card readers for on the side work?

C

Cameronswmp9

New member
I've been getting everything set up to start some work on the side, and I know not many people carry cash anymore. I've read the square and others are easy to set up, but for just getting going is it worth it, or try cash for the first bit to see if it goes well?

I'm not planning on taking it full time right now, but more so side moneys, but want to be sure I get paid and keep up with the times.
 
being that I live right outside of a well known spiritualist camp, when I saw "card reader" I came in expecting something else.

that being said, what you are referring to is called a phone swipe and they are free from several companies. they will send you the device and you sign it up through your bank account so that it transfers the money over the next day automatically. generally charge around 3%. the one we use is called PhoneSwipe. simple and easy app.
 
I have looked into these as well. I am not worried about the % they take, but many seem to have a monthly fee. I don't really want to pay a fee in December when I am not swiping a thing!
 
Square is 2.75% per transaction and you only pay per transaction - no monthly fee. I've used it for awhile and it seems to do everything I need it to do.

Randy
 
I use eTransfer’s to accept payments almost daily. It allows people to send money from a bank account to an email address (to the person you want to send money to). It costs the person sending the money a $1 fee and works with most financial institutions in Canada (I assume the US has an equivalent). For US payments, I accept checks (physical or digital) and deposit them online from home using my US Bank account.

If that's still not good enough any someone wants to pay you with their credit there's PayPal and Bitcoin. If that's still not good enough move on to the next customer because this one clearly doesn’t have money... LOL

Note: I'm not a fan of absorbing customers banking fees for not paying in cash. That's why the options above allow the customer to pay the additional fees rather than you absorbing them.
 
I was thinking about getting one of those for my phone as well, seeing that it will charge me per transaction, i would just list on my menu that credit card payments will have a set amount of additional % charged for the job( a convenience fee,just like on utility bills etc.)

Has anyone tried this? and do you think it will hurt the chance of getting the job when that gets brought up?
 
I would be weary of almost any credit based system, there are unscrupulous people who may just dispute the charge after a detail. I have heard horror stories in many service industry's regarding credit. For me it's Cash or Check or Paypal gift. I'm in business not favors. Keep in mind we provide a service/work that can be ruined very easily...

An always take before's an afters, always!
 
I use square. For the few times I use it I have no problem absorbing a ~$5 charge. If I used it more I might consider looking at other options. You aren't likely to lose a customer because you don't accept cards but it is nice to offer the option.

As for people contesting the charge after...I've never had it happen. If it is due to a legitimate issue I would work it out. I always have pictures along with their license plate number, VIN#, contact info and usually their home address. That alone should be deterrent enough but I also have no problem pressing charges for fraud, which is what it boils down to. Then they risk paying me legal fees and lost wages for the time I spend to collect.
 
10 years and counting and only 1 chargeback about 1 year after opening, they claimed they didn't receive the services, I fought it and all I have to say is make sure you get a signature at the time of service or have a signature on file document created when you add an ongoing client (card on file) that way there's no issues in the future. If they should arise, you have what you need. However, everyone needs to be very careful with credit/debit cards as of October 2015. The liability falls on the merchant if you do not have a system in place that accepts chipped cards. Square and PayPal are releasing devices that will work with your phone or tablet. Just make sure to get a signature. It's an ever changing industry, and it's come a long way in 10 years.


Providing Professional Detailing Services in Austin Since 2005
 
I use PayPal too, works for me. Most pay cash or check but some like offering a Credit card option. Yes I have them sign too. Never had a problem to date.
 
I only use check or credit card, and no one ever has a cow or even flinches..
They are too busy trying to get un-stunned from seeing how nice their Baby is, inside and out.. :)
I dont want the hassle or the extra charge of credit card things...
Dan F
 
I have paypal and square, use them both but mostly PayPal because of the debit card. I use it as credit to buy chemicals, gas, and anything else I can, but again, only as credit, 1% cash back adds up y'all !

Just ordered to new fancy Bluetooth swiper yesterday. It will have contactless, chip reader, and swiper all on that device, don't have to stick swiper in phone or iPad again....hopefully.

Happy Detailing!


Providing Professional Detailing Services in Austin Since 2005
 
Good question OP. I've been pondering this myself. So far I've only had customers pay in cash or check.
 
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