How do you accept credit card payments over the phone?

[haring]

I have tried to avoid accepting credit cards in the past because of the incurred cost. It looks like that I need to change this because more and more brides and grooms want to pay via credit card.

My question: Do you accept credit cards? If yes, which company do you use? Which type of service/provider should I avoid? Which is the most cost effective provider? What is the easiest way to start this?

Thanks for all you help!

[Rentham]

I use Square because of the simplicity. It costs a little more to accept credit cards via Square than the average PayPal or Google Checkout fee.

[gturner]

In my non-photo business CC is the second highest cost after salaries in the business. Big ticket items all go on the amex and visa for the miles / points.

It is a cost of doing business, price it in, and do it. Many of your small competitors will not, so you will already have 1 up on them.

[dakwegmo]

I also use square. Because I take credit cards so infrequently, using square let's me have the option of taking a card without incurring monthly fees for a merchant account and cc processing equipment. The fees are pretty steep, especially if you take a credit card without swiping it through the card reader, so you have to be sure to take that into account when you're pricing the job, but several times taking a credit card has been the difference between getting a job and not.

[bhursey]

I looked into square.. Is there any upfront costs really because I was reading something like the first transaction they put a hold on your account or something.

[Rentham]

Originally Posted by bhursey

I looked into square.. Is there any upfront costs really because I was reading something like the first transaction they put a hold on your account or something.

Nope, no upfront cost for Square. The reader is free. Easy as can be to use and set up.

[bhursey]

Ok you talked me into it... So now I should be able to accept credit cards on shoots and have people sign contracts via Photographers contract maker.

[haring]

I have ordered the reader. How much is the fee if a customer pays over the phone (when I don't scan the card)?

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by haring

I have ordered the reader. How much is the fee if a customer pays over the phone (when I don't scan the card)?

According to the site:

If you enter credit card numbers manually, your cost will then be 3.5% + 15¢ per transaction.

If you swipe a card with Square there is just one fee: 2.75%

[haring]

Originally Posted by bhursey

According to the site:

If you enter credit card numbers manually, your cost will then be 3.5% + 15¢ per transaction.

If you swipe a card with Square there is just one fee: 2.75%

Awesome!!! Thanks!