How do you accept credit card payments over the phone?

[gturner]

another tip.
if you don't have a swipe machine, get the client to complete a CC form with their details acknowledging the service and the charge.
The ability of grumpy clients to demand refund (charge backs) from the CC company is a pain in the ass and not something you have to deal with on a cash system.
It also protects you against fraud to a much higher level.

[BecomeAPhotographer]

It is always more expensive when the CC is not present. Possibilities for fraud increase, hence the higher rates.

Most of the photographers that I know (including myself) do not take credit cards for future events like weddings. Why? Because if a bride/groom decides to cancel the wedding, and you let them pay with a CC, there goes your deposit; they will dispute it with their CC company saying they never had the wedding, so they don't need to pay you. But if you made them pay with a check, you have long since cashed it - and your contract will state that the deposit is non-refundable.

Just something to keep in mind. Plus if you are doing a lot of business, every percent you pay in CC fees adds up.

Take care,
Aaron @ Become A Photographer

[bhursey]

My card reader just came in YAY!

[Biomech]

I think it depends how you sell. I looked into paypal for taking over the phone CC's, but the costs just aren't worth it. 99% of people pay me by bank transfer or cheque well ahead of the event (or after for corps), the other 1% is cash.


A couple of things on Square though, when I looked it was US only. But also, I wouldn't want to give my card to anyone who was going to swipe it through a chip reader plugged into a phone :O

[dakwegmo]

Originally Posted by Biomech

I wouldn't want to give my card to anyone who was going to swipe it through a chip reader plugged into a phone :O

I thought the same thing but every time someone has asked if I take credit cards and pull out my phone they just hand over the card. Nobody has even flinched. I've seen a bunch of people at art shows using them, and people just seem to accept it.

[RyanSandsPhotography]

I use Square as well. I can take payments via my iPad 2 and my iPhone 4. Easy as pie and has been one of the best things I have ever done for my business. Bookings are up because people don't have to write a big fat check...they can easily just pay off their credit card

[jonischrantz]

Square is pretty handy. Most of my clients pay by CC, especially the ones who aren't getting help from parents.