sum non small business help'n, no program offren bastages!! Need to switch banks as well throughout this process too so 2006 will be a big change year for alot of things that will hopefully pay off in the big picture.

I just wanna credit card machine!! that way I can slap some visa/MC logo's on the truck too Old high school buddy of mine maxed 2 CC's buying a crotch rocket when they were popular, maybe somebody will buy a big addition on one as well!!

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MinConst

I just got set up with a merchant account through Payment Processors. I feel the rates are acceptable and there are no minimum monthly fee. Just a 10 buck charge for statements. I haven't used the machine at a clients house yet but this is how it works. I take the machine to the client plug it in to power and phone. The phone is optional. Swipe the card and the machine will store the transaction until I return home to do my daily thing with the machine. In other words it saves the swiped information. If you don't swipe the card you get higher rates. Like if you do it over the phone.

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IHI

Thanks Paul, exactly what I'm looking for. So you take the lil box into the customers house, agree to things, blah blah and at most you should only have to plug the thing into an outlet then once you get home you can hook it upto a phone line and have the info taken out at that point? Sounds slick!!

Do you happen to know rates they charge you and how to get ahold of these folks?

what was the inital set-up fee?

I assume you/I have to buy this swiper box then just get charged after that per transaction? how much was the box? did they offer different kinds or a one size fits all thing?

After you upload the info via phone line, what's the typical turn around before you see funds?

do they automatically deduct a percentage before the transaction in deposited into your account or is it like our taxes where we have to send in money at certain dates?

Are these fees tax deductible?

Has this proved to help you in the day to day business? has it proven to help maybe turn on new customers because you offer this feature?

I'm here to start leg humping now I know your set-up and online, any info you can offer I'm all ears!!!

thanks Josh

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jmgallagher

This may help or give you an idea....


http://www.merchantwarehouse.com/Wir...ice-List.shtml

MinConst

Josh,
I will try to explain the whole thing. First this is the web site of the company I set up with. http://www.ppcsales.com/
I belong to a group called SSA where I got my health insurance through. This deal was through them but I really doubt the deal was that different for anyone who contacts PPC. Anyway. There was no setup fee, the machine cost me $600.00 They do have other machines and some are cheaper but don't save the data as I described. Some are wireless so you can use a wireless account with them. The discount fee is 1.75 plus .20 per transaction for Visa and MC. Discover and Amex are a bit more. Corporate cards are more also. Two business days for Visa/Master Card sales, 2-3 business days for Discover Card and American Express.
Like I said before I just set up and haven't used the account yet. I have added the cc logos to my website and my handouts. I don't know how it will effect my business yet.
The fees get withdrawn from my checking account on the first of the month. I set up a checking account just for this purpose to keep these transaction controllable and somewhat protected. If I can be of more help ask away. But that is all I really know so far.
I can give you the contact I have if your interested e_mail me or PM me. I don't want to sound like I'm advertising here.

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