I have been asked by an organization to do cupcakes for them. I have a small business out of my home and normally only take cash or check. They have asked to pay by credit card. Anyone know of a website that allows me the opportunity to accept credit cards? I've tried checking out paypal but I just don't understand it. Is that what most of you use?

If you have a smartphone or iPad, Square is a good option for accepting credit cards, but be aware that you will be paying an extra 2-3% in fees.

http://www.squareup.com

Personally I would just say that they would have to pay by cash or check.

The organization is certainly capable of getting you a cashier's check, if nothing else. If cash or check is your policy, stick with it.

You can use Paypal. It's super easy. You setup an account and you can invoice them through paypal. Then they pay you and it goes into your paypal acccount. You can either keep that money in paypal and use it when you buy things from dealers who accept paypal like Ebay or Etsy or you can have paypal cut you a check. They also charge a 3% fee but if this is not your regular business practice then it may be worth the occasional fee.

Naturally you will want to pass that fee on to the customers but there are some weird rules with this and I'm not sure what the "paypal" rules are but here is a link with some of the standard credit card company policies. FYI, you have to abide by the credit card policies if you accept that type of credit card.

http://www.merchantcouncil.org/merchant-account/operation/pass-fee-customer.php

I'm in Richmond too (I don't do cupcakes,I hate them, more work for you ). Most businesses here should be able to pay you by check, so if that's what you prefer you should tell them that's what you want them to do. I know a bunch of the startups downtown don't even use crdit cards or accept credit card payments, so I don't know why a business would insist on using a credit card...Maybe they're getting airline points back on their purchases, hahahaha!

www.squareup.com
As an artist, I use it a lot. Device attaches to your phone to swipe the card. No set up fee and no monthly fee.

i won't use paypal to accept payment. ever.

but i love my Square. (link above). It's awesome!

I've been using Paypal for years. Love it and haven't had a single problem. On my food truck I use Square and love it too!

I use "intuit" with my quickbooks program. If you were going to use credit cards often, I would recommend it, but it sounds like you are just needing it for the one transaction. I would go with the squared up thing, they will send the reader to you for free! Business may not want to go through Paypal, but it's safe so keep it as an option. You can also ask them if they can cut you a check after you invoice them.

I use Square when in person and the Paypal that accepts all credit cards without a Paypal account.

Paypal is my first choice because it is pro-customer and gives new customers assurance when they pay in advance. It is how I prefer to pay unknown companies.

Since 90% of my business is credit cards, I have the cost built into every sale.