Square Trade Credit Card Reader

[ed_accountant]

I just ordered the free Square Trade Credit card reader that works with your smart phone. No monthly fee with 2.75% transaction cost.

In the past, I have only accepted checks with the occasional paypal payment.

Is anyone else using this?

[Margaret CPA in OH]

I got this several months ago but didn't realize I needed a smart phone. At that time I had only a dumb phone but went to the dark side over Christmas with a great deal. And my minutes plan is grandmothered in so I could go back to 1000 minutes without data if I choose to do so.

Anyway, your message reminded me and I found it! No idea how to use it and don't know where the instructions are but can probably get that online. For some reason I decided it might be useful although no client has ever asked me about paying any other way than check.

It will be good to see if others use it.

[Kea]

I got it last summer to use with my iPod Touch (think smart phone without the phone). So far I've only just done some test runs. You do need to practice swiping to make sure you do it perfectly level. I haven't used it with any clients, yet.

[joanmcq]

I got it last year, and I love it. It works seamlessly and you have your money deposited right into your bank account within a day or two. You can email or text a reciept to your client. I actually giggle every time I use it.

[Bart]

I also got the Square. I had to download an app for my phone called "register". I have never used it so anyone who wants to help me test it should send me their credit card.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Oh, phone download! I guess I need to do that now. Time to get back to the website to review what I have and how to use it. At least I found the little thingy. Where does it connect to the phone?

Funny, send you my credit card. Right.

[Kea]

It plugs into the earphone jack.

[Eli]

Yup! Works awesome!! I love it! I just add the added fee to the clients who wish to pay with a debit card. No complaints yet.

Eli

[Kea]

I've debated about passing on the fee. It does cost me a bit extra to accept cards, but it also means I can get paid faster.

It seems like I heard that there were rules against adding credit card fees, but I know some businesses (i.e. gas stations) that charge more for credit cards.

[grmy2h]

I was told as long as the customer is advised up front of the fee it was legal, in Virginia.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Curses! I thought I had it all set up and tried my credit card. It kept saying to swipe faster but I think it is because it isn't all plastic. It's very heavy and doesn't work on a handful of other machines. Guess I'll have to find plastic somewhere.

[Catherine]

I have heard of significant problems with Square. Apparently it's OK for those with need for only the occasional credit card transaction, but here is the bottom-line deal-killer for me: Square has NO customer service telephone and a long history of NOT returning emails.

If _they_ think something is odd, and with NO warning to you, they will hold your money until they deem fit to release it -- and you have NO way to stop them, or to contact them with guaranteed response, or to get your funds released. There are tales of monies being held for months.

So beware -- if you have the occasional client trying to pay by card it should be fine. If folks are willing to go on-line, _you_ can have a PayPal account linked from your site where people can pay you even if they do not have a PayPal account. If lots of clients pay by card (or you want them to), Square might not be the best choice for you.

Catherine

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Thanks, Catherine, for again sharing your knowledge. I have had a Paypal account for several years but hardly ever use it. I just thought the Square thing was cute even though I couldn't use it. Now I can't use it either because it won't scan my card. Hmm, back to my nonused Paypal account and, of course, those checks that clients have been using for year. In fact, I have never even received cash. And no check has ever bounced. Of course, there were those #$$%^&& clients that refused to pay me. Good riddance though to bad clients.

[Kea]

Thanks for the "head's up." I've had a handful of clients ask about credit cards over the last few years, primarily when they realize they didn't bring their checkbook with them. I've always just asked them to mail a check after they get home. (I'm pretty understanding on this one since I never carry my checkbook with me, either.) I considered getting a PayPal account and Square seemed easier.

I considered putting a note in my New Year's cards letting my clients know that I now take credit cards. I decided against it and just have it as a backup for those who forget to bring their checkbooks.

We'll see if I end up having any regrets.

[Lion EA]

My "kids" who opened a bakery are using PayAnywhere on their iPad.

I got the Intuit version of the thingy that attaches to my iPhone (or iPad or any "smart" thing) for free. The jack that fits into the microphone hole fits only if my phone is not in its case (Margaret: might be your issue). No monthly fee as a ProAdvisor.

I have a PayPal link on the home page of my web site.

But, the method I use most often is to just type the info into QB. It's a bit more expensive not to swipe the card, but it happens when a client gives me their info over the telephone so I can mail their folder or someone else can pick up for them. Again, no monthly fee as a ProAdvisor. Even if a client is sitting here with their card in hand, it's faster to enter it in QB than to retrieve my iPhone from my purse in my bedroom and take off the case so I can swipe.

Most clients still write me checks, but I want to make it as easy as possible for clients to pay me by whatever method they prefer.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Thanks, Lion, for more details. The Square thingy fit comfortably into my phone and connected. I just kept getting the message that I had to swipe it quickly. Guess I may not be quick enough anyway! I may yet try to type in the info, an option that you noted was a tad bit more costly. It is 3.25% or so and 15 cents. I guess the investment to see if the thing works is worth it. Let's see, $3 transaction so 10 cents fee plus 15 cents - I think I can afford 25 cents. I'll try it later. Yes, options are good these days.

[Lion EA]

Oh, and I remembered one more thing. With mine, I have to turn the volume up all the way. I often have it down or mute or just on vibrate, so have to remember to turn the volume up all the way to use the attachment.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Volume? What does that have to do with swiping a credit card? I can't even imagine.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Okay, I found a plastic credit card and turned the volume all the way up. I keep getting the message that I have to swipe faster but I can't do it any faster. I have tried turning the stripe up and down, swiping left to right and right to left. Nothing works. So I typed it in and got to the signature screen. I have tried to sign with a plastic tipped letter opener as I don't have a stylus but it won't take it. I do have a screen protector on so hope that isn't a problem. Any ideas now? I finally just went to the main screen again. I will check to see what happens on the credit card and bank account.

Thanks for helping this dummie with a phone smarter than I am!

[Lion EA]

I don't understand the volume issue either! With mine, the signature is not a requirement for the transaction, just a gesture to make the client feel more in control. Keep us posted.

[Kea]

With most of the smart phones you need your finger or a special stylus (capasative?). I tried pencil erasers and Nintendo styli, but no go. I finally just got a 5 pack at Amazon or Buy.com for around a dollar. (Or, you can pay $15-20.)

No expert on the volume thing, but I guess it's related to going into the earphone jack?

[Bart]

When my only transaction called for a signature I just typed in the name and the deposit went thru.

[Eli]

Clients use their finger to sign on my iphone screen. No issues so far.

[Margaret CPA in OH]

Woo Hoo!!! It went through on my credit card account but I don't yet see it in my bank account. Maybe it will be processed overnight. I did order a 3 pack of styli from Amazon. We'll see the next chapter soon! I feel less dummie now.

[Kea]

Yeah!! Congrats! I'm sure I'll need to practice again before I have to use it in front of a client (and have them laugh at me for not getting it to go through).

It's been a few months but I think they do just total every transaction for the day and process the next day. But even when I tested my own card there was no actual monetary value. I used some kind of test mode. Why pay a fee for testing?