Those of you who sell at fairs/festivals...

[Catlyn]

have you seen this? You may know about it already, but if you don't it looks like it would be the ideal thing for those of you who do booths at fairs and need an easy way of doing credit cards.
Scroll down to where it says "I take plastic".
If I start selling, I will be looking into this.

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[Forester21]

There is a thread here on the "square". Your post reminds me that I need to sign up for an account!
T

[jowshu98]

Works great. I've used it all summer and it has significantly helped sales in a couple of ways. First, you take cards, great I'll get it after all. Second, add on sales, i.e. Oh you take cards, in that case I'll take one of these along with this. Have not had any issues receiving payments and they recently eliminated the hold back of money over $1000.

[Jim Finn]

I have just started taking plastic payments this summer and it has increased sales by 50% - 100%. I have a regular credit card machine not connected to my phone. It is wireless and the cost per month is less than a smartphone is. What I like about it is: I have a PAPER with a signiture on it and the customer gets a printed PAPER receipt.

[wood-n-things]

Jim which system did you settle on?

[Jim Finn]

Wood-n-things: I just went to my bank and they set me up with the equipment and account and showed me how to work it. The equipment is the same thing you see used in many small restuarants... only mine is wireless. (VariFone is the brand name) Cost me $625 for equipment and $25 a month plus 2% of sales. Plus 22 cents per transaction.

[wood-n-things]

Thanks for the feedback Jim.

[sdguy]

The Square gizmo is free. No monthly fee. Something like 2.75% per transaction.

I've been using it for about six months and LOVE it.

[Paladin]

Just got my square last month. Hope to be using it alot at my next show in November.

[will8989]

I was thinking about using Square but... I've been to 3 different shows where they couldn't get satellite coverage for a brief time. Hubby is not so sure about it and thinks I should keep my store & forward but I would like to try it. Maybe I can have both for awhile to see how Square works? Hmmm, now there's a thought. And yes, your sales will increase.

[Forester21]

Betty - I was going to suggest you getting it and trying it out. I just went on and signed up. Can't believe how easy it was. And a little "wowed" at the questions they asked to verify I am who I say I am. I think my whole life must be on the internet!
T

[wood-n-things]

Too bad it (square) takes such an expensive phone to use it. With expensive plans.

[clayton717]

From what I understand this(square) can be used with the Ipod touch or the Ipad, which aren't phones and don't cost nothing to use besides the price to purchase them. Is this correct? if so I'll have to check into it I already have and Ipod touch

[GladeFade]

There are 2 different card readers for smart phones.
One is Squareup, it's free along with the apps required. Their only charge is 2.75% of the sale.
The other one is "Go" by Intuit. It's also free along with the apps. Their charge is 2.5% of the sale.
I would look at both before deciding.

Bill

[LBlake]

I've got Square, too - SO easy. Perfect, especially, for those of us who just do the occasional show, and not regular monthly business. None of the customers I had balked at all at the fact that I couldn't print out a credit card receipt, and every one of them was happy to get an e-mailed receipt. I also offered a paper receipt (hand-written out of my little receipt book) in case they wanted one to take with them.