Process Credit Cards on a Mobile Detail

Holden_C04 · 05-27-08, 11:27

What options are out there for processing credit cards/debit cards completely wireless? Ideally, I would like to use a Blackberry for processing transactions but the software I see for doing so costs $700.

Costco offers a service and the regular (i.e. wired) one is like $25/month rent for the machine, 1.67% on swiped transactions for Visa and Mastercard, $0.08 per debit transaction, $25 application fee, and $5/month statement fee.

It's not bad but I don't know how much the wireless unit will be and how reliable service is.

What options are there?

brwill2005 · 05-27-08, 11:54

Do you have enough customers that demand credit card acceptance? If so, will it offset the cost of the machine and processing fees? In my case, very few people ask. The ones that do, simply pay cash or check when I say I do not accept CC's.

Holden_C04 · 05-27-08, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by brwill2005

Do you have enough customers that demand credit card acceptance? If so, will it offset the cost of the machine and processing fees? In my case, very few people ask. The ones that do, simply pay cash or check when I say I do not accept CC's.

My thinking is that it will provide my business with more flexibility. I don't have customers demanding credit card payments, but very few people carry around hundreds or thousands of dollars in cash. I don't accept checks from first time customers so they only have the option to pay in cash which isn't always convenient.

I would also like to get set up at car shows and take deposits for appointments. Credit card acceptance will make this a lot easier.

todd@bsaw · 05-27-08, 12:22

There was an article I had read in Wired a couple years ago about billing done through text messaging services on your own cell phone provider. Just like all those dumb late night ads on television for ring tones or songs by "texting Bling to 555555", your client will be billed through their wireless company.

I haven't heard anything about it recently, but it may be worth looking into. You can give the client your personal "text to" number and you will receive a confirmation on your own cell phone that it has been paid. It's instantaneous.

As a matter of fact... I think I will look into this again to see if it has been adapted anymore.

brwill2005 · 05-27-08, 12:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holden_C04

My thinking is that it will provide my business with more flexibility. I don't have customers demanding credit card payments, but very few people carry around hundreds or thousands of dollars in cash. I don't accept checks from first time customers so they only have the option to pay in cash which isn't always convenient.

I would also like to get set up at car shows and take deposits for appointments. Credit card acceptance will make this a lot easier.

Don't accept checks? I have taken hundreds of checks from customer's and never had one not clear. I guess I should knock on wood

If the cost is worth it to you, and your customers demand it, go for it.

JoshVette · 05-27-08, 01:14

Holden, I just reciently signed up with Capital 1 with a business account that allows me to accept credit card payments. It's a free business checking account and I think they only take like 2% of the transaction and it's all dial/pay. Basically you call it in over the phone and they give you an autorization #. It also come with a "knuckle buster" machine, the old fashion swipe it back and forth machine, but I never use it, just dial in and it's all good.

Josh

Holden_C04 · 05-27-08, 01:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshVette

Holden, I just reciently signed up with Capital 1 with a business account that allows me to accept credit card payments. It's a free business checking account and I think they only take like 2% of the transaction and it's all dial/pay. Basically you call it in over the phone and they give you an autorization #. It also come with a "knuckle buster" machine, the old fashion swipe it back and forth machine, but I never use it, just dial in and it's all good.

Josh

All the good stuff is south of the border.

Capital One only provides credit cards up here. No checking/savings accounts of any kind. I've got a business account with TD Canada Trust so I'll check what they have.

Holden_C04 · 05-27-08, 01:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by brwill2005

Don't accept checks? I have taken hundreds of checks from customer's and never had one not clear. I guess I should knock on wood

If the cost is worth it to you, and your customers demand it, go for it.

I accept checks but not from first time customers. Too much risk from a first-time client.

757motoring · 05-27-08, 01:26

Also when ever you have to pay that fee just charge it to the customer I know of a few businesses that do it that way. My boys tint shop he charges a few extra bucks if you use a card to cover the cost.

bwalker25 · 05-27-08, 01:34

^ +1 amen to than!

JonP · 05-27-08, 01:49

Propay is a good credit card processor. I used them for a few years (still do) and I like them. I never had any problems or any charge backs using them. I also accept Google checkout, I usually have the client send the funds to my account, verify payment, setup appointment or the client can send the payment to me at the time of appointment. I also accept checks. I used to accept PayPal, but not anymore.

Holden_C04 · 05-27-08, 01:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonP

Propay is a good credit card processor. I used them for a few years (still do) and I like them. I never had any problems or any charge backs using them. I also accept Google checkout, I usually have the client send the funds to my account, verify payment, setup appointment or the client can send the payment to me at the time of appointment. I also accept checks. I used to accept PayPal, but not anymore.

Not available in Canada.