Merchant accounts

[Jan Ward]

Was wondering if any of you would share who you use to process credit cards at events? I've been researching companies online & there are so many. I'd love to hear from some of you to help me make a decision. I'd like to either be able to just call in the cards or have a free wireless device for swiping cards.

Thanks for any help!
Jan :)

Sweet Whimsy~Where a little whimsy is in all our designs!
www.oursweetwhimsy.com

[RhondaK]

This is interesting. I'm trying to figure it out. I use Paypal and have used billing people after the event via their email. They are a bit behind the curve as you should be able to use an iphone or web enabled phone to use Paypal.

I'm working on it. I've found the iPhone doesn't like too much heat though...and last show a pirate wireless local group wouldn't let me out without paying them..which I declined to do. I have work out some kinds.

But I believe that's going to be the future of it. I looked online and only found how I could get in a lot of trouble signing up with the wrong people.

[Paula]

I have an IPhone too! I keep it in a case in my pocket during shows and have add no problems. Love it! Call Merchant1 and see what they say. Tell them I referred you and I get some cash....thank you so much hahaha!

[Paula]

I now use merchant1. I was using merchantconnect from Regions Bank (my bank), but they charged me alot up front and then changed companies and wanted to charge me $150! When I wanted to cancel account they said: Sorry, that'll be $295! Geesh! What a racket! They'll be talking to my attorney if they want money from me! So, I surfed around and found Merchant1. $5 a month (2.0something per trans) and you do it all on the phone! so easy! 0 dollars upfront. If you need a manual machine and slips go to ebay, I got machine for .99! Make sure you talk to Kevin and tell him you heard it from me. I get a referral fee....

[Sandi Beekman]

Hi,
I use Total Merchants and I have been very satisfied. I have a wireless 8000. My reps name is Darla she lies in Dunedin, & her # is 727-410-4833. Their # is: 888-848-6825. Give Darla a call she is real nice and very easy to work with. let me know what you think.

Sandi

[Bob]

I use Pro Pay no monthley fees (savings of $20 to $30 a month) No statement charges($5 to $10 a month) machine leasing charge ($40 to $55 a month charge) I can take master card , Visa, american express ect ect 3.25% on total plus $0.35 per transaction, if your adverage monthly CREDIT CARD sales are $500.00 at .0325% = $16.25 and their was 10 sales @.35 = $3.50 your total monthly charge is $19.75 now if you had a machine fee of $55.00 and you are in a lease for 48 months every month your cost is a loss of$55.00 monthly maching lease +$sales monthly charge fees % +charge cost + monthly statement fees if any . you could be $75.00 +/- every month. With proPay 3.25% per sale + $ .35 and if you don't do any thing in a month $0.00 is your charge....LOOK AT THE HIDDEN CHARGES AND FEES>NOT THE 2% fee per transaction

[Sandi Beekman]

With Total Merchants the percentage is only 1.67 and my monthly bill averages $55.00 and that includes my wireless machine. You don't have to buy the machine and I paid less than a $100.00 to get started. My money is deposited in my account within 2 days. I think they have a pretty good deal. You know immediately if their acct is good.

[Stacie's Gifts]

Dear Jane,

I use Intuit Merchant Service. I started out using there free version of Quickbooks called "Simple Start 2008". I believe there is a 2009 version that is also free. From there, you can select the option to accept credit cards. With their service you can call in the card number, or key it into Simple Start (or any version of quickbooks) on your computer. Intuit also has machines you can purchase from them starting at $99. The machine is optional. No leasing. The approval process takes 24 hours. If you want to accept AMEX, it is a separate approval process that take 48 hours. Their plans start at 17.95/month plus per transaction fees. There is no contract or other upfront fees.

Don't have any info on free wireless device, but I hope this helps you!

[Dave]

If you have a good relationship with a bank, talk to them first. I made the mistake of not doing that and going with an outside (non-bank) company. They charged me for just about everything, and two months later I still didn't have everything I needed. I knew my banks listed fees were a lot higher than the other company, but I didn't know until I talked to them that they could waive most of those fees. Basically, I paid 1/2 the setup fee, no monthly charges, and only a small percentage for the transaction.

I do not have an internet connection to them, but if I did have that type of account, the fee was pretty low. It would allow me to enter all my charges online, and also take charges automatically for website orders. Someday I'll be there! My bank is BB & T, and I know several other artists who have had good results with them.

[Lois Kay Jacobs]

I use Innovative Merchant Solutions (Intuit). I went with them initially because they work with my online shop through Go Daddy. I recently purchased a Bluetooth-enabled swiper/printer (~ $220 from Intuit) so I can process cards onsite using my Blackberry. Works like a charm!

[Lois Kay Jacobs]

ps. I can get a $100 referral if you let them know I gave the recommendation.

[Paula]

don't use merchantone or regions bank merchant account! hidden fees, learned hard way! still researching. want to use app for my phone from merchant warehouse - very convenient. look at quickbooks merchant acct. too much $ for me but may be good company. Patriot Bank (most branches in NPR one in Palm Harbor) seems like a good one. You just have to get ALL FEES DISCLOSED UPFRONT so there are no surprises.

[Kimberly Switzer]

When you sign up for these accounts, do they base it on your personal credit history?