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!

[SCone]

I use GoPayment by Intuit for FTF. It requires a signature that helps protect me from declines. Over the phone I'll use PayPal.

[tukaniray]

I also use PayPal for internet transactions.

If in person, I have an App through Chase Business Banking that accepts all types of Credit Cards.

Through Chase, it's .10 cents per transaction and the monthly cost is about 10 bucks for the service if you accept American Express. I don't run into many people that have AMEX, but when I do, I have it. If you request to not except AMEX, it's like 5 bucks a month. And if memory serves me right, it was like 35 bucks to start it.
And hey have an App for the Android Market and Apple Market.

-Ray-

[Killjoy]

There's an app for the iPhone and iPad called "Square".

The app is free, they take all cards, but they take a percentage of each transaction.
For phone transactions, PayPal is probably safest.
Oh, and on the app, they do sign for the transaction.

It's probably not a good idea to add money to credit card transactions, but you can raise your prices and give a discount for cash or checks.

[haring]

Originally Posted by Killjoy

There's an app for the iPhone and iPad called "Square".

The app is free, they take all cards, but they take a percentage of each transaction.
For phone transactions, PayPal is probably safest.
Oh, and on the app, they do sign for the transaction.

It's probably not a good idea to add money to credit card transactions, but you can raise your prices and give a discount for cash or checks.

...Yeah, you are right. I just wanted to avoid raising my prices...oh, well. Thanks for the advice!!!!

[Kalrog]

Originally Posted by Killjoy

There's an app for the iPhone and iPad called "Square".

The app is also available on the android platform (both phone and tablets). The reader is the same for both. And they do allow both swiping (via the reader) at a lower rate (2.75%) and keying in the numbers manually (with just the app) at a slightly higher rate (I think 3.25% but I don't use this one often).

It has been great for me. Especially with how infrequently I take CCs

[HotHolly]

CC companies also have different rates depending on your gross monthly and annual sales. Some have no swipe fees on debit card transactions and other perks if you have the actual terminal. Accepting cc's is part of the cost of doing business. Look around to see who has the best rates and what'll work best for you. If you are booking 20 weddings a month, and they all use credit, you'll find yourself needing something different if you only book 1 wedding every 6 weeks. Beware of contracts. Good luck!

[haring]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

CC companies also have different rates depending on your gross monthly and annual sales. Some have no swipe fees on debit card transactions and other perks if you have the actual terminal. Accepting cc's is part of the cost of doing business. Look around to see who has the best rates and what'll work best for you. If you are booking 20 weddings a month, and they all use credit, you'll find yourself needing something different if you only book 1 wedding every 6 weeks. Beware of contracts. Good luck!

I have sjut ordered the square reader. I will give them a try!

[d2creative]

For the occasional CC payment, Square FTMFW!

[Buddha]

This link might give you some ideas on what is out there and what to look for. There are also wireless credit card readers for sale on Ebay, and many which are free if you open an account. Take some time and look around before you decide. Remember though, you don't get something for nothing.

Credit Card Processing Review 2012 | Merchant Services - TopTenREVIEWS