Can you reccomend your small vol credit card processing company? I am using paypal, but I really want to swipe cards and enter then over the phone.

I tried propay but their microswipe will not work with Vista OS.

Thanks for your help!

Julia

I got mine through Sam's Club....although I'm not sure if theirs was/ is the best option. My machine is a portable one so I can take it with me...and I like that feature, but I think it would have better to purchase it than do the monthly lease payments....b/c I'm paying ore to lease than to own. I think after all of the fees it is around 80/ month.

edited to add: It's for all major cards, gift cards, debit cards and checks. I use it for either phone authorization of swipe methods.

Your bank might have better rates....I'm not sure.

Paypal now has a new swipe option...have you checked into that? for the money IMHO Paypal is best for low volume. I've tried many of the others and I do own my own machine and it still always cost me way more than what I pay with Paypal, and with Paypal I get my money INSTANTLY! I have the Paypal debit card so I can use that money the second after I hit the submit payment button on their transaction! With the other types I had to wait a minimum of 24 hours and many times upto 72 hours due to banking hours. That isn't a problem with Paypal

Good info! I was thinking about the Sam's one.. but I'm not ready to commit. I just like to learn about everything! Thanks for sharing your experiences!

Quickbooks also has a merchant service you might want to look into if you use that program.

Check with the bank where you do your banking .... they can recommend a company they work with that is already tied to the bank where you have your account.

I have been to H** and back with Merchant Services. When I opened my shop I had a nice little company that didn't charge a monthly fee, I bought a used machine and it was great. Then along comes another MAJOR player in the credit card industry, was taken in the signed a 5 year lease and got pretty little gift cards that matched my business card. Let me tell you, NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. It was so bad and I had so many issues (that I documented with my bank via e-mail) that I got out of the contract and shipped them lock stock and barrel back. Never again.

Do your homework, don't lease a machine as if you add up what your lease payments are you will end up paying $3500.00 or more. I bought a used machine for $250.00 and it takes every card and even gift cards. Don't let them charge you a batch fee or a minimum fee. Don't sign any longer than a 90 day contract. Right now I am with a company by the name of Nationwide. The rep is right here in my city and if I have any problems, he is right there and takes care of it.

Sorry this is so long, but I got burnt once and wouldn't want to see anybody go throught what I did. It was 5 months of calling and a big PITA!

I did not know that PayPal has a swipe option. I will definately look into that.

I will ask the bank when I get my new account Monday.

And S'Belle, is what is a batch fee? I thought they charged a percentage of the charge, plus a fee like .35 per transaction. I love the 90 contract thing though. I had a friend that signed a contract, but had them sign an amendment that said if she chose to break they would not charge her fees.

Thanks so much for the advice. I will post when I find more info..

Thanks,
Julia

Every night your machine "batches" out the total number and dollar of transactions you had for that day. Some companies charge you for that service. Look for one that won't. Also, some companies won't do business with you if you don't have a certain dollar number of sales on credit cards so look for that also. And finally, don't let them charge you a fee if you don't run a certain $ amount of credit cards a month. Mine just gave me a $7. 87 fee for that and I called my rep and he took care of it. Good luck and do your homework before you sign anything.

Here is an article I found really informative for those reading along to learn...

http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/r-article-a-2018-m-1-sc-10-credit_card_processing_buyers_guide-i?aid=2018&mcid=1&scid=10&credit_card_processing_buyers_guide=i

Julia