Cash, Check, Or Credit Card?

crobinso · 12-30-04, 03:20

I was reading this very interesting thread and wondered about the best method of payment. Cash only, checks, or credit cards?

I'm especially interested in responses from the weekend detailers and the detailers on wheels, as to whether they accept credit cards from their customers.

Thanks,
Charles

Scott P · 12-30-04, 04:06

I'm not a pro detailer by any stretch of the imagination. I'm just going by what I've read here before. I think the majority of folks here work on a csh or check basis. They may not do enough volume to justify the costs associated with credit cards. If the operation is large enough and possibly at a fixed location, then I could see where CC's were accepted.

crobinso · 12-30-04, 04:08

Quote:

Originally posted by Scott P
I'm not a pro detailer by any stretch of the imagination. I'm just going by what I've read here before. I think the majority of folks here work on a csh or check basis. They may not do enough volume to justify the costs associated with credit cards. If the operation is large enough and possibly at a fixed location, then I could see where CC's were accepted.

Yeah, the costs involved with credit cards is what I was wondering about.

Charles

tpgsr · 12-30-04, 06:44

If you look at the top right corner of my website (it is in my profile) you will see that I have added a new payment button. When a customer tells me that they want to use a Credit card, I tell them to simply use my secure on-line transaction page. All it is is a paypal buy it now button with a little code to change the price dynamicly. Paypal doesn't charge a monthly fee like most of the Processing companies do, and they accept alot of major cards, and even bank acounts for payment. It also has a level of fraud protection too!

Jimmy Buffit · 12-30-04, 12:43

I choose not to accept cards,and it is working out just fine. Sure, some folks are surprised, but I make it clear in advance, so they have time to adjust.

I have plenty of experience with cards (my 'other' career was nightclub ownership.) Much simpler this way.

Jim

1 Clean WS6 · 12-30-04, 04:49

I take all three forms of payment. In cards I take AmEx, Visa and MasterCard. The initial purchase of the card machine was a large nut to swallow and the monthly costs are an added expense but to me it is worth it. A very large portion of my clientel are affluent soccer moms. For some reason putting a few hundred dollars on a piece of plastic as opposed to writing out a check seems less painful for them.

I have also had more than one occassion when the client would specifically ask if I could take a card so that they could get the miles or points their particular card offered.

Scottwax · 12-30-04, 08:52

I agree with Jim. Much easier to deal with checks and cash. In nearly 11 years full time, I've only had one check I couldn't collect on.

I may get asked 2-3 times a year if I take credit cards. Just not enough interest to bother. Besides, almost all my new clients are referrals who are aware of my payment policy.

ajbarnes · 01-02-05, 04:27

I just recently started accepting credit cards. Although the machine is very expensive, and you have to deal with the monthly charges, giving the customer flexible payment options prompted me to make this addition. I have alot of customer's at offices, corporate parks, etc. - and alot of them pay for things via credit card...which is another reason I'm accepting them now.

robb7346 · 01-03-05, 04:00

Yes we accept cash (with two forms of ID) checks, and credit cards. Credit cards are a must IMO. a majority of my customers prefer to pay that way especially if they are not home when we detail their car. I also belive it lends an "air of credibility" to your business as well as providing a measure of protection for your customer with all the buyrer protection programs these guys are running now. Plus many businesses uses these for purchases, expenses ect..

Heck I have a client who paid for a years worth of details, car washes and interior cleanings just to get the air miles from his credit card.

PerfectFinish1 · 05-01-05, 11:08

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I just came across it. The company I work part time for now is pretty large, and they will do all of their credit card processing through PayPal. We just request the credit card information, type it into paypal, and only take a 3% hit on it compared to the price of credit card processing machines. This may be pretty unprofessional in some businesses, but over the phone it works excellent.... trying to find a way to work it into the detailing business without it looking bad