accepting credit cards or not??

[Emzzy]

I see between 10-16 clients a week.  Every week can be different.  At the present time, I do not take credit cards.  Is it really worth it for such a small business?    I really did not want to go there unless I was seeing more clients, but I do not intend to do more than 16 a week.  That is my absolute max.  Is it okay not to take credit cards?  Any suggestions??

 

[Sidepocket8ball]

Accepting credit cards is nice because alot of time it can inspire your clients to do prepays and gift certificates. alot of people dont carrie around much cash or dont have much in their bank account. this way they can get what they want now and pay for it later.  my merchant is https://www.e-onlinedata.com/ashworth. they are good because everything is online, but you can still have a swiper.

 

[Paul F]

accepting credit cards or not??

I see between 10-16 clients a week.  Every week can be different.  At the present time, I do not take credit cards.  Is it really worth it for such a small business?    I really did not want to go there unless I was seeing more clients, but I do not intend to do more than 16 a week.  That is my absolute max.  Is it okay not to take credit cards?  Any suggestions??

I personally think it is absolutely worth it.  You may loose a little in the transaction, but I can't tell you how many of our clients are thankful we take CC's.

 

[Coolyash]

One thing to ask yourself, is how often do YOU use your credit/debit (check) card?If you enjoy the convenience of using plastic, then consider that when you think about whether or not you wish to extend the same convenience to your clientelle.    You do loose a bit of $$$ to fees, and it does pay to do your homework to find low rates and low monthly fees (my montly fee is $5.00 w/no annual fee + a small % per transaction).  The other nice 'perk' about credit card payments is that I have a constant trickle of $$$ deposited to my checking acct all the time & it's not such an issue if I don't make it to the bank one week.

 

[Jenna Bee]

Thank you for you replys.  I will take this into serious consideration.  My big fear is that most of my clients buy packages.  I charge $60 for an hour massage and when they buy a package (Pay for 4 get the 5th free) it actually brings each massage to $48.  Now, if I take credit cards they are going to take some of it.  The thought of making even less is not very desirable.  What are your suggestions??

 

[RainChimp]

accepting credit cards or not??

There have been many discussions about whether or not to accept credit cards. I agree with Berkana, how often do you use plastic? I know that I very rarely carry cash on me. I only usually carry a couple of dollars.Propay has been mentioned before, I use it as an example as there are no monthly fees and a great way to test the waters. It is mostly online (you can get a premium account and do phone transactions), but you can still use a knuckle buster and process them when you get home. Use something like Propay to start, just to test the waters for a year. It costs $35 (you can find a knuckle buster on eBay for around $30 with slips). Transactions are 3.5% + 35 Cents. You can get a basic account no matter what your credit is like, and they don't require a deposit. You are limited to $250/transaction and $1000 a month with the basic service. But if you are testing the waters, a great way to not commit yourself to a huge outlay of money and a contract. (at this time I don't know of any other companies that offer this type of service)For your package it is going to cost $8.75 in credit card fees or an additional $2.19 from the massage. I know this may see like a large chunk, but you need to weigh the pros and cons. How many people may upgrade to the package? How many more gift certificates could you sell? Gifts are usually charged to a credit card, even if they are gift certificates. In the end it is really up to you. If you are happy with the money flow right now, I wouldn't worry about it so much. Hope this helps

 

[Althaea]

Pete, most of my clients are regulars and they know I do not take credit cards and not one of them has ever requested that I even consider it.  However, lately I have been working on a lot of new clients and they automatically pull out the debit card.  I often forget to tell new clients of my payment options.  I really haven't felt a need to do this up until recently.  But, I am still not convinced it's absolutely necessary.

 

[drhnk07]

Berkana, what company do you use?  Are you happy with them and how long have you used them?I've been doing some research and it's hard to know which one is the one to go with.  I would want to "ease into" the process, so the less complicated, the better.I have been wanting to take credit cards and I'm going to take the step soon.  My clients, I know, would appreciate it, and I think my sales would increase once the word got out.  It is the way to go these days, but the "traditional folk", like me, are slow to change.Now, my next step is a website !!!!!!!!!!!!  

 

[Campbell]

I went through this same decision myself just a couple of months ago.  I decided to accept them and I'm so glad that I did.  I don't have to worry about explaining to people anymore and everyone is very thankful that I take them.  Also, people have purchased gift cards when they weren't planning on doing so.  It does make an extra sale every now and then!As far as rates go, I'd say the most important thing to look at is 1. Is there a monthly minimum?2. What is the monthly statement fee?3. What kind of equipment do you need to have?I went with bancard.  The guy who helped me was awesome.  He knew I had a very small business and wasn't looking to spend much money.  He told me where I could get a $50 piece if equipment that would work just fine for what I needed.  A lot of people get caught up in the rates.  That shouldn't be your big concern.  Most are somewhere between 1.69% and 2%.  That is hardly a difference.  It's the monthly minimum (find a company that doesn't have one), and the statement fee that make a difference.  They also charge a small fee per transaction.  Typically this is somewhere between 20-25 cents.  Make sure that you work with someone who is willing to help you and make sure that your stuff is programmed correctly.  This is how your rates go up.  Whatever you do, don't get caught up in the leasing of the equipment.  This is where they make their money.  It costs you thousands for something to buy outright at less then $500.  But like I said, you can get a piece of equipment for $50 if you talk to the right guy.  Good luck.

 

[Peyton]

Along the same lines I know that I dead or saw somewhere online a company that did the cc payments over the phone and the funds were direct deposited into your account minus a small but resonable transaction fee.  What is everyones thoughts on this? and if you have had experinece with this type of company what  was it like?

 

[TheMadHatter[Alice]TM]

accepting credit cards or not??

 But, I am still not convinced it's absolutely necessary.

Sandy,

If you are happy with what you have going, and don't need to fill in a lot of holes, I would suggest it is not "absolutely necessary".

However, if you are trying to tap into a new market or "build", then CC's may be something to consider.

If you want to just make it "easier" on your clients, then I think it is a wonderful help when people really want a massage, but cash may be low.

I personally like as little extra headaches as possible.  If you are doing fine just like you are and none of the three items I mentioned above ring any bells for you, then I would be inclined to suggest don't add CC's into the mix at this time.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Those of you who do accept credit cards - which is simpler, using swipe machines, or just using your telephone (or cell phone), and what are the advaneforum.xxxes/disadvaneforum.xxxes of each? I did a google search and there are sooooooo many companies out there to look at, and they all sound like the best one!  Hard to tell so I'm looking here for the benefits of your experience.  

 

[castaspella0183]

Healer611 - I just recently switched card processors and am with bancard processing systems - sales office # is 714-546-3830.  So far am happy with the service - money is deposited into account quickly and accurately.My rates are very resonable & my monthly statement fee is only $5.00.   I would echo the person who said to stay away from leasing equipment (wicked rip-off!) and purchase equip. outright.Hope this helps,heather

 

[zxcvbnm]

Thanks, Heather.  I'll give them a call when I get a chance.  Are you able to accept Discover and Amex, and what about debit cards?  

 

[Aimee]

You can accept Visa/MC AX & Discover.   Talk with the rep when you call... Debit cards too - but you just need to buy the right equipment to have people type in their PIN # (most bank debit cards also have a mastercard/visa logo, which means they can swipe like a credit card)BTW this processor can also verify & guarentee handwritten checks & you can also buy plastic 'gift cards' that you can use in lieu of handwritten gift certificates (the gift cards are a bit pricey for my biz set up).

 

[~*~honey~*~]

accepting credit cards or not??

ABMP Members like me get a really good deal by accepting credit cards through Cell Charge.  

http://www.abmp.com
(go to the member benefits area and click on the link about credit card processing).