Question About Accepting Credit Cards

[Steviegwood]

Hi Everyone, I know that this has been asked before but now I am really interested. I need to accept credit cards,debit and checks. I want to be sure that the cards are good so any suggestions or info that you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Steve

[Janette]

There are lots of different types of machines out there. If you want to be absolutely sure at the time of purchase you 'll need to get one that can call in authorization right away on the spot - likely via satelitte or cell phone. (make sure you check service area for cell phone types ahead of time. Both of these can be pricey however. I do a store and forward type - where I can swipe the card. It prints a receipt and when you get home or back to the hotel, you upload the transactions and get approval then. If I have a major purchase, I have the option of calling an 800 # and for .75 get an auth then and there. Most craft show people use this or what we fondly refer to as a knuckle buster where you manually imprint the card, get the person's info and punch in the info when you get home. I or anyone I know has rarely ever had a card come back declined. I always get a phone number from them just in case there's a problem - sometimes they may have reached their daily limit if it's a debit card. I can give you info of people I use if you're interested - send me a PM. Thing I like about them is they don't require any term contract like most do- they believe in earning your business...what a concept!

[3_M]

Steve,
Go to your bank and tell them what you are looking for. I am with Element payment service. Give them a call 866-435-3636.
Mike.