I am not up on all the new phone toys and apps, so this caight my eye as interesting when I got an advertising postcard offer.
The "Square Reader" plugs into your iPhone, iPad or Android (of which I have none) and scans a credit card for billing purposes. No monthly, annual or transaction fee, just a simple 2.75% per swipe. That is an expense I could live with but have yet to get an offer to be paid by credit card.
Of further interest is that the app includes the choice to add tips. Tips are not something that I would consider asking for. Any opinions on the "Square Reader" or tips is welcome.
Paul in PA
I have one and love it. Note the following:
- ...no other fees except for the swipe/manual fee.
- ...I get the money into my account in 1 or 2 business days.
- ...Square accepts all major credit cards.
- ...The app is really easy to use.
A friend of mine uses it in her photography business, works good. In my business my clients are typically folks I don't see in person, so I have no need, BUT if I was working small projects for folks that might pay that way I would get one, no waiting for a "check in the mail".
SHG
Our firm has been using Square Read for over a year and we have no complaints. Funny thing is that we almost never had a need for it before we acquired it. One out of 10 clients would ask if we accepted credit cards and when we said no they still used us and paid with a check. However, once we got it, it has welcomed a new arena of clientele.
Nine out of ten clients that pay this way is done over the phone. The rate is slightly higher but it enables us to collect payment instantly.
Low rate, very easy to use, no contract or monthly payment. Why wouldn't you have it??
Nick, FL.
I have two friends that use square. They do trade shows, so it's about the only way to make a transaction remotely from anywhere. I worked one of the quilt booths this last week and after about 1 minute of training then I managed to use it with ease.
Fast, safe and about the only thing you have to explain is for women to used their fingertips instead of their nails. Nails will not work as it has some sort of heat reader (????)..
The vendor that I worked for said she gets paid the next day so it's not instant in your account but pretty darned close.
I have been giving some thought to getting one and I've been told to keep in mind that that you can't legally charge your client extra to cover the 3% fee per swipe. You can give a discount for using cash, but that means giving your quotes with the fee already figured in.
I understand that this may be changing, or may have recently changed. It's not a big deal, but could add up on larger projects.
I've a friend in the door and window business. He ONLY accepts credit cards. One half the invoice upon ordering and the final half when shipped.
He has eliminated his AR.
If you already have a PayPal account, check out PayPal Here. Same concept and I think the fees are a tad lower.
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> If you already have a PayPal account, check out PayPal Here. Same concept and I think the fees are a tad lower.
PayPal is 2.7% per swipe vs. Square's 2.75%. Key is the same rate at 3.5%.
Used mine for the first time recently. It was like watching cookies bake waiting for my money to show up in my account. It worked quite well and the money was delicious.
Yes it's as easy to use as an EZ Bake oven.
yep Love it !
Receipts are sent via email, I assume?
PayPal Here
I use the "PayPal Here"....
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you...
PayPal Here
I also use PayPal and it works great. + you can scan and deposit checks as well
fees are 2.7% credit, i think 3%+/- hand entered credit ( 3 days to show up in account )
checks deposit is free but 6 days to show up in account ( I would just take them to the bank )
Chris,
That might just get you to upgrade that 1980's phone you use!;-)
> Receipts are sent via email, I assume?
Yes, to the client right away. If they are in the office, they can "sign" right on the screen of the iphone. I get email notification at the transaction and when it's deposited in my bank.
1) it really saves on time spent chasing money
2) it separates the wheat from the chaff of people just price shopping.
3) it seems more professional than saying, sorry, I don't take credit cards.